Mon, 08 Feb 2021 - 17:18
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Improved access to telecommunications in new developments

Australians moving into new homes will now have improved access to modern telecommunications following the passage of legislation on Thursday.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said that while the vast majority of developers do the right thing, it is estimated that unincorporated developers build around 3,000 premises each year that do not have pit and pipe installed. This legislation should significantly reduce that number.

“Since 2011, the Telecommunications Act has required developers that are corporations to install fibre-ready facilities – typically pits and pipes used to house telecommunications cabling – in proximity to new developments before the developer sells or leases them,” Minister Fletcher said.

“This new legislation extends the requirements to unincorporated developers. If they fail to do so, they could be subject to civil penalties.”

The cost to a developer to install pit and pipe during the construction of new developments is estimated at around $600 to $800. In contrast, the cost to a new homebuyer to retrofit pit and pipe is estimated to be around $2,100, and can be greater if extensive civil works are required. In addition, there is the sheer inconvenience of being without services while the problem is fixed.

“This legislation means that people who occupy new premises can have greater confidence that appropriate pit and pipe facilities have been installed, in turn, giving them ready access to modern communications regardless of whether the developer is incorporated or unincorporated,” Minister Fletcher said.

For more information on the changes, go to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.