Consumers will now have a voice at the table to determine how the NBN can better serve the needs of communities around Australia thanks to a $2.56 million funding grant from the Australian Government to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN).

As the peak communications consumer body, ACCAN’s new funding will allow it to advocate for the interests of consumers under a new framework of economic regulation approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) known as the Special Access Undertaking (SAU). The framework will propose NBN expenditure, service standards and pricing for the regulatory period commencing 1 July 2026 through to 30 June 2029.

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett welcomed the funding grant, stating that it will enable expert consumer advice to a vital infrastructure asset forecast to spend $110 billion by 2040.

“Through this funding grant, Australian consumers will now have advocates representing their interests in this critical process which will govern pricing and service standards impacting on millions of Australian households” Ms Bennett said.

“We look forward to ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, affordable and reliable services through the NBN for decades to come.”

NBN is expected to submit its proposal to the ACCC by 2 July 2025 following engagement with ACCAN, other community groups and the public.  A final decision by the ACCC is expected by 30 June 2026.

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