Extension of superfast networks carrier licence conditions open for consultation

The Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, is considering amending the Carrier Licence Conditions (Networks Supplying Superfast Carriage Services to Residential Customers Declaration 2014).

This Declaration requires certain types of superfast telecommunications networks servicing residential customers to operate on a functionally separated basis and to offer wholesale services.

The proposed amendments would extend the Declaration by 18 months. The Declaration is otherwise due to expire on 31 December 2016. This will provide time to progress the legislative changes set out in the Government's Telecommunications Regulatory and Structural Reform.

The amendment would also improve transparency in relation to compliance with the rules and remove a number of spent provisions.

Submissions on the Amending Declaration and the draft Regulation Impact Statement can be provided by Tuesday, 1 November 2016, to InfrastructureAndAccess [at] communications.gov.au.

Should you have any queries or require any clarification, in the first instance please email InfrastructureAndAccess [at] communications.gov.au. 

Relevant links

• Existing carrier licence conditions—Carrier Licence Conditions (Networks Supplying Superfast Carriage Services to Residential Customers Declaration 2014).
• The Australian Government's Telecommunications Regulatory and Structural Reform