Communications & Technology
Communications & Technology » Regulatory
Communications regulation is undergoing significant change in Australia. The convergence of the telecommunications, media, and technology landscapes, combined with new networks, such as LTE and NBN, presents a raft of new challenges for regulation. The telecommunications industry in particular is going through a period of dramatic transformation, with a virtual re-write of legislation in the lead-up to the implementation of the NBN.
Given the imminent rollout of the NBN, it is imperative for all stakeholders to understand and maximise the opportunities available as a result of the changes to regulation. Corrs has a strong understanding of how this change will evolve and understands both the detail of this regulation and its strategic significance. We are uniquely placed to help our clients adapt and make the best of the complex regulatory framework.
Our Experts
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
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.
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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?
MoreCorrs in Brief: The Finkelstein Report – How do you solve the media puzzle?
This report provides a detailed, scholarly analysis of the role of the media in Australia which, irrespective of whether its recommendations are adopted, will inform analysis of media markets for some years to come.
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.
MoreConvergence 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.
DownloadMTAS: 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.
More
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.
Corrs in Brief: The Finkelstein Report – How do you solve the media puzzle?
This report provides a detailed, scholarly analysis of the role of the media in Australia which, irrespective of whether its recommendations are adopted, will inform analysis of media markets for some years to come.
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.
Our Experts
Andrew Messenger
Partner Sydney +61 2 9210 6721