ACCC clears copper for the NBN

Party like it's 2005

The ACCC has rubber-stamped the agreements needed to let nbn^TM absorb Telstra's copper for fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) broadband.

The approval of the deal means nbn^TM can take ownership of Telstra’s copper and HFC networks for the government's multi-technology model broadband delivery.

“Using existing infrastructure means we can build the nbn network sooner and at less cost to taxpayers than originally anticipated. What’s more, all the technologies being used in the nbn network can be upgraded to deliver even faster speeds and greater capacity when consumer demand calls for it,” said nbn^TM chief Bill Morrow, in a statement.

The company is already building the FTTN component of the network, with work under way for the first 400,000 premises. The first of these will start coming online this year. HFC remains on track for a commercial launch in 2016.

The ACCC also approved the migration plan for moving people off copper for landlines.

“The revised Migration Plan will better protect consumers from premature disconnection of their phone and internet services,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

“However, consumers should act early when it is time for their region to migrate as connecting to the NBN is not automatic.”

“If you want to keep your landline phone and internet services, you should place an order for an NBN service by the disconnection date for your region as your current services will eventually be permanently disconnected,” Mr Sims said.

The ACCC advised citizens to promptly investigate how the nbn roll out in their area will affect their phone and internet services.

Construction of the NBN by nbn^TM is expected to conclude in 2020. ®