Corrs in Brief: Fibre in New Property Developments

In December 2010, the Federal Government announced its policy for the provision of broadband in new developments and determining who is the “provider of last resort”.

The policy affects new developments of 100 or more premises, with transitional arrangements for developments of less than 100 premises.

Legislation formalising the policy is yet to be introduced.

What is the New Developments Policy?

The New Developments Policy clarifies the Government’s position regarding which company – NBN Co or Telstra – is the “provider of last resort” for the delivery of broadband network infrastructure and services in new property developments.

A developer may request any company to provide infrastructure or service their development on its own commercial terms, subject to compliance with technical standards. However, there are specific obligations imposed on both NBN Co and Telstra under the Policy.