Yesterday, on the other side of the world, Terminate the Rate launched as Drop the Rate, Mate in a bid to bring an end to high mobile calling costs in New Zealand.

The launch, in one of the least competitive telecoms markets in the developed world, saw brand new entrant (they started serving customers last week!) 2 Degrees and a range of business, consumer and member groups begin a campaign to get the New Zealand Commerce Commission to lower mobile termination rates.

Put simply, when it comes to termination rates, the campaign wants the government to “give Kiwis a fair go”.

The campaign, closely modelled on the UK’s Terminate the Rate campaign, is direct, colourful and makes it clear that Kiwis are being ripped off.

Here’s what Drop the Rate, Mate has to say:

“The campaign is owned by the thousands of New Zealanders who are sick and tired of being bullied by their mobile phone providers, and sick and tired of paying some of the highest mobile phone calling prices in the world.

The Commerce Commission agrees with us. In its draft report it will likely advise the Government that rules must be changed to bring the termination rates down. In December, the Government will then say YES or NO.

Let’s show the Government that New Zealand supports the Commerce Commission. Let’s show them that New Zealand supports a fair decision, one that’s best for Kiwis.

Join us. Tell the Government: Drop the Rate, Mate!”

We’ll be watching the Kiwi campaign closely. It could get high mobile charges sorted ahead of the UK. Especially if the early momentum continues, which you can see for yourself at TVNZ, the New Zealand Herald and 3 News where you can also watch a report.