Media Release: Further round of consultation on Telecommunications in New Developments policy

The Morrison Government is calling for further submissions on a proposed policy update designed to improve the delivery of telecommunications in new developments. The proposals follow an initial round of public consultation that concluded in early 2020.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said it was clear from earlier stakeholder feedback that the main features of the Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) policy remain appropriate, but changes can be made to improve the market’s operation and simplify the policy going forward.

“Under the proposed update of the policy, the provision of telecommunications networks in new real estate developments, including pit and pipe and active networks, will continue to be the responsibility of developers,” said Minister Fletcher.

“A key proposal is that the current charges levied by NBN Co on developers would become caps. NBN Co would be able to charge below the cap, which would put downward pressure on prices.  NBN would also have greater flexibility to install competing infrastructure where it is commercially viable, giving it more scope to respond to competition, subject to the usual competition and competitive neutrality rules.”

The proposed changes seek to place the provision of telecommunications in new developments on a more sustainable footing for the future.

The proposed changes also take into account the proposed statutory infrastructure provider laws that are currently before the Parliament. Consistent with those laws, carriers will be responsible for servicing the developments where they have been contracted to provide infrastructure.

The Government is also developing wholesale service standards that will apply to statutory infrastructure providers servicing new developments.

Interested parties are encouraged to have their say on the proposed update to the policy by 5pm (AEST) Monday 8 June 2020.  

To have your say on the revised policy visit: www.communications.gov.au/TIND