NBN Co lodges amended SAU proposal

NBN Co has lodged a Special Access Undertaking (SAU) variation proposal with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) following months of industry consultation.

 

The SAU provides the foundations for the regulation of National Broadband Network (NBN) prices, ensuring broadband access remains affordable, and that NBN Co remains a commercially viable business that can meet the connectivity needs of Australians into the future.

 

The NBN Co’s amended SAU variation proposal responds to concerns raised in the ACCC’s May 2023 draft decision, and the company sought feedback from stakeholders on these changes through the ACCC’s consultation process.

 

The Government respects the ACCC’s independent role in this regulatory process. The ACCC will undertake a public consultation process on the amended variation proposal and the Government encourages all parties to continue engaging constructively throughout this process.

 

The Albanese Government reset the SAU process last year when the Minister for Communications and Minister for Finance jointly wrote to NBN Co to support the company withdrawing a variation proposal lodged in March 2022.

 

This proposal lodged under the former Government would have allowed price increases of inflation plus three per cent a year on some products.

 

For more information on the SAU, visit https://www.accc.gov.au/by-industry/telecommunications-and-internet/nat…;

 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

 

“The Albanese Government appreciates the constructive engagement of all parties to settle a variation to the SAU that places the long-term interests of Australian consumers at its core. This means affordable prices for consumers and small businesses, and a quality, resilient network underpinned by strong financials.

 

“Amendments to the SAU submitted this week will help give certainty to NBN Co, consumers and industry.

 

“The NBN supports much of Australia’s economy and many families and it is important we get the policy settings right.”