The ACCC has commenced (20.11.2025) an inquiry into whether the superfast broadband access service (SBAS) should continue to be regulated.

The SBAS is the regulated wholesale service that retailers use to supply broadband to households and businesses that are connected to superfast broadband fixed-line networks other than the NBN. A superfast broadband network is one that is normally capable of download data speeds of 25 Mbps or higher.

The current SBAS declaration expires on 28 July 2026, and the ACCC has published a discussion paper seeking stakeholders’ views on whether the SBAS declaration should be extended, varied, revoked, allowed to expire, or whether a new declaration should be made.

Once a service is declared, the supplier of that service must allow other providers to access it upon request. The ACCC can also set price and non-price terms and conditions of access to declared services, including a maximum price.

ACCC is seeking comment on the impact of other technologies such as 5G home wireless broadband and LEO satellites, and what their growth means for future regulatory arrangements for the SBAS. The discussion paper also sets out other key issues for the inquiry and invites stakeholder comment on the questions provided.

The ACCC welcomes submissions from stakeholders by 5 pm AEDT on Friday 19 December 2025.

The discussion paper is available on the ACCC website at: Superfast broadband access service (SBAS) declaration inquiry 2025 https://bit.ly/3LROvLH