There is now extensive infrastructure-based competition in 387 exchange service areas giving 5.6 million Australian homes and businesses access to alternative services from Telstra's competitors. Telstra has therefore submitted its third application to the ACCC requesting an exemption from regulation where it is no longer needed because there are ample alternatives are available to consumers.

The latest application covers "originating access" - regulation covering the initating of calls over Telstra's networks. Telstra argues that this regulation is no longer required because there is both retail and wholesale competition in these circumstances. For example:

• In the metropolitan areas where Telstra is seeking an exemption there are 11 or more competitors providing alternate services from Telstra’s exchanges.
• In the same areas, 3 million customers have access to fibre or cable-based services from four other providers.
• In 38% of these 387 exchanges there are four or more competiting infrastructure providers.

Telstra has urged the ACCC to rollback regulation where there is evidence of competition so that the market can more effectively set prices and provide incentives to investment.

The ACCC has lodged Telstra'a submission on its website for public comment, or it can be viewed at the link below.

Media release:

• Telstra launches third regulatory exemption application (www.telstra.com.au)