Discussion Paper: Carriage Service Provider (CSP) registration or licensing scheme for the telecommunications industry

Currently, there is a licensing scheme for telecommunications carriers (network operators), however no similar arrangements exist for CSPs (telecommunications retailers).

Arguments put forward by stakeholders in favour of a registration/licensing scheme generally focus on the following overarching objectives:

1. Increasing visibility of CSPs operating in the market, for example to support the ACMA's work to educate providers about their obligations and target enforcement activities;
    
2. Facilitating a mechanism the ACMA can use to stop CSPs operating in the market who pose unacceptable risk to consumers, or cause significant consumer harm.

The discussion paper seeks feedback to clarify what the objectives of a scheme would be and to investigate approaches to registration or licensing for CSPs, or alternatives, that would deliver on those.

Relevant documentation

• Discussion Paper—Registration or Licensing Scheme for Carriage Service Providers