Consultation on Telstra request for extensions to Ministerial exemptions for its South Brisbane and Velocity networks

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications received submissions from:

• the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)
• the National Broadband Network (NBN), and
• 57 confidential and 14 non-confidential submissions from consumers living and working in the South Brisbane and Velocity network areas.

The Minister also received independent advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

After considering this feedback, the Minister for Communications has decided to grant extensions to both exemptions until the earlier of the day which is 90 days after the customer transition completion date or 1 July 2022 (if Telstra owns the South Brisbane Network or Velocity networks on that day). The Minister considers the extension will provide Telstra with sufficient time to dispose of the networks or become compliant with the requirements.

The amending instruments and the associated Explanatory Statements are available on the Department's Telecommunications Act Parts 7 and 8 requirements and exemptions webpage.