Telecom NZ proposes 2c/min Modem Tax

Alastair Johnson writes "Telecom New Zealand is proposing a 2c/min "modem tax" for all residential customers. NZ traditionally has free residential local calling (part of government requirements from Telecom). Telecom is hoping to get around this by getting all ISPs to get an 0867 number for which their clients can dial without the 2c/min tax, but the 0867 numbers get less priority on the exchanges. Check out the anti-0867 petition at Digital Edge. " The information page essentially says that Telecom will (post-August) allow the first 10 hours per month to be free, but a 2 cent/minute charge to all residential numbers calling 0867. Update: 06/13 10:17 by H : Mea Culpa-I misread, and misunderstood. Click below for a clarification from Gromit: Actually, what is says is that ISPs (*other* than Telecom) will have to offer 0867 numbers which will be free to call by residential users, but anyone dialling NON-0867 (i.e. local) ISP numbers will be charged 2c/min after 10 hours. In other words, a residential number dialling a local number will get a 2c/min charge (incidentally this goes against the deal the govt has with Telecom.)