The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been tasked by the federal government with conducting an investigation into rural mobile tower connectivity.
The 12-month investigation will look into what regulatory action may be done to make it simpler for a mobile provider to access a competitor’s tower, as well as if it’s possible to force carriers to give free roaming over each other’s networks during natural disasters.
The ACCC has been tasked with investigating the costs of delivering “towers and related passive and active infrastructure,” as well as the expenses of obtaining land for towers.
The investigation will also seek views on how much a third party pays to access a carrier’s tower, including the expenses of giving access to the towers (for example, to install base station hardware).
The investigation will also examine into the economic and regulatory arrangements around tower access, and the commission will look into what factors affect industry investments in towers.
“The ACCC will seek submissions from a wide variety of stakeholders, including organisations that supply towers and associated infrastructure, as well as organisations that utilise towers to deliver services to Australians,” communications minister Paul Fletcher said.
“One element that raises the need for this assessment is that both Telstra and Optus have sold a portion of their tower networks to other parties in the recent year.”
“The inquiry will particularly address whether roaming may be triggered in areas where there is a disaster or other emergency, regardless of whose telco individuals may be using during the crisis,” she added.
“During natural disasters and other catastrophes, this might assist our regional communities stay safe and connected to business and loved ones.”
The investigation will look into the technical viability of roaming provisions as well as the necessary business systems and processes.
The ACCC must begin the investigation by July 1 and report within 12 months.