About the SIP regime
All service areas in Australia have a statutory infrastructure provider – a SIP. SIPs must provide basic wholesale broadband services in the areas they service. This includes voice services if they operate fixed-line or fixed-wireless networks.
NBN Co is the default SIP for most Australian premises.
Other carriers can also be SIPs if they install telco network infrastructure to connect premises in new real estate developments, subdivisions and building redevelopments such as shopping centres and apartment blocks.
From 1 July 2024, the SIP regime will also cover carriage service providers (CSPs) that control private networks, are associated with the controller or have a contract with the developer to use the network to service new developments.
SIPs have an obligation to:
- connect premises
- supply wholesale broadband services to CSPs on reasonable request.
Read more about SIP rules and obligations.
The SIP regime is set out under Part 19 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
The ACMA enforces SIP rules
We are responsible for enforcing the SIP obligations. Complying with the SIP obligations is a condition of a carrier licence and a service provider rule. If a provider does not meet its SIP obligations, we can give them formal warnings, infringement notices and remedial directions.
We also maintain a national register of SIPs. It includes the location of all broadband service areas and the SIP that is responsible.