TELECOMMUNICATIONS. Infrastructure Type ACT 2010 ACT 2005 National 2005 National 2001 Telecommunications B- Not rated Not rated B

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2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 9.1 Summary Infrastructure Type ACT 2010 ACT 2005 National 2005 National 2001 Telecommunications B- Not rated Not rated B This rating recognises that there has been improvement in mobile and broadband infrastructure, but there are still a number of blackspots where services are inadequate. In 2007, Engineers Australia rated telecommunications in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Report Card It is not possible to compare its rating with the one in this chapter due to their different rating methodologies. Statistical Division Name Fixed Infrastructure Mobile Infrastructure Rankings (2007) Rankings (2007) Canberra C D Developments since 2007 have continued the trends of: Increasing demand for high speed broadband services Continual growth in mobile phone ownership Increasing capability of mobile telephone networks including increases in coverage, reliability, function and capacity Increasing competition in the provision of telecommunication services. Recent and in-progress infrastructure projects include: Deploying a Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) network in greenfield developments in the north-east suburbs of Forde, Crace, Bonner and parts of Franklin Construction of the ACT s first dedicated FTTP gateway, which offers 100Mbps download speed services The Australian Government s National Broadband Network (NBN). Challenges to improving telecommunications infrastructure include: Creating a value proposition for ubiquitous high speed broadband Accessing investment in the post global financial crisis Selecting optimal technologies Addressing the lack of clarity in regulation and access arrangements Addressing inadequate high speed broadband in north Canberra. 133

3 9.2 Infrastructure overview System description The ACT s telecommunications infrastructure consists of fixed infrastructure related to customer access networks (CAN) and backhaul transmission networks. The key elements rated in this chapter are: Fixed line CAN infrastructure Mobile CAN infrastructure Backhaul infrastructure. The provision of telecommunications services operates within a market structure comprising: Carriers, the owner of a network used to supply carriage services to the public Carriage service providers, the organisations that use a carrier service to supply telecommunications services to the public using carrier-owned networks; internet service providers (ISPs) are carriage service providers Content service providers, the organisations that supply broadcasting and on-line services to the public. This section does not address satellite telecommunications infrastructure, government radio networks or content service providers. Private telecommunication systems that have no impact on public telecommunications are also not considered. Table 9.1 lists the infrastructure that this section assesses. Table 9.1: Infrastructure assessed in the Report Card 532 Type Purpose Technologies Customer Access Network (CAN) Fixed line Mobile Connects customer to an aggregation point Copper twisted pairs DSL Access Multiplexers (using twisted pairs, possibly in the form of ULL or LSS) FTTK (fibre-to-the-kerb) technology with VDSL over the final mile Access fibre networks (fibre to the premises/home) Cellular 2G, 2.5G and 3G mobile networks Backhaul Connects aggregation points to major nodes in capital cities or regional centres, and provides highcapacity links between capital cities, or from regional centres to capital cities Transmission fibre Fibre trunks Microwave links Fixed line CAN infrastructure The fixed line CAN represents the link between the telephone exchange and the customer. Fixed line infrastructure includes twisted pair copper wire, broadband cable, fibre to the home/premises, and FTTK (fibre-to-the-kerb) technology with VDSL over the final mile. It provides telephony, data transfer and internet connections. Copper wire is the standard medium for connecting fixed line services to end-user premises. The largest fixed line CAN in the ACT is owned by Telstra, although TransACT is connected to 20% of homes. 533 Mobile CAN infrastructure Mobile CAN infrastructure supports mobile telephone, data and multimedia services to mobile handsets. There are three mobile carriers operating six separate mobile networks in the ACT. 134

4 1999/ / / / / / / / /08 Millions of services Telecommunications These networks use either 2G/2.5G (henceforth known as GSM) or 3G services. From an infrastructure perspective, there are really only four discrete networks as GSM and 3G share substantial common network systems. The networks are owned by Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Hutchison. GSM networks are operated by: Telstra Optus Vodafone (TransACT s mobile and mobile broadband services are available on the Vodafone network) G networks in the ACT are operated by: Telstra (Next G Network) Hutchison 3 (Hutchison/Telstra network) Optus/Vodafone (shared network infrastructure). The GSM networks were primarily designed for voice services but are capable of supporting data services at a lower rate than 3G networks. The 3G network allows much higher data transfer rates than the GSM networks, allowing consumers to access a wider range of applications. The 3G technology allows carriers to offer a wider range of service to consumers and achieve a more efficient use of spectrum that allows for greater network capacity. 3G networks provide access to data and the internet through either a mobile handset or a data card that is inserted into a computer. The 3G networks can provide peak download speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.9 Mbps. However, it should be noted that mobile broadband capacity is typically shared amongst multiple simultaneous users and is therefore subject to contention. The growth in mobile phones has been substantial over the last decade as seen in Figure 9.1. It shows that the number of mobile phones exceeded fixed-line phones from Figure 9.1: Take-up of fixed-line and mobile phones (Australia-wide) Mobile phone Fixed-line phone While the primary use of mobile phones and other devices is voice, increasingly, non-voice services are providing a greater share of total revenue. The main uses of mobile phones are: Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Message Service (MMS) Web browsing and other data services Personal aids include personal digital assistants (PDAs), GPS-enabled navigation and USB drives Mobile TV and video streaming Mobile commerce, interactive services and location-based services

5 The growth in mobile broadband speed is significant and likely to accelerate the update of mobile phones for applications that require large amounts of data in near real-time. It is expected that by 2012, mobile networks will theoretically be capable of speeds of 100Mbits/s 537 given sufficient bandwidth allocation, however, user speed will generally decline at peak times. Backhaul infrastructure Backhaul infrastructure connects telecommunication aggregation points to major nodes in capital cities or regional centres, and provides high-capacity links between capital cities, or from regional centres to capital cities. Backhaul is provided by fibre or microwave technologies, and while fibrebased infrastructure provides the highest bandwidth, construction is more capital intensive Policy and governance The Australian Government s strategic vision for telecommunications reflects that while telecommunications can be an enormous contributor to the economy and to the lifestyle, health and safety of the community, telecommunications provision and innovation are primarily driven by market forces. Consequently, the Australian Government considers that its major role in the area is to encourage the uptake of telecommunications and the development of telecommunications goods and services. The key to achieving this is a supportive regulatory framework and selective intervention when markets fail to deliver competition or appropriate services. In July 2009, the Australian Government released its Australia s Digital Economy: Future Directions paper, which aims to develop the digital economy. The ACT Government has not developed a policy blueprint or strategic position on the development of the ACT s telecommunication infrastructure. Australia s telecommunications industry is subject to a regulatory framework defined by the Telecommunications Act Its core aim is to promote the long-term interests of end-users of telecommunications services. The framework relies on industry self-regulation to develop codes and standards in all areas that apply to the sector. However, Government regulators have the power to intervene if industry selfregulation is not working effectively in specific instances. The key types of framework documents developed under self-regulation are: Industry Codes, which are rules or guidelines governing particular aspects of telecommunications, developed by industry Industry Standards, which are rules or guidelines similar to industry codes, but determined by the ACMA Technical Standards, which cover the technical parameters of customer equipment, such as cables and networks. 538 Two other key elements of the regulatory framework are the: Telecommunications (Consumer Protections and Service Standards) Act 1999, which legislates a number of consumer protection matters, particularly the Universal Service Regime, the National Relay Service, and continued access to untimed local calls Trade Practices Act 1974, which includes two telecommunications-specific parts, Parts XIB and XIC, covering anti-competitive conduct provisions and a telecommunications-specific access regime respectively. ll The radio spectrum framework is defined in the Radiocommunications Act 1992 that sets out the tools to manage the spectrum including frequency planning, licensing and technical standards. ll The access rules under this legislation provide a framework for determining the services to which content service providers have a right to access for the purpose of providing their own competing services, and the cost at which such services will be provided to them. 136

6 In September 2009, the Australian Government announced that it would be seeking major telecommunication reforms as the existing telecommunications anti-competitive conduct and access regimes are cumbersome, open to gaming and abuse, and provide insufficient certainty for investment. The proposed reforms involve: A structural separation of Telstra that primarily involves separating the network operations/wholesale functions from the retail functions Streamlining the competition regime to provide more certain and quicker outcomes for telecommunications companies Strengthening consumer safeguards, notably the Universal Service Obligation, Customer Service Guarantee and Priority Assistance Removing redundant and inefficient regulatory red tape. mm The Commonwealth Telecommunications Act 1997 exempts low-impact and certain other telecommunications facilities from most planning requirements under Territory legislation. nn However, for other facilities, the ACT Government planning schemes apply. To facilitate the efficient development of telecommunications infrastructure, the ACT Government in 2005 introduced the Guideline for Telecommunications (MobilePhone) Networks. This guideline outlines the procedure for the exemption of certain telecommunication infrastructure from development approval. Key multi-jurisdictional bodies and government agencies are: Australian Government, Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE). The DBCDE has a leading role in outlining the strategic direction of the telecommunications sector, and providing advice on all regulatory policy aspects of the telecommunications and radiocommunications sectors. Its Telecommunications Industry Division also provides advice on legislative and administrative arrangements for Telstra and Australia Post. Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The ACMA is a regulator of the Australian communications industry, with specific responsibilities for the regulation of broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications consumer and technical matters. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The ACCC regulates competition in the telecommunications industry with specific responsibilities for the administration of the regulation of anti-competitive conduct, and the approval and arbitration of access codes developed by the industry. Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). The TIO provides an independent dispute resolution forum for complaints made by residential and small business consumers of telecommunications services. The TIO is funded through charges levied on carriers and service providers on the basis of complaints received against them. Communications Alliance Ltd. The Communications Alliance is the peak communications industry body and has primary responsibility for developing technical, operational and consumer industry codes and standards for the industry. 539 ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA). The ACTPLA publishes the ACT guidelines for installation of telecommunication facilities. In 2007, the ACT Government introduced the Utilities Network Facilities Tax (UNFT), which is charged at a rate per kilometre of infrastructure. All telecommunication providers in the ACT are subject to this tax. The tax is passed on to customers, and for TransACT s residential fixed line customers it equates to $3.30 per month. 540 mm Draft legislation was released on 13 September nn These facilities are described in the Telecommunications Act 1997, the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997, and the Telecommunications Code of Practice

7 9.2.3 Sector trends Growth in TransACT provision TransACT Communications Pty Limited (TransACT) is an ACT-based, privately owned telecommunications company, formed in The major shareholder is TVG TransAct Holdings SCA and ACTEW Corporation. TransACT s original mission was to be an access-only provider with services provided by third party providers. This resulted in it developing an open access telecommunications network so that a range of service and content providers could operate across it. Today some 11 internet service providers (ISPs) offer services across it. Over the last 10 years, TransACT has developed its telecommunications products and services offerings, which include: Fixed-line and mobile telephony High speed broadband Broadcast subscription television services featuring a wide choice of channels Video on demand (VOD) featuring a wide variety of content. TransACT direct-connect services are now available across Canberra and Queanbeyan. 541 The TransACT network evolved as described in Table 9.2. Table 9.2: Development of the TransACT network Phase Phase 1: Initial FTTN/FTTC roll-out 2000 to 2004) Phase 2: Utilising Telstra s ULLS (2003 onwards) Phase 3: FTTP greenfield developments (2007 onwards) Description This phase involved developing parallel voice and data networks based on fibre to the node/curb (FTTN/FTTC) network. Work involves installing optical fibre to transmission equipment (such as an ONU or DSLAM) near to the end-user. In TransACT s FTTN network, optic fibre is taken to within 300 metres of the connection to the home, from which very high speed DSL (VDSL) is used to carry data and video transmissions over copper to the customer premises. For voice, optic fibre is taken up to 1200 metres from the premises to an ONU where copper is then used to distribute a range of voice services including POTS and ISDN to the customer. Each optical fibre cable services a small area of around 45 to 65 homes and businesses for data and video, or up to 400 premises for voice services. 542 This deployment offers telephony and broadband data connections from 256kbps through to 10Mbps, as well as video services. This network passes approximately 60,000 homes. The areas chosen for this phase were mainly those which had overhead electricity supply so that fibre could be strung on poles rather than placed underground. In late 2003, TransACT started to use Telstra s unconditioned local loop service (ULLS) to deliver voice and data services to end customers. This involved locating Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) within Telstra exchanges, and using TransACT fibre infrastructure to connect from the exchanges back to TransACT s data centre in Dickson. This deployment offers telephony and broadband data connections (from 256kbps through to 20Mbps). The Telstra exchanges targeted for this deployment were those that covered the residences not serviced by the initial Phase 1 roll-out. This phase involves deploying a FTTP network in various greenfield developments most notably in the northern suburbs of Forde, Crace, Bonner and parts of Franklin. It started in May 2007 when TransACT announced the roll-out of a FTTP network in Forde designed to provide download speeds up to 100Mbits. This deployment is supported by TransACT s first FTTP gateway, opened in November 2009 in Forde, which is a 100% fibre-based, copper free building dedicated to delivering voice, ultra high speed broadband of up to 100Mbps, IPTV and radio frequency (RF) overlay products and services over TransACT s gigabit passive optical-fibre networks (GPON). 543 It also offers a fixed-wireless phone and broadband service called Skydata using Motorola Canopy wireless technology. This service is designed to support those customers that are not able to access ADSL in Amaroo, Charnwood, Dunlop, Franklin, Gungahlin, Harrison, Ngunnawal, Nicholls and Palmerston

8 Digital Data Speed Mbps Telecommunications In early 2009 TransACT began fitting select medium density developments (both existing and new) with VDSL2 DSLAMs supporting voice, data and video products. A program to roll-out FTTP to approximately 1,000 existing homes is being considered by the TransACT board to allow a better understanding of the costs of brownfield FTTP development. 545 Growth in broadband uptake Broadband is a class of data transmission technologies, including optic-fibre (FTTx), xdsl (such as ADSL, ADSL2+ and VDSL), HFC cable and wireless (such as WiMAX, HSPA and LTE). 546 Broadband speed is continuing to increase with the faster speeds being delivered by fixed line followed by wireless networks. Figure 9.2 illustrates the speed comparisons for different broadband technologies. The speeds listed are peak speeds. The actual speed experienced by users depends on the quality of the line/connection, number of simultaneous users, traffic congestion on the internet, physical location, distance from an exchange/node, and broadband speed caps applied by internet providers. While higher speeds are often in excess of what is needed by customers currently, over time, new applications will invariably be developed that will utilise the high speed. 547 oo Figure 9.2: Digital data speed comparison Digital Data Service Obligation NBN Fibre connection connection to 90% of Australians in the future ADSL2 ADSL2+ Broadband Technologies NBN wireless and satellite connection to 10% of Australia The combination of increased speed and increased demand has resulted in continual growth in broadband connections. Figure 9.3 displays both the ACT s and Australia s take-up of ISP subscriptions. oo Fibre can provide speeds in excess of 100Mbps but is constrained by the cost of the electronics at both the supplier and user end. 139

9 Jun-06 Sep-06 Dec-06 Mar-07 Jun-07 Sep-07 Dec-07 Mar-08 Jun-08 Sep-08 Dec-08 Mar-09 Jun-09 Total ISP Subscriptions ('000) Telecommunications Figure 9.3: Total ISP subscriptions 548 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Australia ACT The percentage of connections using different broadband technologies is shown in Figure 9.4. Figure 9.4: Type of broadband connection 549 Wireless, 12% Don't know, 12% Satellite, 1% Cable, 19% DSL/ADSL, 56% The past growth in broadband is expected to continue. The availability of reasonably-priced fourth generation (4G) cellular and other wireless telecommunication technology and the roll-out of the NBN will accelerate this. In September 2009, TransACT announced that it would offer 100Mbps download speeds to its customers on its FTTP network. 550 It should be noted that 100Mbps on a HFC network is shared and sometimes heavily contested capacity. It can be shared amongst a community of several hundred users. In contrast, 100Mbps users on an FTTP network are typically sharing 1 or 2Gbps between at most 32 users. Roll-out of Government broadband infrastructure In response to the increasing demand for high-speed broadband services, and need to provide broadband services in regional and other areas with limited access, the Australian Government has initiated a number of projects to develop broadband networks. National Broadband Network In early 2009, the Australian Government announced that it would be building the National Broadband Network (NBN). The NBN aims to connect 90% of Australian homes, schools and workplaces with 100Mbps broadband services through FTTP (fibre to the premises) connections. The remaining 10% will each be provided with a 12Mbps wireless or satellite broadband service. The network will be built and operated by a new company specifically established by the Australian Government for the project. Investment in the company will, according to preliminary estimates, 140

10 total up to $43 billion over eight years. Funding for the company will come primarily from the Australian Government through the Building Australia Fund, which will be the majority shareholder. The Australian Government expects private sector investment in the company through the Australian Government issuance of Aussie Infrastructure Bonds (AIBs). The Australian Government intends to sell its interest in the company after the network is built and fully operational. The Australian Government claims that the NBN will lead to a significant reform in the telecommunication industry as it will create a complete separation between the infrastructure provider and the retail service providers. This separation may or may not lead to greater retail competition and lower prices. TransACT has signed a confidentiality agreement with the National Broadband Network (NBN) Company on 24 November 2009 to explore potential involvement. Fibre in Greenfield Estates The Australian Government has announced that all greenfield estates that receive planning approval after 1 July 2010 will require fibre-to-the-premises infrastructure. This initiative is designed to ensure that homes built in new developments or major redevelopments are connected via fibre infrastructure. In December 2009, the Australian Government released an exposure draft of a bill to implement the changes. 551 TransACT may roll out fibre to greenfield sites in Canberra if it and the developer reach an appropriate agreement. In December, TransACT signed an agreement with the ACT Land Development Agency to provide FTTP services to medium density units along the Flemington Road corridor in north-east Canberra, between Franklin and Harrison and up to Gungahlin Performance Fixed line CAN infrastructure performance Fixed line telephone provision is universal as it is a requirement for Telstra, under the Australian Government s universal service obligation (USO), to ensure that standard telephone services are reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis. pp The cost of supplying lossmaking services that are required to fulfil the USO is shared among all carriers. ACMA s surveys identify that the majority of Australians are largely satisfied with their fixed-line service. As seen in Table 9.3, over 80% of people stated that their fixed line phone service met or exceeded their expectations. 553 This perception did not appear to differ by the caller s location or the call s destination. Table 9.3: Household consumer satisfaction with fixed-line service providers by location Australia-wide, January June Service provider type Local Long distance International Consumer opinion Metro Non-metro Metro Non-metro Metro Non-metro Exceeded my expectations 7% 9% 6% 8% 7% 8% Mostly met my expectations 73% 73% 74% 75% 73% 73% Sometimes met my expectations 14% 13% 15% 12% 15% 13% Rarely met my expectations 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 6% pp The details of Telstra s fulfilling its obligations as universal service provider is contained in the Telstra policy statement and marketing plan approved by ACMA. These are available from 141

11 Figure 9.5 identifies the nature of complaints relating to fixed lines. Figure 9.5: Fixed line complaints Australia-wide, 2008/ % 7% 7% 15% 4% 4% Customer service 20% Billing and payments Faults Complaint handling Provisioning Contracts Credit management 25% Customer transfers Others 10% Evaluating the performance of broadband involves assessing the grade and quality of services. This normally involves assessing not only infrastructure issues, such as coverage and capacity, but also market issues such as pricing and packages offered. However, the Report Card focuses on infrastructure issues and while making comment on the existence of multiple broadband infrastructure providers in a market, does not rate the affordability of broadband. In the ACT, fixed line broadband is provided either via Telstra s or TransACT s infrastructure. This is one of the few jurisdictions where there is a serious competitor to Telstra s dominance of the access network. Determining the coverage and capacity of broadband provision is very difficult using publically-available information. Public information is often insufficiently detailed to provide an accurate picture. For instance, while ADSL coverage maps are available, these tend to overstate the ADSL coverage area, as the shaded areas assume that the exchange results in the entire telephone exchange area receiving ADSL services. In reality, ADSL performance reduces the further the distance from the exchange, and during periods of high traffic demand. It should be noted that TransACT provided considerable information in the preparation of this Report Card in contrast to the other major telecommunication providers. Within Canberra, nearly all suburbs, with the exception of the Gungahlin area, have adequate coverage and capacity. However, even in the well-served areas there are pockets that do not have reliable coverage. 556 To address these problems, investment would be required in removing or upgrading Pair Gain systems, but this will only occur where providers can make a commercial return on the investment. However, in developed areas where the vast majority of demand is met, addressing small-scale blackspots is not a priority. The Gungahlin area is mainly served by ADSL, although the new areas of Forde and Franklin have access to FTTP provided by TransACT. This is a fast-growing region with significant unsatisfied demand. While the upgrade of Remote Integrated Multiplexers (RIM) to Customer Multiplexer (CMUX) between 2005 and mid-2008 resulted in nearly all the residents of the greater Gungahlin area having access to ADSL, these consolidation points are all terminating in one exchange. The CMUX infrastructure deployed in this area has insufficient port availability and back haul capacity to serve the area at a reasonable service level, particularly at peak times. 557 The majority of the ACT s broadband connections are provided by copper wire fixed lines. About 70% of broadband connections are DSL, and the most common form is ADSL. ADSL uses Telstra s copper phone network to connect to the home from exchanges. 558 Figure 9.6 shows the physical ADSL-capable exchanges in the ACT that are owned by Telstra. 142

12 Figure 9.6: ADSL enabled exchanges in the ACT (red signifies ADSL1 and green ADSL 2+ exchanges) 559 Upgrading of exchanges is continuously occurring and details of the availability of ADSL ports in exchanges and by CMUX are available from Telstra Wholesale at and on ADSl2exchanges.com.au under the RIM section. Figure 9.7 shows TransACT s coverage, which includes both their initial Phase 1 and 2 but not the Phase 3 deployments. By November 2009, TransACT had rolled out a FTTP network covering 16,000 homes and a FTTC network covering 60,000 homes. 143

13 Figure 9.7: Indicative TransACT Network Coverage (January 2010) Mobile CAN infrastructure performance GSM network coverage by each of the three providers is extensive across the Territory with the only significant area of poor coverage being the Namadgi National Park region in the south. Figure 9.8 identifies the number and type of complaints with mobile phones. Of the complaints, 13,056 of these complaints were relating to faults in the mobile network. With the introduction of the 3G services, the level of complaints has fallen significantly. 144

14 Figure 9.8: Mobile complaints issued by category, 2008/ % 1% 1% 26% 11% 1% 14% Customer service Billing and payments Faults Complaint handling Provisioning Contracts Credit management Customer transfers Others 10% 16% Backhaul infrastructure In assessing backhaul, the key issue is if there is at least one backhaul link. A single backhaul link is obviously necessary to provide high speed connectivity between areas. More than one backhaul link is normally required to provide competition for without it, the monopoly supplier will exploit its power and charge high access rates. Additional backhaul links also provide redundancy so that if one is cut, typically by a backhoe, then communication can be rerouted preventing telecommunication loss. Canberra has multiple backhaul providers that meet demand, provide redundancy and offer competitively priced services. 9.4 Future challenges Creating a value proposition for ubiquitous high speed broadband. The NBN aims to provide universal high speed broadband access, and it is claimed that this will deliver significant improvements in business efficiency and innovation, and quality of life improvements. However, while there is no doubt that its higher speed and universal access will be welcome, the cost of it will be significant. Already the vast majority of all businesses have high speed access, as do the majority of urban Australians if they wish to purchase it. Thus a challenge facing the NBN will be in creating an appropriate value proposition that is sufficiently attractive for customers to make the infrastructure investment justified. In the ACT, TransACT is already offering the NBN targeted 100Mbps download speed to certain areas. Accessing investment in the global financial crisis. Following the global financial crisis, capital availability has not returned to pre-crisis levels. As telecommunication companies are capital intensive, reduced capital availability slows upgrade and expansion plans. Selecting optimal technologies. There are many technologies that telecommunications companies can deploy. All have tradeoffs such as cost, risk, capability and compatibility. The selection of technologies is critical in preventing stranding of assets, particularly for smaller telecommunication companies that do not dominate the market, and for those wishing to be compatible with the NBN. Addressing the lack of clarity in regulation and access arrangements. A lack of clarity in regulation and access arrangements has slowed telecommunication companies investing in infrastructure. For example, TransACT has slowed its DSLAM deployments in the ACT due to uncertainty about ULLS pricing. TransACT has been concerned that its significant investment in deploying DSLAMs will effectively become stranded before a satisfactory commercial outcome for the investment can be obtained. 562 Consequently, the nature of the Australian Government s current telecommunication reforms will be critical in providing the certainty required for telecommunication investment. Addressing inadequate high speed broadband. Some area of Gungahlin and Queanbeyan are under-served by ADSL. 145

15 9.5 Report Card Rating Infrastructure Type ACT 2010 ACT 2005 National 2005 National 2001 Telecommunications B- Not rated Not rated B Based on considerations of planning, funding, and infrastructure capacity and condition, the ACT s telecommunication infrastructure has been rated B-. This rating recognises that there has been improvement in mobile and broadband infrastructure, but there are still a number of blackspots where services are inadequate. Positives that have contributed to the rating are: Increased quality of broadband services for the majority of Canberra s population Multiple backhaul providers NBN vision to provide fibre to premises or wireless broadband capability for all Australians Improvements to Gungahlin and other under-served areas. Negatives that have contributed to the rating are: Existence of high speed, broadband blackspots in Canberra and the surrounding region, in particular, Gungahlin and areas of Queanbeyan Lack of clarity on converting the NBN vision into reality, and the role that TransACT s infrastructure will have in the NBN Risk to the future of existing telecommunication providers arising from the NBN. 146