ACCC issues discussion papers on subscription television services

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced today two separate but related public inquiries concerning the declaration of pay television services.

The public inquiry concerning Analogue Subscription Television Broadband Carriage Services seeks comments on an analogue-specific declaration while a related inquiry, Technology-Neutral Subscription Television Broadband Carriage Services, seeks comments on a technology-neutral service which would include digital services.

The ACCC has asked for the views of industry participants, consumer groups and other members of the public on specific issues outlined in the respective discussion papers, the ACCC Commissioner with responsibility for telecommunications matters, Mr Rod Shogren, said today.

If one or more services are declared, then carriers supplying those services would be required to supply them, upon request, to service providers. This would enable service providers to supply competitive services to end-users.

Commissioner Shogren added that he believes the decisions flowing from these related inquiries will help shape the way in which competition develops in Australian pay television markets.

In making these decisions, the ACCC will be ultimately concerned with achieving benefits for end-users, including sustainable lower prices and a greater choice of new and innovative services.

The discussion papers outline the processes for each inquiry. The ACCC seeks written comments for both inquiries by 1 February 1999.

The ACCC expects to issue a draft report on the findings of the analogue specific inquiry by the middle of February. A draft report on the technology-neutral inquiry is expected to be available in the middle of March.

Copies of the discussion papers are available from ACCC offices and the ACCC's Internet website http://www.accc.gov.au

For further information about this media release: Commissioner Rod Shogren, (02) 6243 1115 Richard Fitzpatrick, A/g, Director, Public Relations, (02) 6243 1108