Carrier licence exemption to simplify carrier use of private telecommunications infrastructure

Listen

The Australian Government is interested in whether it can foster more efficient use of private telecommunications infrastructure by relaxing the carrier licence rules that would normally apply.

Why we want your input

To know how the exemptions will effect you.

How you can voice your opinion

Tell us what you think in a written submission.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

Relaxed carrier licence rules to help more efficient use of private telecommunications infrastructure

The Issue

The Australian Government is interested in whether it can foster more efficient use of private telecommunications infrastructure by relaxing the carrier licence rules that would normally apply. Simplifying access to private networks could let carriers use existing infrastructure, for example, in regional areas to extend mobile coverage.

We invited comments about a proposed carrier licence exemption. The exemption will let private telecommunications infrastructure owners give carriers with access to their private infrastructure.

The proposed exemption aims to free up the use of private infrastructure by carriers. Any use of private network capacity would depend on the agreement of all parties and be commercially based.

Relevant Documentation

Consultation paper Carrier licensing and private networks

Published 28th Aug 2014

Download DOC (164.19 KB)

Consultation paper Carrier licensing and private networks

Outcome

Following consultation, the government has decided not to proceed with the exemption at this time. There was no widespread demand for the exemption. It remains possible for interested parties to seek specific exemptions if they wish.