The Albanese Government is safeguarding Australians access to high-speed broadband wherever they live or conduct business, passing a series of new reforms for broadband and voice services with the new Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards and Other Measures) Act 2023.

The Act modifies the operation of the Statutory Infrastructure Provider (SIP) regime, with companies responsible for providing wholesale high-speed broadband and voice, and connecting customers to their networks in their service areas, now required to provide greater certainty to consumers if their current fixed service provider chooses to stop offering services. The SIP will be required to provide sufficient notice to NBN Co, the default SIP for Australia, to provide alternative infrastructure and ensure service continuity.

Private networks servicing new developments, such as retirement villages, will now be subject to SIP obligations, ensuring all consumers have access to quality broadband services. The Act also clarifies the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman's role in resolving disputes about SIP service connections.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is granted new powers to require developers to remediate defective infrastructure that supports telecommunications services in their new developments. The ACMA can now identify the performance of individual telcos in its public reports on a range of customer service issues, improving transparency and accountability. Service providers will be encouraged to improve their performance, while consumers will have access to more useful data to inform their choices.

"In 2024, access to telecommunications is critical for every aspect of modern life, whether that's running a small business, keeping in touch with family and friends, accessing remote learning or telehealth," said Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

Rowland said consumer safeguards were critical to ensure Australians can get and stay connected. "The Albanese Government's reforms to telecommunications law will give consumers more certainty, and improve telco industry transparency so that Australian families can make informed choices about the best service for them."