ACCC issues discussion paper on local call inquiry

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued its discussion paper, Declaration of Local Telecommunications Services.

'The discussion paper identifies issues about which the ACCC wants to hear the views of industry participants, consumer groups and other members of the public during its inquiry into whether local call resale and local interconnection services should be declared', the ACCC Commissioner with responsibility for telecommunications matters, Mr Rod Shogren, said today.

If these 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. 'These decisions flowing from this inquiry are expected to shape the way in which competition develops in Australian telecommunications markets.

Access to the local network is potentially important not only for competition in local services but also in long distance, international and data communication services. '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 paper outlines the inquiry process and identifies the key issues on which the Commission seeks comment.

The ACCC seeks written comments on its discussion paper from industry, end-users and the public more generally by 25 May 1998. A public meeting will be held in Sydney on 9 June 1998 to provide an open forum on the matter. The ACCC will then issue a draft report on the findings of the inquiry for further comment before publishing a final report.