NZ Tax Refunds recent software upgrade guarantees security for customers, as well as revolutionising the time it takes to receive notification concerning a tax refund.

The government has finalised its plans for rural telecommunications with Cabinet yesterday signing off on proposals for the roll out of high speed broadband in rural areas and the reform of the Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO).

(Rpts, clarifies first par to reflect that under the TSO the penalty could be Telecom receiving less from the Government rather than a fine)

An investigation has been launched into the failure of some emergency 111 calls in Auckland this morning by Telecom.

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Steven Joyce, says ensuring 111 calls made from mobile telephone networks get through is vital.

Two members of the Commerce Commission have done an about-face, after repeated voluntary undertakings from the big telcos - while another, Anita Mazzoleni, has sided with consumers, the Drop the Rate, Mate! campaign said today.

The Commerce Commission today delivered its final report on mobile termination access services to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

MAp today notes that Brussels Airport has appointed Mr Arnaud Feist as Chief Executive Officer.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Steven Joyce today announced a ten-day feedback process on Telecom's request for a variation of the company's Operational Separation Undertakings.

The Commerce Commission has been informed by Telecom that they will be providing revised undertakings in relation to the Commission's investigation into mobile termination rates.