Reforms to federal telecommunications legislation passed Parliament last week to introduce new consumer protections especially regarding the Statutory Infrastructure Provider (SIP) regime.

The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards and Other Measures) Act 2023 will improve the current SIP system to connect Australians to high-speed broadband and voice network services wherever they live or have a business, and ensure customers are supported if their fixed service providers stop offering services.

The reforms will require the SIP to provide sufficient notice to NBN Co if they are ceasing their services in a certain area, from which the default SIP provider can organise a move to alternative infrastructure and ensure service continuity.

It also requires private networks on new developments, such as retirement villages, to be compliant under SIP obligations and provide all consumers with efficient, high-speed broadband connectivity.

“In 2024, access to telecommunications is critical for every aspect of modern life, whether that’s running a small business, keeping in touch with family and friends, accessing remote learning or telehealth,” Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said.

“Consumer safeguards are critical for ensuring Australians get and stay connected.

“The Albanese Government’s reforms to telecommunications law will give consumers more certainty, and improve telco industry transparency so that Australian families can make informed choices about the best service for them.”

The new laws also reaffirmed Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s involvement in resolving disputes about SIP service connections between consumers and providers, and empowered the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to “require developers to remediate defective infrastructure that supports telecommunications services in their new developments”.

“The ACMA will also now be able to identify the performance of individual telcos in its public reports on a range of customer service issues, improving transparency and accountability. Service providers will be encouraged to improve their performance, while consumers will have access to more useful data to inform their choices,” the statement said.