SYDNEY - [AAP] The consumer watchdog wants to hear the views of stakeholders as part of its inquiry into national broadband network wholesale service standards to help it decide whether regulation is needed for the sector.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's discussion paper seeks feedback on the service levels that NBN Co, the network builder, commits to in its wholesale contracts, and on fault fixing and appointments, plus service providers' access to rebates or compensation when NBN Co fails to meet its commitments.

"These standards are a key part of the commercial arrangements between NBN Co and internet service providers (ISPs) that affect NBN customer experiences," the ACCC said in a statement on Monday.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims says the watchdog is concerned that complaints about connecting to the NBN, including missed appointments and having faults repaired, will continue to grow unless improvements are made now.

"This inquiry will consider whether there are appropriate incentives for NBN Co to remedy service failures," Mr Sims said.

"We will also look at the compensation made available by NBN Co to ISPs (internet service providers), which are responsible for providing redress directly to consumers when things go wrong," Mr Sims said.

In November, the watchdog launched its inquiry into the wholesale service contracts with ISPs like Optus and Telstra and looking at whether regulation is necessary to improve consumer experiences.

The ACCC said it welcomes stakeholders' perspectives on other, broader issues relating to NBN wholesale service experiences, with submissions due by February 16.

 

AAP logo image

© [2017] Australian Associated Press Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors. This is the Morningstar service with content provided by AAP where indicated. AAP reserves all rights, including copyright, in services provided by it. The information in the service is for personal use only, does not constitute financial product advice (whether general or personal) and may not be re-written, copied, re-sold or re-distributed, framed, linked or otherwise used whether for compensation of any kind or not, without the prior written permission of AAP. You should seek advice from a professional financial adviser before making decision to acquire or dispose of a financial product.

This service is published for general information purposes only without assuming a duty of care. AAP is not in the business of providing financial product advice (whether personal or general advice), and gives no warranty, guarantee or other representation about the accuracy of the information or images contained in this service. AAP is not liable for errors, omissions in, delays or interruptions to or cessation of the services through negligence or otherwise. The globe symbol and "AAP" are registered trademarks.