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National Broadband Network battery back up options and record keeping – Options-stage Regulation Impact Statement

On 26 November 2013, the Chairman of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced  a proposal mandating communication service providers to provide National Broadband Network (NBN) consumers with information about back up batteries. Currently all NBN consumers are provided with a back up battery, so that in the event of a power failure they will still be able to use the phone services. The NBN phones, unlike phones using a copper wire, will not be able to work in the event of a power failure.  However, some consumers do not want the back up battery because they consider it to be unsightly and they can use their mobile phones in the event of a power failure. Some consumers who do not want the battery may not be aware of the risks they face in the event of a power failure.  Under the proposal, communication service providers are required to provide consumers with information enabling them to make an informed decision and to record it. The proposal has been assessed as likely to have a limited impact on the economy with no impact on competition. An options-stage RIS has been prepared by ACMA and was certified by the General Manager of its Digital Economy Division, under the best practice regulation requirements.  The closing date for submissions is 20 December 2013.