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ACCC Looks To Superfast Broadband Access Service

ACCC Looks To Superfast Broadband Access ServiceIn releasing its draft decision today, the ACCC noted that currently, while some superfast broadband services are already declared, others are subject to carrier licence conditions, others to ministerial exemptions with conditions and others not regulated at all.

“Declaring an SBAS will go some way to simplifying and clarifying the regulations that apply in this area, and give access seekers certainty about gaining wholesale access to services on these networks,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims stated.

The ACCC has proposed that telecommunications providers be allowed access to services with a downstream data rate normally more than 25 Mbps on all fixed line networks.

However, under the proposed declaration, where the network operator is already facing competition from alternative fixed network providers, access will not be required.

“The ACCC considers declaration of an SBAS will promote the long-term interests of end-users because it is likely to promote competition between telecommunications providers supplying services to end-users,”  Sims added.

The declaration will not apply to services supplied by NBN Co or on HFC networks that will be transferred to NBN Co, and services regulated under the ACCC’s Local Bitstream Access Service declaration.

It would apply to services including Telstra’s FTTP (fibre-to-the-premises) networks in South Brisbane and Velocity estates, iiNet’s VDSL network in the ACT and HFC networks in regional Victoria, TPG’s FTTB (fibre-to-the-basement) networks and Spirit Telecom’s FTTB networks.

The ACCC is inviting submissions on the decision, with further information available here. The closing date for submissions is December 4.