The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its final report on regulated rates for voice interconnection services, affecting providers including Aussie Broadband (ASX:ABB).
The determination sets new rates for mobile terminating access services, fixed terminating access services, and fixed originating access services, with MTAS rates dropping from 1.19c/min to 0.93c/min from July 1, 2026, and FTAS/FOAS rates gradually falling from 0.86c/min to 0.26c/min by June 30, 2029.
The changes follow extensive industry consultation, including submissions from Aussie Broadband, and will impact the company's revenue and profitability from FY27 onwards.
Aussie Broadband, which invests heavily in essential fixed-line networks through its NetSIP and Symbio voice platforms, warned that the rate reductions could affect the resilience of critical infrastructure, including emergency 000 access and regional connectivity.
The company plans to evaluate mitigation strategies to offset financial impacts, estimating an EBITDA reduction of around $3 million in FY27 and $6 million in FY28—less than 2% of its guided FY26 EBITDA range.
CEO Brian Maher acknowledged the delayed implementation gives time to adjust, but expressed disappointment that the ACCC did not fully consider the broader implications for fixed-line network investment and community resilience.