Addressing policy gaps in Australian telecommunications

This article examines the issue of policy gaps in the Australian telecommunications framework from the prospective and reflective viewpoints. Looking forward, the article examines the pressing need for an Australian 'master plan' for the development of the Digital Economy and related industry sectors. It also argues for a more comprehensive approach to ensuring that Australian consumers are equipped to make a smooth transition to fibre-based telecommunications services and to make informed decisions that will optimise their communications experience in an NBN world. The article stresses that it is equally important for Government and regulators to review and possibly remove the raft of existing provisions that were designed and implemented for an earlier telecommunications era. It argues that many of these instruments presently serve little purpose other than to impose costs and obligations on industry players which outweigh any attendant benefit and reduce the industry's competitiveness and flexibility.