Following-up my post of a few days ago, it was announced yesterday that Helen Coonan, Australia’s communications minisiter, will be visiting the UK with an eye to learning about Ofcom’s experiences with BT. She will be accompanied by Telstra chairman Donald McGauchie.
Coonan said:

“In the UK there have been some constructive developments in terms of increasing transparency and improving access regulation to the dominant telecommunications provider BT. I have previously announced the Government’s intention to examine whether it is appropriate for Telstra to consider features of the BT model, or indeed any other ring-fencing initiatives, such as the one that already applies to the Italian incumbent telecommunications provider, Telecom Italia.”

Coonan also said:

“There are synergies between the UK and Australian experiences, including the formation of Ofcom, which will provide a useful insight into the impending merger of the Australian Communications Authority and the Australian Broadcasting Authority to form the Australian Communications and Media Authority….”

Comment: Coonan will undoubtedly be impressed with Ofcom’s riverfront palace! Seriously, ACMA can learn much from Ofcom’s experiences since it was formed in December 2003. We hope Coonan checks out OfcomWatch as well - you know, to get another perspective…