NZ orders Telecom split

The New Zealand government on Wednesday ordered the country's dominant phone company Telecom to split into three units in a bid to level the playing field in the telecommunications industry.
Telecom, long accused of using its dominant position to stifle competition, will have to break up into wholesale, retail and network operations.
It will have to give competitors access to its network at the same price it will charge its own retail arm. The government said the split should be completed by March 2008.
"It will underpin increased competition and efficient investment for the long-term benefit of all New Zealanders," Communications Minister David Cunliffe said.