Combined superfast broadband access service & local bitstream access service final access determination inquiry

Overview

The ACCC is undertaking a combined public inquiry to make a final access determination (FAD) for the superfast broadband access service (SBAS) and the local bitstream access service (LBAS).

The SBAS and LBAS are wholesale services supplied on non-NBN networks able to be used by access seekers to supply downstream superfast broadband retail markets. Both services are Layer 2 bitstream fixed line services capable of a transmission rate of 25 Mbps or more.

Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, the ACCC must consider making access determinations for all declared services.

The ACCC has issued a discussion paper inviting submissions on a range of issues relevant to the combined inquiry including:

• options for determining LBAS and SBAS prices
• the compliance costs of supplying an LBAS or SBAS and the potential option of exempting some carriers from the requirement to provide these services, and
• the differential treatment of Telstra’s Fibre Access Broadband service to other superfast broadband services.

Submissions to the discussion paper are due by 5pm Friday, 21 October 2016.

How to make a submission

We would like to hear from all interested stakeholders, including individual consumers, businesses, industry and relevant representative bodies about their views on the issues outlined above.

The ACCC prefers to receive electronic copies of submissions, either in PDF or Microsoft Word format allowing for the submission text to be searched. Please forward submissions and enquiries by email to superfastbroadbandinquiry@accc.gov.au and cc: nicole.ross@accc.gov.au.