The new policy reflects the Government’s concern that previous arrangements
unduly tilted the playing field against private infrastructure providers who
had to compete against nbn, which provided infrastructure at no charge to
developers. While the Government supports nbn’s participation in the new
developments market, this should not be at the expense of fair competition
and the benefits it brings.

The introduction of charges for the provision of telecommunications
infrastructure by nbn in new developments is important in fixing this
problem. If nbn charges for infrastructure, alternative providers have the
ability and incentive to compete with nbn, putting downward pressure on costs
and encouraging innovation.

People buying property in new developments can also foster better outcomes by
checking developers have arranged for quality telecommunications before
buying.

The charges being introduced have been set at a level that will enable other
providers to offer competitive solutions but with little effect on housing
affordability for consumers. The charges only apply to new infrastructure in
new developments, not to the nbn rollout to existing premises in established
areas.

Charges are being phased in to help the development and communications
industries to adjust to the changes. The policy also includes a number of
additional measures to assist developers adapt to charges for backhaul
infrastructure. There has been extensive consultation with stakeholders on
the new policy

The Government is now working on a number of measures to support the policy,
including new carrier licence conditions to deliver minimum standards for
telecommunications in new developments and a website to map new developments
and show providers servicing new developments.