The ACCC is commencing an inquiry to seek views on the future of the existing declarations of six fixed-line services on Telstra’s copper network post 31 July 2019 when they are set to expire.
Six of the telecommunications services offered as part of Telstra’s copper network are currently ‘declared’ services under section 152AL of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA).
Declaration allows access seekers to acquire the services on certain terms and conditions, including a maximum price.
The six declared services are the unconditioned local loop service (ULLS), line sharing service (LSS), wholesale line rental (WLR), local carriage service (LCS) and fixed originating and terminating access services (FOAS and FTAS).
"The copper network remains relevant to a large number of people during the transition period to the National Broadband Network. The ACCC will consider whether continued declaration is warranted in the long-term interests of consumers." ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.
"Given the number of services in operation on Telstra’s copper network are rapidly declining as more consumers and businesses transition to NBN services, the ACCC is seeking to take a streamlined approach to the declaration inquiry."
The ACCC is today releasing a consultation and position paper for comment. After considering submissions, the ACCC will then consider whether any further consultation is appropriate or whether to proceed to a final declaration decision.
The consultation and position paper can be found on the inquiry page, along with details on how to make a submission.
For stakeholders wishing to respond without making a formal submission, you can do so via the ACCC consultation hub.
Submissions and responses are sought by Friday, 12 October 2018.
If a decision is made that the declaration of any of the services should continue, the ACCC would then undertake a separate access determination inquiry that would consider the access terms and pricing that would apply to the declared services.
