The determination sets out the limited circumstances where Telecommunications Statutory Infrastructure Providers (SIPs) are not obliged to connect premises and/or supply wholesale services to end-users.
The updated Telecommunications (Statutory Infrastructure Providers-Circumstances for Exceptions to Connection and Supply Obligations) Determination also makes it clearer to developers what they need to do to ensure their developments get connected without delay.
The Determination follows on from the passage of the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards and Other Measures) Act 2023 on 16 May 2024 which provided important consumer safeguards in terms of accessing voice and broadband services.
The new exception circumstances address real-world issues where SIPs may be required to reject a request for connection or supply, for example where it is not safe for SIP employees to undertake work or construction works are not sufficiently progressed to allow broadband services to be installed.
For consumers, these changes will mean greater certainty about when they can expect to be connected and receive services.
The Determination simplifies arrangements for SIPs, ensures more timely and accurate transfer of services for end-users; and assists to prevent fraud.
