Remaking the Telecommunications (Payphone Performance Benchmarks) Record-Keeping Rules 2012 - consultation 48/2021

We are consulting on a proposal to remake the Telecommunications (Payphone Performance Benchmarks) Record-Keeping Rules 2012 (the RKRs), as they are due to sunset on 1 April 2022.

Telstra is currently the sole Primary Universal Service Provider (PUSP) for payphones and must meet or exceed the minimum performance benchmarks.

To monitor performance and, if necessary, take enforcement action, the ACMA requires reliable records to be kept and reported upon by the PUSP. These requirements are currently specified in the RKRs made under section 529 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.

We have formed the preliminary view that this instrument is operating effectively and efficiently and, as such, continues to form a necessary and useful part of the legislative framework. Accordingly, we are consulting on the proposed remaking of these rules before they sunset, without any significant changes, so that their ongoing effect is preserved.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is also consulting on the sunsetting and remaking of the benchmarks, which the RKRs are used to monitor.

Any changes to the benchmarks relevant to the operation of the RKRs, will be reflected in an amendment to the RKRs as soon as possible after the finalisation of the Department’s process.

We welcome comments from interested stakeholders on any of the issues raised in the consultation paper. We specifically invite comments on:

1. Are the RKRs operating effectively and efficiently?
2. Are there any changes that should be made to the RKRs?