The ACCC has released its draft communications sector market study report, and is currently seeking submissions. The closing date for submissions is 8 December 2017 and we anticipate further developments in this area as the NBN roll-out continues.
Key findings of the study include:
- Although prices are dropping and data quotes are rising, communications markets are concentration – more than 90% of mobile and fixed broadband services are provided by a small number of providers;
- As regards fixed broadband, over 80% of nbn customers receive speeds that were achievable with non-nbn technology (eg via ADSL), and many consumers do not use fixed broadband at all (about 20% use only mobile data);
- Emerging data services continue to grow rapidly – 80% of businesses used cloud computing in 2016, and the ‘internet of things’ is predicted to provide a 1-2% uplift to Australia’s GDP by 2025; and
- Existing federal regulation of telecommunications is still viewed as ‘fit for purpose’ despite recent technological advancements, with current policy priorities relating to spectrum management, data availability and use, and the regional broadband scheme and mobile black spots program.
Communications regulation is a complex and developing area that affects State and local Governments, as well as businesses and consumers.
This article was written by Anthony Haly, Partner.