Review of telecommunications in new developments

The Morrison Government will review arrangements for telecommunications in new developments to drive competition and make sure Australians continue to have access to high-quality infrastructure in new areas.

The current Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) policy, released in March 2015, provides the framework for this access, while also fostering competition between network providers to service developments.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said while the broad approach in the policy remains appropriate for the future, the Government is interested in whether there are areas for improvement and wants interested parties to have their say.

‘Telecommunications is a key part of everyday life and we want to make sure that people moving into new properties have ready access to modern telecommunications services,’ Minister Fletcher said.

‘The current policy is now almost five years old, and a lot has changed in the sector. NBN Co is now the fixed-line network provider for the majority of the population and the National Broadband Network is on track for completion in mid-2020, making it timely to review the policy.’

A short paper available on the Department of Communications and the Arts’ website includes background on the policy and areas for comments such as developer and carrier obligations, charges, competition, and network and service standards.

Interested parties are encouraged to make a submission by 17 January 2020, 5.00pm (AEDT).

To view the paper and have your say visit: www.communications.gov.au/newdevelopments

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