The Telecommunications Users Association lays off all its staff, citing a touch events market and competition from its sometimes rival InternetNZ.

Stephen Fry's call to arms captures the attention of a telco industry conference.

The fine print is not so promising for business and residential internet customers as the 50% Telecom-owned cable operator lowers its pricing by 44%. Tuanz wonders if the cut is aimed in part at protecting Southern Cross' monopoly as NZ's only broadband connection to the outside world.

Lobby group warns of a possible domino effect with Vodafone, “Telecom proper,” and 2degrees locking in customers. But a high profile analyst defends the right to lock.

UPDATED with TelstraClear and Vodafone responses.