Competition and Consumers in Telecommunications: Industry-Specific Competition

Abstract

With the introduction of telecommunications-specific competition regulation in July 1997, the Australian telecommunications industry began a transition which is transforming its structure and operations. Under amendments to the Trade Practices Act, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was given responsibility for applying the regulation, which established an access regime and special powers in relation to anti-competitive conduct. In this article, the Commission's chairman, Professor Allan Fels, summarises the operation of the regime over the last three years and outlines the Commission's major decisions and approaches. In a year when the regulation is subject to review, he also expresses some views on the issues which will influence future regulatory directions in telecommunications.