ACCC announces inquiries on telco backhaul regulation

Should the ACCC determine that the DTCS should continue to be regulated, an inquiry will be established in 2014

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will review whether current backhaul regulations are adequate.

The declaration inquiries relate to six fixed line services and domestic transmission capacity service (DTCS), with the ACCC looking into whether DTCS should continue to be regulated.

Transmission services are used by wholesalers like Optus and Vodafone to carry data for phones, Internet and video traffic across long distances around Australia.

The six declared fixed line services allow other telcos to use Telstra's copper network to provide phone and Internet services to retailers and include:

• the unconditioned local loop service
• the line sharing service
• the public switched telephone network originating access
• the public switched telephone network terminating access
• the local carriage service
• the wholesale line rental servic
e

“Since the last time we declared these services in 2009, there have been important changes in the Australian telecommunications industry,” Joe Dimasi, ACCC commissioner, said in a statement.

“The reviews will assist the ACCC in determining whether the DTCS and the fixed line services should remain regulated to ensure the long-term interests of end-users are met.”

The ACCC has invited submissions on regulation of the DTCS, whether the NBN is having any impact on it and other issues related to accessing facilities.

Should the ACCC determine that the DTCS should continue to be regulated, an inquiry will be established in 2014 looking at prices and terms and conditions.

Submissions for the DTCS inquiry close 30 August and 23 August for the fixed line services inquiry.

Follow Stephanie McDonald on Twitter: @stephmcdonald0

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags telecommunications servicesbackhaulAustralian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

More about Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionAustralian Competition and Consumer CommissionOptusTelstra CorporationVodafone

Show Comments
[]