The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its final report regarding the inquiry to vary the superfast broadband access service (SBAS) access determination. This report concludes the inquiry and outlines significant findings and changes to the access determination.

Broadband services are increasingly vital for productivity and economic growth. The revised SBAS access determination is designed to foster competition among retail service providers in areas where NBN Co does not operate, thereby lowering barriers to entry and facilitating market expansion.

As a result, consumers and businesses utilizing SBAS networks will benefit from retail offers that are competitive with those available through the National Broadband Network, particularly in terms of pricing and variety.

The variation to the SBAS final access determination includes several key changes: it introduces additional access terms regarding the interconnection points for access seekers, incorporates safeguards against unreasonable access terms, mandates SBAS providers to disclose their standard wholesale pricing and access terms, and exempts Vision Network from certain obligations based on its legacy status.

Furthermore, the ACCC encourages access providers to maintain transparency in their consultations with wholesale customers regarding any future changes to standard terms, ensuring that customer feedback is adequately considered.

The ACCC has also been mindful of the costs associated with implementing these terms, providing targeted exemptions where necessary to avoid disproportionate costs to the industry. Issues raised outside the inquiry's scope will be addressed in the next statutory review of the SBAS declaration, set to begin in 2025-26.

The new access terms will take effect the day after the decision to vary the SBAS final access determination is made and will remain in place until March 1, 2027.