Universal Service Obligation

Mr Fletcher asked:

In respect of the new proposed arrangements for the Universal Service Obligation (USO),

(a) what sum of money will customers be charged for a voice telephone service, and

(b) will the amount of money charged for a voice telephone service be the same in those parts of the country where the USO is to be provided over the (i) existing Telstra copper network (that is, rural and remote areas), and (ii) new fibre to the home network.

Mr Albanese responded:

(a) Retail price controls currently apply to certain fixed line services provided by Telstra, including to standard telephone services supplied by Telstra in fulfilment of its USO obligations as the Primary Universal Service Provider (PUSP). The current Telstra retail price controls expire on 30 June 2012. The Government has indicated that it will undertake a comprehensive review of pricing policy in 2011.

(b) Refer response to question (a) above.