What the ACCC does

  • We assess and enforce terms of access to the NBN in a special access undertaking (SAU) from NBN Co.
  • We enforce Telstra’s structural separation undertaking (SSU) and the plan to migrate Telstra’s customers to the NBN.
  • We set wholesale prices and wholesale terms of access for declared services.
  • We track and report on prices and competition in the communications sector.
  • We investigate claims of anti-competitive conduct in the communications sector.

What the ACCC can't do

Industry reporting and monitoring

Telecommunications monitoring

We collect information to monitor competition, track market developments, and inform regulatory decisions. We publish reports using the data and information we collect.

Telecommunications registers

The registers contain a public record of certain telecommunications information. This includes exemption orders, competition notices, determinations, declared services and access undertakings.

Access to infrastructure services

National Broadband Network (NBN) access regulation

We regulate the wholesale National Broadband Network (NBN) service. This service is used by retail service providers to provide broadband services to consumers. We determine the terms and conditions of access to services provided over the NBN.

Non-NBN fixed line services access regulation

The ACCC regulates a range of non-NBN fixed line wholesale telecommunications services. For the services we regulate, we determine the price and other terms of access for retail service providers.

Internet interconnection regulation

Internet interconnection refers to the arrangements networks make with each other to exchange internet traffic. We monitor and assess whether access to internet interconnection services is available on competitive terms.

Mobile services regulation

The ACCC actively monitors the mobile services market and regulates mobile terminating services. We do this to stop mobile operators abusing their monopoly over mobile termination and to help make mobile services competitive for consumers.

Telstra's migration of fixed line services

The ACCC assesses compliance with Telstra’s structural separation undertaking and migration plan. We monitor consumer issues and competition while Telstra’s legacy fixed line services are being migrated to the National Broadband Network (NBN).

Copyright regulation

The granting of copyright usually doesn’t cause competition concerns. There have been some instances, however, where collective copyright licensing has resulted in market power. We have an interest in copyright when it impacts competition.

Digital radio access regulation

The ACCC regulates access to digital radio transmitter facilities through access undertakings. We also ensure digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees don't discriminate anti-competitively between broadcasters.

ACCC inquiries and market studies into telecommunications

Regional mobile infrastructure inquiry 2022-23

In March 2022, the ACCC was directed to conduct an inquiry into towers used in the supply of radiocommunications services in regional areas, and into the feasibility of providing mobile roaming during natural disasters and emergencies.

Communications sector market study 2018

The ACCC conducted a market study of the Australian communications sector to examine any existing and emerging competition and consumer issues in the sector. The final report was released in April 2018.

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Rules and advice for business and consumers

Choosing a mobile phone service

There are many different mobile plans on offer, so choosing a plan that suits your needs can be difficult. We provide information on how to understand different plans, and how to pick one that is right for you.

Broadband speeds

Advertised home broadband speeds must be accurate. Our guidance helps providers give accurate and helpful information about broadband speeds.

Broadband performance data

The ACCC runs the Measuring Broadband Australia program. It provides information on the real world performance of broadband plans. We publish updates on this page every 3 months.

Volunteer to help track broadband speeds

The ACCC’s Measuring Broadband Australia program tests broadband speed and performance of volunteer households across Australia at different times of the day. 

We rely on volunteers around the country who host a testing device on their broadband connection.

Volunteers have access to information about their internet performance through a dashboard and receive regular report cards.

Sign up to participate at Measuring Broadband Australia

ACCC action in telecommunications and internet

Optus in court for alleged unconscionable sales and debt collection

The ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court alleging that Optus Mobile engaged in unconscionable conduct in contravention of the ACL when selling telecommunications goods and services to hundreds of consumers, that they often did not want or need, and in some cases then pursuing consumers for debts resulting from these sales.

Australians on fixed wireless services enjoy broadband speed boost

Some consumers on NBN Co’s Fixed Wireless Plus plan have experienced a significant improvement to their broadband speeds in the past six months following recent speed changes introduced by NBN Co, the ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report has found.
See media releases on telecommunications and internet