Telstra’s response to the Bill wasn’t a big surprise to Ovum. Telstra has been engaged in behind-closed-doors discussions with the Government on the future of the industry and the NBN. The objective of these talks is a “win-win” outcome for the Government and Telstra. This is where the issues will really be addressed, not in the to-and-fro of the public debate.

“We are not surprised by the Telstra submission. It is exactly what you’d expect at this stage of the game.  We never expected Telstra to concede anything in advance of a deal with the Government on the NBN. In our view, this submission should be read as an ambit claim.” said David Kennedy, Research Director at Ovum.

“Any concessions by Telstra will be made to the Government directly in the context of the NBN negotiations, not in a public submission to a Senate Committee.”