Telstra's copper services to remain regulated

The ACCC has announced that it plans to continue regulating Telstra’s copper-based wholesale fixed line services until at least 2024.

In a recently published final decision, the regulator said Telstra’s six fixed line services will remain declared services — meaning they are subject to regulation — until 30 June 2024.

The network operator of a declared service must provide wholesale access to the service on request to any company that asks. Declared services are also subject to regulated price and non-price terms in cases where commercial agreements cannot otherwise be reached.

While the changing fixed line telecommunications landscape as the nbn rollout progresses prompted the ACCC to launch an inquiry into whether fixed line declarations are still necessary, an inquiry determined that continuing with the scheme will improve certainty for end users during the migration.

“The nbn rollout is progressing but the fixed line network remains relevant to millions of consumers, before they migrate to the nbn, and in nbn fixed wireless and satellite areas where legacy network services will remain available,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

“Continuing regulation during the nbn build and migration period will ensure service providers that use Telstra’s copper network at reasonable terms and prices. This will encourage competition in the retail market and deliver greater choices for end users in the form of better prices, service quality and service options.”

The regulator now plans to hold a separate inquiry into the access terms and pricing that will apply to the six services under the newest Final Access Determination, which is due to be published next June.

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