Chorus will raise its prices for digital television by as much as 29 per cent following a decision by the telecoms regulator yesterday. Ms Etain Doyle approved the price increases but also set conditions, including deadlines for network restoration work and digitalisation in its franchise areas. The company has also agreed to give up its in-platform exclusivity in its franchise areas from March 2002. NTL agreed the same condition when its price hike was sanctioned last month.

Ms Doyle also said Chorus should devise and implement measures to provide good service in response to a high level of complaints from customers.