The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today released draft guidelines on the non-discrimination provisions contained in Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
As part of the National Broadband Network reforms, NBN Co and other providers of superfast telecommunications services are prohibited from discriminating between their customers, except in limited circumstances.
"These draft guidelines reflect the ACCC's approach to interpreting and enforcing the non-discrimination provisions. They are designed to provide guidance to industry on when providers such as NBN Co may negotiate different supply terms with their customers," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
"The ACCC has taken a pragmatic approach, with the aim of achieving efficient and competitive outcomes for both the telecommunications industry and consumers."
The ACCC is seeking comments on the draft guidelines from interested parties. Submissions should be provided to the ACCC by COB on Friday 3 February 2012.
The draft explanatory material will be available on the ACCC's website Non-discrimination under Part XIC - Draft explanatory material