Tensions between Telstra and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have escalated sharply, due to a fresh ACCC allegation of the carrier's anticompetitive conduct.
The ACCC announced it had issued its fourth notice against the carrier, alleging Telstra engaged in anticompetitive conduct by "failing to implement an efficient and effective local call transfer process (known by the industry as 'commercial churn')". The ACCC said the cost of churn to Telstra's competitors remained too high.
Telstra already faces federal court action by the ACCC over two of the first three notices. If the offences are proven, the carrier faces penalties of up to $10 million a day for each one and $1 million an offence a day for each day the conduct continues while the notices are in force.