New Zealand is evolving and needs to continue to evolve. This is the single constant factor in history.
Key to New Zealand’s evolution is addressing our basic goals of being a strong economy, a leader in innovation and of building a country we can be proud of and can pass on to the next generation.
In our communities this means access to quality, affordable healthcare and education, safety and security, economic opportunities, jobs and solutions to the serious challenges of our time such as global climate change.
The Telecommunications industry is a critical component and leader in addressing all of these efforts.
Our industry is the largest private investor in NZ - it employs over 60,000 people and has a significant impact on New Zealand’s GDP.
But, more than that, it is the enabler to most of the productivity gains of the last 20 years in our society.
The TIG contends that nothing has contributed more to increased productivity than mobility, starting with mobility of voice in the 90’sand now in the first decade of the 20th century mobility of data and applications – this wave is still nascent and is growing at over 100% per annum.
Our members have invested over 12 billion NZ$ in infrastructure in the past decade and 2.5 billion NZ$ in the current fiscal year.
This fast pace of change and significant investment profile are defining characteristics of our industry, it is certainly not for the faint hearted nor those who like straightforward business models – our supply and demand lines are constantly changing. Competition is fierce - complex and evolving. With over 60 Internet Service Providers, 9 companies retailing Mobile Services, over 20 Infrastructure providers and scores of wholesalers, our industry coined the term co-opetition.
This investment and the fundamental nature of Telecommunications in fuelling productivity, addressing social needs, enabling significant improvements in healthcare and lifestyle only requires 2.2% of an average household budget.
The Telecommunications industry plays the founding role in creating this new information economy. Leadership in Telecommunications and a successful growing market for private investment in Telecommunications is fundamental to the success of New Zealand both now and in the future.
The TIG was formed in May 2009 to provide a single voice for the Telecommunications Industry and to increase the contribution of Telecommunications to New Zealand Society and Economy.