After nine months’ alcohol-related medical leave, the Commerce Commission’s telecommunications commissioner, Ross Patterson, is ready to return to his desk, where an unprecedented number of investigations await - but his path seems blocked.

On leave since September 19 last year, Dr Patterson (pictured) has now passed an independent medical test, NBR understands.

Speaking at the 10th annual Telecommunications and ICT conference (TelCon10) in Auckland, TelstraClear chief executive Allan Freeth said his company would consider bidding for business in one or of the government’s proposed 25 local fibre companies - should the regional model go ahead.

But Dr Freeth devoted most of his speech to a series of broadsides against Crown fibre.