Telstra admits denying rivals access to copper network

ACCC action alledges misleading and deceptive conduct

Telstra has admitted to allegations of misleading and deceptive conduct by denying rivals access to its copper network.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleged that Telstra denied competitors access to seven of its telephone exchanges by claiming there was insufficient capacity on its main distribution frames.

Telstra has admitted to an undisclosed number of the allegations, each of which holds a maximum penalty of $10 million under the Telecommunications Act.

The ACCC brought proceedings against Telstra in March, claiming 30 breaches of its standard obligations under the Trade Practices Act. The obligations state that Telstra must allow other carriers access to their Unconditioned Local Loop and Local Line services.

The Melbourne Federal Court has accepted evidence from Australian ISPs in support of the ACCC’s allegations at a directions hearing.

In May, the ACCC rejected Telstra’s December 2007 attempt to deny competitors access to its copper infrastructure and then extended its determination for a further five years in July.

The date for the next directions hearing has been set for October 2.

More about: ACCC, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, etwork, Telstra
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Comments

1

gfrend

Thu 06/08/2009 - 18:26

So it seems that the great neo-monopolist has been forced to admit that it has been doing what it has been denying all along.

Karma?

Anyway, thank god for the ACCC!

2

Anonymous

Thu 06/08/2009 - 18:53

Nice, at least good for all the clients...

3

Evil Telstra Hater

Thu 06/08/2009 - 23:22

Ummmmmm penalties....
Instead

Ummmmmm penalties....

Instead of "just fining" the corporation, who will simply do more stuff like bump up the line and call fees...

I'd actually like to see the INDIVIDUALS who are actually responsible for the decision to play dirty, and for all the people involved with those decisions, who also went along with the decisions, and failed to speak up about it - PERSONALLY fined.

I'd also like to bring back public floggings in the town square.

The people who manage and work in Telstra have been getting away with this for too long - by hiding away behind the skirts of "The Corporation".

4

Anonymous

Mon 10/08/2009 - 19:40

@Evil Telstra Hater, the people who work at telstra are not to blame. Only the mangers and CEO's are to blame for any and all the issues here.

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