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<TITLE>RE: [AusNOG] Telstra to be split?</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>More pertinent is the carrier licencing obligation changes for companies with less than $25mil of revenue - which will affect at least some of us.<BR>
<BR>
I have contacted the AMCA regarding our obligations hereafter and should have a response soon.<BR>
<BR>
This may be a good day for all of us =)<BR>
<BR>
Regards,<BR>
Curtis<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
-----Original Message-----<BR>
From: ausnog-bounces@lists.ausnog.net on behalf of Luke Connolly<BR>
Sent: Tue 9/15/2009 12:24 PM<BR>
To: ausnog@ausnog.net<BR>
Subject: [AusNOG] Telstra to be split?<BR>
<BR>
<A HREF="http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,28348,26075552-5014239,00.html">http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,28348,26075552-5014239,00.html</A><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
THE Rudd Government has introduced major changes to telecommunications <BR>
laws, including the separation of Telstra.<BR>
<BR>
"Today we are delivering historic reforms in Australia's long term <BR>
national interest," Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said this <BR>
morning.<BR>
<BR>
"The Government will require the functional separation of Telstra, <BR>
unless it decides to voluntarily structurally separate."<BR>
<BR>
Telstra has been given the choice of voluntarily separating its <BR>
infrastructure and retail arms in a manner approved by the competition <BR>
watchdog.<BR>
<BR>
If it chooses not to, the legislation will let the Government impose <BR>
rules on the way it operates.<BR>
<BR>
The rules include making sure Telstra charges other companies a fair <BR>
price to access its network.<BR>
<BR>
Telstra will also be prevented from moving into advanced wireless <BR>
broadband unless it separates and divests its cable broadband and <BR>
Foxtel assets.<BR>
<BR>
"These reforms will address Telstra's high level of integration to <BR>
promote greater competition and consumer benefits," Senator Conroy said.<BR>
<BR>
Related Coverage<BR>
<BR>
. More: Coverage at The Australian<BR>
. Conroy to enforce Telstra break-upThe Australian, 15 Sep 2009<BR>
. Rudd to break up TelstraDaily Telegraph, 15 Sep 2009<BR>
. Telstra to be broken upThe Australian, 15 Sep 2009<BR>
. Conroy lays path for Telstra splitAustralian IT, 15 Sep 2009<BR>
. Readers' Comments: Govt to force Telstra split - PerthNowPerth Now,<BR>
Your Say<BR>
<BR>
This is wonderful news. For far too long this 800 pound gorilla <BR>
dominated the telecommunications sector inflicting poor products, <BR>
services and prices on a nation that had little oth...<BR>
<BR>
(Read More)<BR>
<BR>
LCS of Sydney<BR>
The changes, included in an update to the Telecommunications Act, will <BR>
be tabled in Parliament today.<BR>
<BR>
Senator Conroy said Telstra and the Government had already been in <BR>
talks about the move.<BR>
<BR>
"Telstra are very constructively engaged in discussions with us <BR>
already," Senator Conroy said.<BR>
<BR>
"They were very well prepared already when we had our first meeting."<BR>
<BR>
The Government was flexible on how Telstra may choose to separate, he <BR>
said.<BR>
<BR>
"The Government maintains an open mind on how structural separation <BR>
may be achieved," he said.<BR>
<BR>
"It may include a new company Telstra that may transfer some of its <BR>
fixed-line assets to."<BR>
<BR>
Senator Conroy said previous governments of both persuasions had <BR>
failed to address telecommunications reform.<BR>
<BR>
"The measures in this legislation will finally correct the mistakes of <BR>
the past," he said.<BR>
<BR>
Telstra has previously strongly resisted moves to separate its <BR>
infrastructure and retail arms.<BR>
<BR>
The new laws will also give more power to the competition watchdog and <BR>
the communications minister to protect consumers and issue warnings to <BR>
telcos.<BR>
<BR>
A new Universal Service Obligation will ensure "all people in <BR>
Australia to have reasonable access on an equitable basis to standard <BR>
telephone services".<BR>
<BR>
It will also regulate the removal of payphones and include serious <BR>
penalties - up to $10 million - for Telstra if it fails to comply.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Finally, IMHO.. Discuss.<BR>
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