142/05
14 December 2005

Minister announces next phase for operational separation

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced details of the next stage in the implementation of Telstra’s operational separation arrangements.

Operational separation is designed to increase the transparency of Telstra’s internal operations and require Telstra to demonstrate that it provides its wholesale customers equivalent treatment to its own retail businesses.

When implemented, operational separation will also require Telstra to maintain separate retail, wholesale and network business units.

The Minister today released two draft determinations setting out the list of designated services that will be subject to the operational separation plan and the requirements that Telstra’s operational separation plan must address.

These Determinations will be finalised and in place by the end of the year.

Telstra will then have 90 days from 1 January to develop its operational separation plan and submit it to the Minister.

Comments from interested parties are sought on the draft determinations. Comments should be sent to opsep@dcita.gov.au by Monday 19 December.

The draft determinations are available on the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts website www.dcita.gov.au.