Did you know that until 3 June 2009 the Australian Government is running a public consultation into regulatory reform of the National Broadband Network?

The "National Broadband Network: Regulatory Reform for 21st Century Broadband" discussion paper outlines various options that the Government is considering to reform Australia's telecommunications regulatory framework. Anybody can lodge a complete personal submission at the DBCDE website.

Because this formal process can be rather intimidating and time consuming, we wanted to make it easier for wider range of Australians to participate in the consultation process. That's why our "Topic of the Month" during May is Australia's Broadband Regulation - a virtual community roundtable.

At the end of the month we will include all comments in Open Forum's collective response to the discussion paper. The aim of this is not to lobby for one particular viewpoint on any of the issues raised, but simply to provide an opportunity for more Australians to be heard.  

CHAPTER 3: Telecommunications competition framework

Trade Practices Act 1997: Options for Reform

• Part XIC (access regime)
• Part XIB (anti-competitive conduct regime)

Separation of Telstra: Options for Reform

• Addressing vertical integration to promote equivalence
• Horizontal separation
• Review of operational separation (Appendix A of the Discussion Paper)

Facilities Access Regime

Spectrum Allocation

CHAPTER 4: Telecommunications consumer safeguard framework

Universal access

• Framework and standards
• Funding

Public Payphones

• Funding
• Location and removal

Connections and fault repair

• Customer Service Guarantee
• Network Reliability Framework

Retail price controls: Options for reform

Community safeguards

• Priority Assistance
• Emergency call service
• Legacy services and the National Broadband Network

Opportunities for red tape removal

Enforcement

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You can comment on as many of the consultation questions as you like, or just one. There is no word limit. The issues are complex, but you don't have to be a telecommunications expert to have a valid opinion.  Get started now.

Any questions? Please contact srose@openforum.com.au.

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RELATED CONTENT:

• Broadband Reform: Be Heard - by Sally Rose
• WiFi & the NBN - by Dave Sag
• Broadband Reform: Getting it right - by Michael de Percy
• Regulating for Better Infrastructure - by David Quilty
• Broadband Internet - Getting the Framework Right - by Chris Berg

Did you know that until 3 June 2009 the Australian Government is running a public consultation into regulatory reform of the National Broadband Network?

The "National Broadband Network: Regulatory Reform for 21st Century Broadband" discussion paper outlines various options that the Government is considering to reform Australia's telecommunications regulatory framework. The Government has invited public feedback to a number of questions raised in Chapters 3 & 4 of the discussion paper.

Anybody can lodge a complete personal submission at the Department of Broadband, Communications & the Digital Economy website. It is recommended that you read the entire discussion paper before making your submission.

Because this formal process can be rather intimidating and time consuming for individuals and small to medium businesses, we wanted to make it easier for wider range of Australians to participate in the consultation process.

That's why Open Forum's "Topic of the Month" during May 2009 is Australia's Broadband Regulation - a virtual community roundtable.

There are countless blogs and forums where you can have a whinge about this issue: that's not what we're offering.  All we ask is that you take little bit of time to offer your genuine personal feedback and we will ensure that your ideas are presented to the Government.

At the end of the month we will include all comments in Open Forum's collective response to the discussion paper. The aim of this is not to lobby for one particular viewpoint on any of the issues raised, but simply to provide an opportunity for more Australians to be heard.