Thomas Jones

Partner. Sydney.

+61 2 9210 6750 |   |  vCard

Thomas Jones’s knowledge of telecommunication regulation is second to none.

He is a highly skilled telecommunications, regulatory and competition lawyer, with particular skills in access to regulated infrastructure.

Thomas has particular expertise in third party access issues and it is his comprehensive understanding of the ACCC and its approach to telecommunications and access regulation more generally, that sets him a part from your standard telecommunications specialist.

He provides decisive and strategic legal advice on all aspects of regulatory regimes and as a lawyer with both corporate advisory and dispute resolution experience, represents his client’s interests throughout the entire regulatory process - in a way that connects all the technical, legal and economic issues.

Thomas has extensive experience advising on telecommunications law and regulation through the Asia-Pacific region and is currently working with the Australian Government to navigate the numerous regulatory, competition and access issues associated with the NBN roll out.

Thomas Jones’s knowledge of telecommunication regulation is second to none.

He is a highly skilled telecommunications, regulatory and competition lawyer, with particular skills in access to regulated infrastructure.

Thomas has particular expertise in third party access issues and it is his comprehensive understanding of the ACCC and its approach to telecommunications and access regulation more generally, that sets him a part from your standard telecommunications specialist.

He provides decisive and strategic legal advice on all aspects of regulatory regimes and as a lawyer with both corporate advisory and dispute resolution experience, represents his client’s interests throughout the entire regulatory process - in a way that connects all the technical, legal and economic issues.

Thomas has extensive experience advising on telecommunications law and regulation through the Asia-Pacific region and is currently working with the Australian Government to navigate the numerous regulatory, competition and access issues associated with the NBN roll out.

JONESThomasWEB
“Understands our industry and how we operate”

Thomas's Expertise

  • Universal Services Obligation $2 billion deal Advising the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy in the establishment of the universal services body, TUSMA and the associated arrangements between Telstra and the Commonwealth valued at approximately $2 billion.
  • Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy Advising the Department in relation to Telstra’s proposed structural separation undertaking and on the definitive agreements between Telstra and NBN Co. These agreements between NBN Co, Telstra and the Commonwealth will underpin the arrangements relating to structural separation, the implementation of the NBN and associated reforms.
  • National Broadband Network Currently advising NBN Co on several issues relating to its overall regulatory strategy - including strategies for obtaining regulated access to third party infrastructure and services (including Telstra’s), the enlarging the scope of NBN Co’s statutory powers and immunities, and enabling NBN Co to provide regulated services in compliance with NBN Co’s trade practices obligations.
  • Telecommunications regulation in Singapore Advising a Singapore based subsidiary of UGL in relation to the world first structural separation of the SingTel duct and exchange network and in their role as infrastructure manager of that network.
  • Rail Access Advising Sucrogen (formerly CSR) in relation to an application for declaration of the Herbert River tramway in North Queensland under Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act. Sucrogen successfully resisted an application for declaration of an above-rail service by North Queensland Bio Ethanol.
  • Telstra disputes Advising on the conduct and resolution of more than 60 access disputes with various access seekers about the terms and conditions of access to a range of declared services, and successfully securing the rejection of a number of access undertakings submitted by Telstra's competitors.

What others say

  • “Good operator. Has quite a unique ability to see the bigger picture. Impressive lawyer, commercial, moves deals along.” Guide to the World's Leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications Lawyers - 6th edition
  • “In the complex world of telecommunications law where there are so many issues, Thomas is always able to pinpoint the single critical issue on which we should act.”
  • “Best Lawyer - Telecommunications” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2012

Thomas's Thinking

  • Author of the Chapter on Access LexisNexis Telecommunications Reporter
  • The grant of exemptions to Telstra; Lessons to be learned Trade Practices Law Journal, September 2010
  • Is there a future for Part IIIA after Fortescue? Australian Journal of Competition and Consumer Law, September 2011
  • Corrs in Brief: The Finkelstein Report – How do you solve the media puzzle? 7th March 2012
    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.
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  • Corrs in Brief: ACCC Accepts Telstra SSU 29th February 2012
    Yesterday, the ACCC accepted Telstra’s structural separation undertaking (SSU) and approved Telstra’s draft migration plan.
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  • NBN: Lessons at home and abroad 16th February 2012
    What lessons can be learnt from the one of the most dramatic changes in telecommunications that has occurred in this country for many years?
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    • All Thomas's Thinking Articles »

Thomas's Leadership

  • Law Council of Australia - Competition and Consumer Committee Committee Member