ACCAN has made a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Fixed Services Review (FSR) 2013. The review asked whether access should continue to be 'declared' to Telstra's copper wire services. 'Declaring' a service allows competitors to Telstra, like iiNet, to access the Telstra copper network at the wholesale level and sell those services at retail.

The declaration covers a range of services like access to fixed local and international calls and internet. The aim of the declaration is to limit Telstra from operating a monopoly over telecommunications services by promoting competition at the retail level. It is hoped the declaration will lead to better quality and prices for consumers.

Summary:

ACCAN made the following key recommendations:

  • Each of the Fixed Services should be re-declared

  • The ACCC should investigate the way providers bundle strategic assets such as IPTV services with their telecommunications products

  • The ACCC to consider whether a declaration of Telstra Exchange Building Access (TEBA) or some other associated facilities access service could compel Telstra to take positive steps to ensure a wholesale customer is able to access space in an exchange.

Download: docxACCAN Fixed services review submission810.3 KB

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