Regulatory measures to facilitate the rollout of next-generation broadband
Regulatory amendments to facilitate the rollout of the National Broadband Network and other next-generation broadband networks came into effect in December 2011. The changes will allow NBN Co Limited and other comparable carriers to more readily:
- deploy fibre in the street
- connect premises
- locate equipment in multi-unit buildings.
These amendments were made to the Telecommunications Regulations 2001 and the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (the Determination) following a public consultation process.
The changes will facilitate the rollout of broadband infrastructure by including infrastructure used in an optical fibre network in the Determination. As a result, these types of facilities will be installed on a nationally-uniform basis under Commonwealth law, rather than state and territory legislation.
Carriers, including NBN Co Limited, must act in accordance with existing regulatory requirements when using these new provisions. For example, they are required to notify land owners and occupiers, take reasonable steps to restore land to its original condition and act in accordance with good engineering practices.
In relation to NBN Co, the government has also reinforced these measures through its December 2010 Statement of Expectations to NBN Co in which it made clear that the rollout is to cause as little inconvenience as practicable and work sites are to be restored to a state consistent with their original condition in a timely manner.
Telecommunications Amendment Regulations 2011 (No. 1)
- Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (Amendment No. 1 of 2011)
See details of the public consultation on this page:
Regulatory changes to facilitate the rollout of next-generation broadband infrastructure—consultation process
