On 23 June 2011 the government announced that Telstra and NBN Co have entered into Definitive Agreements paving the way for a faster, cheaper and more efficient rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN).

The Definitive Agreements provide for the reuse of suitable Telstra infrastructure and for Telstra to progressively structurally separate by decommissioning its copper and broadband HFC networks during the NBN rollout. Telstra’s structural separation is an important reform that will enable the telecommunications sector to provide more competitive and innovative services to consumers.

The Definitive Agreements will mean less disruption to communities, less use of overhead cables and faster access to the NBN for all Australians. The Definitive Agreements also include access arrangements which mean that NBN Co’s rollout teams can progress work on the design and construction of the second release sites.

Before the Definitive Agreements come into force, they must be approved by the Shareholders of Telstra (who approved Telstra’s participation in the rollout on 18 October 2011) and NBN Co.

The Definitive Agreements will also be reviewed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as part of its consideration of Telstra’s Structural Separation Undertaking which Telstra has submitted to the ACCC.

For more information on the Definitive Agreements visit the Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy’s website.