Following public consultation, telecommunications carrier powers and immunities have been changed to better support the rollout of high-speed broadband using multiple technologies.
The amendments give NBN Co and other carriers operating comparable national networks more flexibility to deploy high-speed broadband infrastructure like fibre-to-the-node (FTTN), fibre-to-the-basement (FTTB) and hybrid fibre-coaxial cable (HFC), as well as fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP).
In exercising powers and immunities, carriers are subject to strict requirements, including in relation to good engineering practice and safety, and this continues to be the case.
Carriers are expected to exercise powers and immunities responsibly and with regard to community interests. These changes came into effect on Tuesday, 25 August 2015.
The amending instruments are available at the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments:
- Telecommunications Amendment (Designated Overhead Lines) Regulation 2015
- Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (Amendment No. 3 of 2015).
Public submissions received through the consultation process will be available on the have your say page.
Carriers have powers and immunities under Schedule 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 to help them roll out facilities faster and more efficiently so they can provide services at lower cost to the community.
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