Competition in the Australian telecommunications sector 2015-16 – the ACCC perspective

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its 2015-16 report on competition in the Australian telecommunications sector and price changes for Australian telecommunications services on 8 March 2017.

The report relates to the 2015-16 financial year and is so dated, but does provide some useful insights. In releasing the report, the Chair of the ACCC, Rod Sims, noted that consumer demand, particularly the increasing consumer appetite for data, is driving changes in the sector. Generally prices for services have fallen in real terms, but internet services prices have increased. Although some consumers may be paying more for internet services, the report states data allowances significantly increased over the year. The ACCC also found that the market for retail services is competitive, notwithstanding some industry consolidation and the ongoing transition to new cost structures. On enforcement issues, the ACCC warned industry participants the