Sophie supports ACCC court action against anti-competitive Telstra

20-March-2009

Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Liberal Member for Indi, has joined with the Competitive Carriers’ Coalition (CCC) in condemning Telstra over their anti-competitive practices and welcoming the ACCC’s court action.

“Telstra have consistently and in the most serious of ways have been responsible for systematic attacks against competition and competition policy.”

“Telstra has been accused of deliberately obstructing attempts by its competitors to exercise legal rights to access Telstra exchange buildings in order to install their own equipment,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“It is unacceptable for Telstra to keep competitors out of exchanges. It is also more serious that Telstra have a long history of doing such things. Ultimately this leaves consumers, including locals in our area worse off.”

“I completely support the ACCC’s decision to take Telstra to court to finally address their long history of anti competitive policies,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“I think it’s a sad indictment that the regulator has to resort to go to court to force Telstra to meet it’s most basic of obligations.”

“Consumers get a better deal when there is healthy competition and it keeps companies accountable to the community. I join with many North-East residents and telecommunication providers who have contacted me over the years regarding Telstra’s anticompetitive streak and it’s time Telstra’s blatant disregard for healthy competition is address,” Mrs Mirabella said.