Some of Telstra’s networks are exempt from Parts 7 and 8 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. You can read more about this here. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is seeking comments on Telstra’s request to extend its exemptions for its South Brisbane Velocity and other Velocity phone and internet networks. The current exemptions expire on 30 June 2020, so Telstra has asked the Minister of Communications, Cyber Security and the Arts to extend the exemptions further.

Consumers in the Velocity footprint have a difficult time getting affordable and good quality internet that is suitable to their needs. ACCAN’s submission acknowledged the necessity to grant Telstra’s request this time, otherwise current customers in the Velocity footprints may be left without a service after 30 June 2020. We argued that Telstra’s exemptions should be granted for 2 years at most. We also argued that Telstra should have a plan to sell the networks and should report on this regularly to the ACCC and the Department.

Our submission discussed the significant issues consumers in the Velocity footprints experiences; many of which stem from a lack of competition and unsuitable service standards due to Telstra’s exemptions from Parts 7 and 8 of the Act. We argued that the exemptions should be granted for a maximum of two years, providing Telstra regularly updates on progress to the ACCC and Department on its plan to sell the networks.

Download the submission: ACCAN Feedback on Telstra Request For Velocity And South Bris Exemption Extensions88.15 KB
Download the submission: ACCAN Feedback on Telstra Request For Velocity And South Bris Exemption Extensions225.8 KB