The 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review examined how people use telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia and how regional communities can maximise the economic, social and future opportunities enabled by digital technologies and services.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is required to report to the minister annually on competition in the Australian telecommunications sector and price changes for telecommunications services in Australia. This publication provides the ACCC’s report on these topics for the 2017-18 financial year.

Rural areas and small towns in Canada are declining, yet have much to offer in terms of economic growth and innovation. This report recommends that the government improve broadband and digital services infrastructure for rural communities, foster business linkages and recognise and promote their capacity for innovation.

This review illustrated that there are compelling factors for significant additional capital investment in telecommunications infrastructure to maximise the economic opportunities and economy-wide benefits that are available for the people in regional, rural and remote Australia.

This consultation paper is seeking your views on proposals to support reliability of services (Part B). The paper is focused on proposals for reliable telecommunications services, including reasonable timeframes for connections, fault repairs and appointments.