Communications and IT minister Steven Joyce has approved a variation to Telecom’s separation undertakings to the government. The new timetable will see a six-month delay in some unbundled local loop and backhaul services but, the MED says, better service for Telecom’s wholesale customers and a faster road to full competition overall.

Orcon boss Scott Bartlett says Telecom Chorus’ roadside fibre cabinets offer scorching performance, and he wants his ISP’s gear in all of them - but can’t afford to at rates currently proposed by the Commerce Commission.

The ComCom has made positive noises in return (keep reading).

Mr Bartlett says he is completely sold on the technical need for neighbourhood cabinets, which bring fibre closer from a phone exchange to a closer to a customer’s door.