The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it has published information concerning the number and distribution of services supplied over Telstra's widespread copper network.

ACCC data indicated that in the two years to September 2009, the number of broadband services supplied by internet service providers through direct access to Telstra copper loops, coupled with investment in their own equipment, has more than doubled to reach 1.3 million services.

While the growth of broadband services via direct access has slowed to around 288,000 lines in the past 12 months, investment has continued to expand with an additional 24 telephone exchanges now being serviced by alternative providers.

"This data shows that competition by direct access continues to grow with consumers exercising choice and seeking value by selecting alternate service providers for broadband," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

12 November, 2009