The ACCC has commenced a review of Telstra’s retail price control arrangements under direction from the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
The controls were due to expire in mid-2009; however, since at the time the government was working on plans for a national broadband network, the controls were extended for a year. Now Senator Conroy proposes to extend the controls a further two years, with an interest in tightening the controls.
The review’s terms of reference state that the ACCC should consider the design and level of price control arrangements to apply from July 2010 to June 2012. As matters currently stand, Telstra is unable to charge less than 22 cents for a local call from a landline, or less than 50 cents from a public phone. These controls are designed to promote competition in the telecommunications sector.
The ACCC is inviting submissions from the public with their views on the retail price controls they think should apply to Telstra.
Submissions can be addressed to:
Tina Pigliardo
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
GPO Box 520J
Melbourne VIC 3001
Fax: (03) 9663 3699
In addition to a hard copy, those making submissions are requested, if they are able to, provide an electronic copy to tina.pigliardo@accc.gov.au and singithi.silva@accc.gov.au
The Ministers Direction and Explanatory Statement and a discussion paper can be viewed at www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/669550
