Telstra opposes ACCC regional roaming market inquiry
- The ACCC launched an enquiry into mandating regional mobile data roaming across Australian networks.
- Telstra opposes mandated roaming, while TPG Telecom and Optus welcome the regulatory review.
- The ACCC expects to publish a discussion paper in September to evaluate long-term regional mobile competition.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched an enquiry considering mandated wholesale regional roaming access, which Telstra (ASX:TLS) opposes due to concerns over infrastructure investment incentive reductions.
The regulatory examination follows a previous 2017 review where the commission concluded that mandated roaming would not benefit consumers.
Telstra stated that recent industry changes, including a joint network deal between Optus and TPG Telecom (ASX:TPG) reaching 99% of Australians, make mandatory roaming unnecessary.
The regulator will assess regional mobile coverage needs, consumer choice, investment effects, and direct-to-device satellite technologies following its planned September discussion paper release.
Following the announcement, the Telstra share price was unchanged at $5, while TPG Telecom’s share price stood at $3.58.
The competition watchdog plans to hold regional forums to determine whether wholesale declaration would deliver long-term benefits to consumers.
Telecommunications providers are also progressing implementation of temporary disaster roaming to maintain emergency regional connectivity during natural disasters.
