ACCC seeks submissions on Telstra's wholesale broadband price reductions

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is determining whether or not it should revoke the Part A Competition Notice issued in relation to Telstra on 19 March 2004.

Since the Commission issued the Competition Notice, there have been a number of developments which include Telstra revising its wholesale pricing and negotiating with wholesale customers. The most recent revision was notified to the ACCC to take effect from 1 January 2005, following which Telstra requested that the ACCC revoke the Competition Notice.

The ACCC is assessing the full impact of these changes on the level of competition among internet service providers to determine whether or not it has reason to believe that Telstra is currently engaging in anti-competitive conduct. The ACCC is not considering whether or not Telstra's previous pricing was anti-competitive as part of this process.

Consequently, the Commission is seeking written submissions from interested parties in response to Telstra's reduced wholesale ADSL pricing as to whether or not to maintain the Competition Notice. Submissions are due by 14 January 2004 and should be addressed to:

Mr Michael Cosgrave
General Manager - Telecommunications
ACCC
GPO Box 520J
MELBOURNE  VIC 3001