The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced a market study to examine a range of interrelated matters that have been raised by the industry that may affect the development of competition and efficiency in communications markets over the next five years or thereabouts.

Rapidly evolving technological developments, structural change within the sector, product innovation and changing consumer preferences are all contributing to a changing communications environment. The purpose of the study is to inform ourselves and others about how these changes are affecting competition in communications markets and whether this has implications for the way or extent to which we regulate.

The study will examine the changing communications landscape to test whether evolving markets are structured so that there can be confidence they will operate efficiently. The study will identify any potential issues that may prevent markets working effectively for consumers and where developments are leading to greater competition in a traditionally monopolistic sector. The study will include recommendations as to the appropriate regulatory responses to these findings.

The purpose of this issues paper is to outline our proposed areas of inquiry and invite submissions from interested parties on the evolving communications sector.