21 June 2012: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Telecommunications Reports 2010–11, tabled in Parliament today, show that consumers have benefited greatly since competition began 20 years ago.
“Real prices for fixed-line services and mobile services have approximately halved since 1997-98, while the functionality of mobile phones and internet connections have significantly improved,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
“The availability of services has also increased through both the expansion of mobile networks and the capacity of these networks for broadband connectivity.”
Consumers have received the greatest benefits in relation to mobile services where the relatively lower cost of network rollout has led to greater infrastructure competition. In contrast, the development of competition in relation to fixed-line services has relied more heavily upon regulatory intervention.
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