Mark Ratcliffe is temporarily standing down from his role as chief executive of Telecom's networking division, Chorus, to work full-time leading a team focused on ensuring Telecom's participation in the government's $1.5 billion ultra-fast Broadband (UFB)
Mark Ratcliffe is temporarily standing down from his role as chief executive of Telecom's networking division, Chorus, to work full-time leading a team focused on ensuring Telecom’s participation in the government's $1.5 billion ultra-fast Broadband (UFB) process.
The move shows Telecom is committed to taking part in the giant public-private fibre roll-out, but how is still anyone's guess.
With all deliberations behind closed doors - including those about a Telecom "non-compliant" tender believed to be a bid to cover the whole country - speculation has ranged from Chorus winning the Crown contract as a Telecom division, to Chorus being sold, or partially re-nationalised.
Everybody making moves this week
Telecom's move comes in the immediate wake of two other contenders making plays to show they're serious.
On Monday, Canada's AxiaNetMedia - also making a nationwide bid - revealed Vodafone was its mystery partner.
And yesterday, the Regional Fibre Group appointed a full-time chief executive to marshal its members' various bids around the country, including Vector's tilt at Auckland, and Citylink's for Wellington.
"[Mr Ratcliffe's new role] shows the massive stakes of the game they are playing. Mark has a very comprehensive view of the environment and will be well-placed to manage a company-wide strategic response," Telecommunications Users Association boss Ernie Newman told NBR today.
"But they'll need to move fast."
Crown Fibre Holdings is due to select its shortlist of private partners by the end of June.
IDC market analyst Rosalie Nelson added, "If ever there was a signal that Telecom is very very seriously contending for the UFB bid, this is it.
"I have a lot of respect and time for Mark: he is an exceptionally smart and capable leader and chief executive."
A number seconded
“A number of our people from across the Telecom group have been seconded in recent months to work through all aspects of the UFB project, and the size and scope of this team requires the very senior leadership and acumen that Mark Ratcliffe can bring to it,” said Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds said in a statement.
“Mark’s appointment fits with the spirit of our Undertakings on operational separation, and demonstrates the seriousness with which Telecom is supporting the New Zealand government’s UFB vision.
“As UFB has pan-Telecom implications, it is appropriate that Mark now separates himself from the day-to-day responsibilities of leading Chorus,” Dr Reynolds said.
Acting boss
Chorus chief financial officer Brian Hall will now take up the chief role at Chorus, in an acting capacity.
Telecom shares (NZX: TEL) were flat at $2.10 in midday trading.
