ACCC seeks input on NBN migration tweaks

The regulator has launched a discussion paper on Telstra’s proposed variation to the migration plan.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is seeking industry input on the changes proposed by Telstra on how it migrates telephone and internet services from its copper and HFC networks to the National Broadband Network (NBN).

With the services to transition as the network is rolled out, Telstra has proposed to tweak the migration plan to ensure greater service continuity for customers.

The telco’s proposed changes include the provision of additional time for premises with an NBN order to be connected before mandatory disconnection occurs, and amendment of the process to prepare business grade services for the multi-technology NBN.

It has also asked for the incorporation of a number of interim migration and disconnection arrangements recently adopted by Telstra and NBN Co.

Figures released by the Australian Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) in February have highlighted an incremental increase in NBN related complaints, with a 40.1 jump in complaints year on year. The TIO noted 2,176 new NBN-related complaints in the October to December 2015 quarter with problems connecting to the NBN up 23.5 per cent for the period.

The competition watchdog will carry out a mandatory 28 day consultation and is asking interested parties to send in written submissions by June 20. The discussion paper is available at at Discussion paper on Telstra’s proposed variation to the Migration Plan.