ACCC issues broadband speed guidance

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has recently issued guidance designed to help broadband providers to comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

It has been revealed that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has recently published an informational document that is aimed at providing guidance to hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) and fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband internet service providers.

Under the regulations Internet Service Providers that make claims relating to speeds have to have justification for making the claim. The speeds will have to actually be attainable in practise rather than the claims being made based on theory only. Any providers that do not comply are at risk of bearing the wrath of the ACCC.

An official from the ACCC said: “ISPs that under-deliver on their promises and fail to demonstrate a reasonable basis for their claims will be liable to ACCC enforcement action. The increase in the availability of high-speed broadband services can offer significant benefits to consumers and an opportunity for greater competition between retail ISPs.”

The official added: “However, for these benefits to be fully realised, ISPs must ensure that they do not market their services in a way that misleads consumers and results in an unfair competitive advantage.”

The ACCC is set to hold seminars on 19th and 20th of July at their offices in Sydney and Melbourne to enter into discussions about the paper with industry groups and stakeholders. Parties that are interested in attending the seminars are being urged to contact the ACCC for further details.

Source – MMD Newswire