Conroy opens NBNCo regulation debate

Communications minister Stephen Conroy has called for submissions on how to regulate the National Broadband Network company and its access regime.

The topic area is one of two covered by the previously-released regulatory reforms discussion paper.

The first part of that discussion paper dealt with options for reforming the existing telecommunications competition and consumer framework while an NBN is rolled out.

The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) received 127 industry submissions discussing options. Most of these submissions pushed cases for the separation of Telstra.

Today's announcement opens the second part of the discussion paper to industry feedback. Responses are due by Thursday 30th July.

"It is essential that the legislation governing the National Broadband Network company and its operations is thoroughly considered," Conroy said.

"I invite interested parties to provide their views on the legislation covering the access regime for the National Broadband Network and governing the operations, ownership and control of the National Broadband Network company."

Submissions are expected to cover issues including optimal access regime, how price and non-price terms and conditions should be set and for how long, ownership restrictions, and arrangements for the Government to sell its stake in the NBN.