Statement from Vodafone re Part X1B
STATEMENT TO BE ATTRIBUTED TO VODAFONE CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER DAN LLOYD
We’re very surprised by the proposal to repeal one of the longstanding cornerstone protections of competition in the telco sector in such a rush. This is a clear case of putting the cart before several horses.
The justifications for the repeal of X1B are surprising – that competition is flourishing in the communications sector and that s46 will be amended to introduce the “effects test”.
I doubt that the millions of regional Australians who don’t have reliable coverage or don’t have a choice of provider share the view that competition is alive and well. It’s also not clear how this conclusion could be reached when the ACCC has only just commenced its Communications Market Study. This move seems to pre-judge the outcome.