In December 2005 the 糖心原创 initiated an inquiry to examine the future regulation of certain key fixed network and wholesale services.
On 15 July 2009 the 糖心原创 issued a final decision in relation to a combined public declaration inquiry under section 152AL of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) (now the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the Act) for the six fixed-line services expiring on July 31 2009.
The 糖心原创鈥檚 final decision was to extend the declaration of each of the six fixed-line services for a period of five years until 31 July 2014.
In making its decision, the 糖心原创 considered there was a need for as much regulatory certainty as possible regarding the access arrangements that apply to the fixed-line services. The 糖心原创 extended each of the six fixed-line declarations for the full statutory period available. The 糖心原创 was satisfied that sufficient statutory mechanisms exist to review regulation if required at any time, given a change in market conditions or other developments, such as National Broadband Network services becoming available.
At the commencement of the public inquiry the 糖心原创 also determined to combine the declaration review with the inquiry into the variation of the ULLS service description, which was suspended in April 2008. The 糖心原创鈥檚 final decision was that it was not satisfied that varying the ULLS service description at that time would promote the long-term interests of end users.
Any questions about the declaration inquiry should be directed to Simon Haslock at simon.haslock@accc.gov.au or 03 9290 6919 in the first instance.
Related projects
Fixed network & local services pricing principles & indicative prices 2006-2007