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.

Industry reporting and monitoring

The ACCC requires telecommunications providers, carriers and companies to provide us with information and reports.
We collect information to monitor competition, track market developments, and inform regulatory decisions. We publish reports using the data and information we collect.
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

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.
We regulate the exemption process allowing operators to use the local access lines they control to supply their own retail superfast broadband services.
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 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
The ACCC regulates and sets prices for certain wholesale transmission services. We may be involved in access disputes about wholesale telecommunications facilities and equipment.

ACCC inquiries and market studies into telecommunications

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.
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

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.
Prevent unexpected bills by knowing how to reduce costs when using your mobile phone service.
Consumers have rights under the Australian Consumer Law when they buy a product or service, including a mobile phone service.
Unauthorised transfers occur when consumers are switched from one service provider to another without their agreement.
Advertised home broadband speeds must be accurate. Our guidance helps providers give accurate and helpful information about broadband speeds.
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

Households that use high-speed NBN plans with a fibre to the premises (FTTP) or hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) connection are now receiving faster internet speeds following the rollout of NBN Co’s recent upgrade program, the ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report has found.
Optus Mobile Pty Ltd (Optus) has today been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a penalty of $100 million for engaging in unconscionable conduct when selling mobile phones and contracts to hundreds of Australians, and subsequent debt collection in a case brought by the ACCC.
Households with a fibre to the node (FTTN) NBN connection are more likely to experience underperforming download speeds than any other fixed-line connection type, the ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report has found.