ACCC begins inquiry into competitor access to Telstra’s copper network

Competition watchdog the ACCC has begun the consultation process into the non-price terms and conditions for competing carriers gaining access to Telstra’s copper network.

In a series of three inquiries, the organisation is holding inquiries into making rules, known as “final access determinations” (FADs), covering wholesale ADSL services, domestic fixed lines services and services terminating on mobile devices.

These rules will set out the terms that will apply when competing carriers cannot negotiate an access deal with Telstra on commercial terms.

As part of the process, the ACCC has issued a separate position paper for each inquiry.

Given the complexity of issues involved, the agency has decided to examine the issues of setting prices through a separate series of inquiries and discussion papers it is set to release shortly.

In a statement, ACCC Commissioner Cristina Cifuentes points out the process is important to customers.

“The regulated services are used by telecommunications companies to provide retail voice and broadband services to many Australians,” Cifuentes says.

“In addition to paying reasonable access prices, it is important that access seekers can get efficient and timely access to the regulated services, as this will promote competition and benefit consumers.”

The position papers are available from the ACCC website, with submissions open until July 15.