One NZ has admitted to breaches of the Code related to information disclosure. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Telecommunications provider One NZ has been penalised $1.1 million for breaching its 111 emergency obligations.
The High Court decision comes after legal action against One NZ by the Commerce Commission last year, for not meeting its responsibilities over informing vulnerable customers.
One NZ admitted to 10 breaches of the 111 Contact Code, which requires providers to give vulnerable customers a no-cost way of making emergency calls in a power cut.
"Telecommunications services provide a vital lifeline in the event of emergencies like natural disasters and power failures," Telecommunications commissioner Tristan Gilbertson said.
One NZ admitted to the breaches that occurred between 2021 and 2023, and would contribute $100,000 towards the Commission's costs.
"We want to be clear this was not a failure of the 111 service or an issue preventing customers contacting 111 from our network in an emergency," One NZ said in a statement.
"The breaches never impacted our network or customers' ability to reach emergency services," it said.
One NZ said "no customers were harmed as a result of these breaches".
Gilbertson said the Commission was encouraged to see One NZ take corrective actions.
"It's critical that telecommunications providers comply with the Code which ensures that vulnerable consumers can still call for help during a power cut," he said.
