Regulation Impact Statement for consultation – Department of Communications and the Arts
On 12 December 2016, the Department of Communications and the Arts released draft legislation for a package of reforms for the telecommunications industry. One part of the package proposes to implement a funding arrangement, the Regional Broadband Scheme (the Scheme), to provide ongoing funding for NBN Co Ltd’s (nbn’s) fixed wireless and satellite services (the non-commercial services) in regional areas.
The Scheme will require all superfast broadband network providers to contribute (including nbn), towards the long-term costs of nbn’s provision of satellite and fixed wireless services. A RIS has been prepared by the Department to assist the Government in making a decision around the design and implementation of the Scheme. The Scheme will raise around $410 million in the first year of its implementation. An estimated $40 million will be raised from eligible non-nbn networks with the remaining $370 million being contributed from nbn.
Consistent with best practice, a RIS has been submitted to the Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) for early assessment. The consultation period ends on 3 February 2017.