The ACCC Is Looking For Feedback On Proposed NBN Changes

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is asking for submissions regarding NBN’s proposed variation to its “Special Access Undertaking” (SAU), lodged on 27 May, which is a part of the regulatory framework for governing prices and other terms for the NBN supply to retailers until 2040.

The main proposed changes are to incorporate fibre-to-the-node (FTTN), fibre-to-the-basement (FTTB) and hybrid fibre coaxial technologies (HFC) into the undertaking, but it also includes changes to reporting.

NBN wants to expand the service description to reflect the additional technologies, add new clauses to address specific matters relating to FTTN and FTTB services during the NBN rollout,
and change the nature and extent of commitments to report rollout progress information.

“The ACCC is especially interested in receiving feedback on industry’s experience in accessing and re-supplying NBN services to date,” ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston said.

“Changes to the Special Access Undertaking are needed to accommodate services under the multi-technology NBN model. We want to be sure the commitments in the undertaking continue to promote competition in NBN markets and remain in the long-term interests of consumers.”

The ACCC must decide whether to accept or reject the variation to the SAU in accordance with the criteria set out in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The ACCC says stakeholder comments will be important when considering whether the proposed variations to the undertaking meet the legislative requirements.

The closing date for submissions on NBN proposed variation is 26 August 2016.

The ACCC consultation paper, NBN proposed variation to its Special Access Undertaking, and related documentation are available on the ACCC website.


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