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Competition watchdog says wholesale regulation might not be needed in light of NBN rollout.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is considering whether to deregulate the wholesale ADSL market.
The competition watchdog last ruled on wholesale ADSL access, an act referred to as ‘declaring a service’, in February 2012. A consultation launched by the ACCC on Monday seeks input on how the broadband market has evolved since then, and asks if the current regulatory regime is still relevant.
"A number of changes have occurred since the wholesale ADSL service was first declared in 2012, including the progressive rollout of the National Broadband Network," said ACCC commissioner Roger Featherston.
Indeed, the ACCC noted that while ADSL is the predominant fixed-line broadband access technology, uptake increased by less than 1% during the 12 months to June 2015. By comparison, hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) uptake grew by 5% while fibre uptake more than doubled over the same period.
"This inquiry will assist the ACCC in determining whether continued declaration of the wholesale ADSL service is in the long-term interests of end users," Featherston said.
The current rules are due to expire in 2019. The consultation will inform the ACC’s thinking on whether to continue regulating wholesale ADSL access beyond 2019, and for how long.
Interested parties have until 29 July to respond; the ACCC expects to finalise its decision in early 2017.
