Proposed regulatory changes to help roll out faster broadband

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This consultation seeks feedback on proposed amendments to telecommunications carriers’ powers and immunities to support the rollout of high-speed broadband, including by NBN Co. The proposed changes cover low‑impact facilities which will be used in the rollout of the multi-technology mix (MTM) National Broadband Network (NBN).

Why we want your input

The government is proposing to amend telecommunications carriers’ powers and immunities to support the rollout of the MTM NBN and other comparable next-generation broadband networks. These changes include amendments to the Telecommunications Regulations 2001 and the Telecommunications (Low‑impact Facilities) Determination 1997. We are seeking your views on the amendments and their implications.

How you can voice your opinion

You can provide a written submission. Submissions do not need to be long but should cover your key points. Detailed submissions may wish to refer to specific provisions of concern. Submissions should be provided by Friday 10 July 2015.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

The consultation will help the Government decide whether it should proceed with the amendments as drafted or change them.

The Issue

Carriers have powers and immunities to help them roll out facilities to provide communications services the community needs. To support the rollout of the NBN and other comparable networks more quickly and at lower cost, the government wants to increase the range of facilities to which powers and immunities apply.

In many instances, these types of facilities are already covered but only if used in fibre-only networks. The amendments would make these arrangements ‘technology neutral’ so they support MTM rollouts.

Relevant Documentation

Consultation Paper: Amending carrier powers & immunities to support multi-technology rollouts of high-speed broadband

Published 12th Jun 2015

Download PDF (1.34 MB) Download DOC (3.02 MB)

Consultation Paper: Amending carrier powers & immunities to support multi-technology rollouts of high-speed broadband

Telecommunications Amendment (Designated Overhead Lines) Regulation 2015

Published 12th Jun 2015

Download PDF (330.8 KB) Download DOC (226.5 KB)

Telecommunications Amendment (Designated Overhead Lines) Regulation 2015

Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (Amendment No. 2 of 2015)

Published 12th Jun 2015

Download PDF (145.07 KB) Download DOC (49.9 KB)

Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (Amendment No. 2 of 2015)

Outcome

Following public consultation, carrier powers and immunities have been changed to support the rollout of high-speed broadband using multiple technologies. These amendments give NBN Co and other carriers operating comparable national networks more flexibility to deploy high-speed broadband infrastructure like fibre-to-the-node, fibre-to-the-basement and hybrid fibre-coaxial cable (HFC) as well as fibre-to-the-premises.

The amended instruments are available online at:

These changes came into effect on Tuesday 25 August 2015.

Please send any comments or inquiries to powersandimmunities@communications.gov.au