Communications & Technology
Communications & Technology » Regulatory
The convergence of the telecommunications, media, and technology landscapes, combined with new networks, such as LTE and NBN, presents a raft of new regulatory challenges. The NBN spurred a period of dramatic transformation for the telecommunications industry, as legislation got questioned and virtually re-written in the lead-up to its implementation.
Corrs has sound insights of how these changes will evolve, and understands both the regulatory details and their strategic significance. We are uniquely placed to help our clients adapt and make the best of Australia’s increasingly complex regulatory framework.
Our Experience
Commonwealth Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy: Universal Service Obligation
Many competition and regulatory issues will arise from the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN). The Universal Service Obligation (USO) has been a key aspect of telecommunications regulation for many years and is a regime intended to ensure that standard telephone services are made available to all Australians on an equitable basis.
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NBN Co
The National Broadband Network has been described as the largest nation building infrastructure project in Australian history. NBN Co is the entity established to design, build and operate the necessary infrastructure that will enable the provision of high speed broadband services to the vast majority of Australians.
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UGL Premas
Corrs has been acting for UGL Premas, a subsidiary of UGL Ltd, in relation to the structural separation of the Singtel Network and Premas’s role as manager of the Singtel duct infrastructure.
Our Thinking
Privacy laws are affecting Australia’s cloud industry
Cloud computing providers are struggling to determine their obligations under Australia’s Privacy Act.
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Social media explosion leaves defamation law at the starting gate
The social media phenomenon is testing our laws that protect privacy and reputation.
More
Copyright and the Digital Economy - ALRC inquiry needs broader scope
Australians need a copyright system that works. One they can respect. Our copyright laws need to provide certainty, encourage innovation, and enhance the free flow of information.
More
Radio industry welcomes decision by High Court to uphold cap on royalties
Commercial broadcasters all around Australia breathed a sigh of relief last month when the High Court handed the industry a crucial victory.
More
Social media - Manage the risks and leverage the power
The power of social media has revolutionised the way consumers connect with brands, connect with other consumers to discuss brands, and source other consumers’ opinions about brands. But what are the legal issues you should be aware of?
More
Convergence Review: Federal Court throws Committee Optus TV Now curve-ball
The enormity and complexity of the task of regulating media and content services in a converged environment was thrown into sharp relief by the Federal Court’s recent decision in the Optus “TV Now” case.
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MTAS: the more things change, the more they stay the same (but lower)
On 8 December 2011, the ACCC issued its final access determination in relation to MTAS pricing, reducing the regulated price further from 6 to 3.6cpm over the period to 30 June 2014.
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Challenges and choices: Universal service in Australia and China
Australia and China face similar challenges in the provision of universal telecommunications services to remote areas, providing an opportunity for knowledge sharing and co-operation between the two countries.
More
Convergence Review - Meeting the regulatory challenge
As the traditional distinctions between TV, radio and telecommunications blur and dissolve in a converging world, the regulatory framework governing these sectors is no longer working. Revolutionary change is required.
More
Media inquiry - Where does print end and broadcast begin?
The Government has attempted to set a very narrow scope for the Independent Media Inquiry so that it is limited to print media and digital and online publications. All media outlets should look carefully at the inquiry and consider whether they shoul
MoreOur Experience
Commonwealth Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy: Universal Service Obligation
Many competition and regulatory issues will arise from the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN). The Universal Service Obligation (USO) has been a key aspect of telecommunications regulation for many years and is a regime intended to ensure that standard telephone services are made available to all Australians on an equitable basis.
The move towards NBN, which will provide the infrastructure that will allow wholesale and retail service providers to deliver advanced digital services to the nation, has necessitated a strategic review of how the USO is to be delivered and the agreements with Telstra.
Corrs is the primary adviser to Commonwealth Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) on the agreements between Telstra and the Commonwealth on the future provision of universal service in a post-NBN world and on the design of the new regulatory regime.
Corrs is working with the DBCDE to prepare and negotiate the USO arrangements with Telstra. The agreement which is valued at approximately $2 billion is an integral part of the suite of agreements between Telstra, NBN Co and the Commonwealth.
NBN Co
The National Broadband Network has been described as the largest nation building infrastructure project in Australian history. NBN Co is the entity established to design, build and operate the necessary infrastructure that will enable the provision of high speed broadband services to the vast majority of Australians.
Corrs is advising NBN Co on a wide range of regulatory and competition issues a associated with the rollout of its network including carrier licensing, access to facilities, and the architecture of NBN Co’s network and services.
To act for NBN Co is to be at the forefrontof the most exciting of aspects of regulatory and competition policy in the country.
UGL Premas
Corrs has been acting for UGL Premas, a subsidiary of UGL Ltd, in relation to the structural separation of the Singtel Network and Premas’s role as manager of the Singtel duct infrastructure.
Our Thinking
MTAS: the more things change, the more they stay the same (but lower)
On 8 December 2011, the ACCC issued its final access determination in relation to MTAS pricing, reducing the regulated price further from 6 to 3.6cpm over the period to 30 June 2014.
Media inquiry - Where does print end and broadcast begin?
The Government has attempted to set a very narrow scope for the Independent Media Inquiry so that it is limited to print media and digital and online publications. All media outlets should look carefully at the inquiry and consider whether they shoul
Convergence Review - Meeting the regulatory challenge
As the traditional distinctions between TV, radio and telecommunications blur and dissolve in a converging world, the regulatory framework governing these sectors is no longer working. Revolutionary change is required.
Challenges and choices: Universal service in Australia and China
Australia and China face similar challenges in the provision of universal telecommunications services to remote areas, providing an opportunity for knowledge sharing and co-operation between the two countries.
Convergence Review Interim Report: recommendations risk further uncertainty
Expectations for the Convergence Review are high – that it will produce a new regulatory framework that is fair, flexible and doesn’t stifle innovation.
Convergence Review: Federal Court throws Committee Optus TV Now curve-ball
The enormity and complexity of the task of regulating media and content services in a converged environment was thrown into sharp relief by the Federal Court’s recent decision in the Optus “TV Now” case.
Social media - Manage the risks and leverage the power
The power of social media has revolutionised the way consumers connect with brands, connect with other consumers to discuss brands, and source other consumers’ opinions about brands. But what are the legal issues you should be aware of?
Radio industry welcomes decision by High Court to uphold cap on royalties
Commercial broadcasters all around Australia breathed a sigh of relief last month when the High Court handed the industry a crucial victory.
Copyright and the Digital Economy - ALRC inquiry needs broader scope
Australians need a copyright system that works. One they can respect. Our copyright laws need to provide certainty, encourage innovation, and enhance the free flow of information.
Social media explosion leaves defamation law at the starting gate
The social media phenomenon is testing our laws that protect privacy and reputation.
Privacy laws are affecting Australia’s cloud industry
Cloud computing providers are struggling to determine their obligations under Australia’s Privacy Act.
Our Experts
Andrea Kennedy
Special Counsel Melbourne +61 3 9672 3552
Andrew Messenger
Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6721
Justin Gay
Special Counsel Melbourne +61 2 9672 3457
Peter Ickeringill
Partner Melbourne +61 3 9672 3495