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If you’ve noticed something missing from your inbox, it won’t surprise you that we have shifted our newsletter to quarterly rather than monthly in the interest of providing more focused and timely content when it arises, and a better update on all things IAA. It’s been a full and fun quarter, too! I’m quite chuffed that we certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’, a strong endorsement of the workplace culture we’ve managed to create.
We’ve had events in Adelaide and Melbourne, with both nicely attended and covering great topics. The Melbourne session on NTP is being repeated online due to popular demand! It was truly fascinating to look into the issues with NTP and see measurements taken over a twenty-year period. We’re planning some more events in conjunction with APNIC, so stay tuned.
The tech team have also been ripping things apart and rebuilding a few things, with new switches installed (Brisbane and Melbourne) and some rearrangement work in VIC-IX after the data centre space was reassigned. We’ve also taken a broom to all the bodgy paths in our OSPF configuration so now we have a nice clean area zero in all the right places. Thank you to Aaron and Matt who had a few sleep deprived nights on all that effort!
In general on the IX front, we’ve been cracking the terabit mark on a fairly regular basis now. This means our traffic values are trending up nicely and we’re serving over a solid petabyte worth of content every day too! We also welcomed Hurricane Electric onto QLD-IX which caused an influx of new routes into Queensland.
There’s been a lot happening over in SA-IX too! We’ve completed some upgrades, creating more capacity between the sites and a new content switch on the way. In line with these upgrades, we’ve made the tough decision to commence charging from Q2 FY23-24 at 50% off and at full price in the following year (from Q2 FY24-25). After 10 years operation without charge, this brings the exchange into line with the other well-established exchanges and means we can continue to invest in it into the future.
We received over 50 applications for the IAA Systers program this round, and I must say I was really impressed with the calibre of the candidates. Hopefully the ones we take to the Systers’ workshop will all submit talks for AUSNOG as their work sounds really interesting and worth hearing about! A big thank you to all of you who applied or supported candidates to apply. Together, we’re making a genuine difference!
On the regulatory front, we’ve been asked to participate in a regulation ‘sprint’ between government and industry reviewing all the overlaps due to changes in security legislation imposed on the telco sector. Some of this may even affect your licencing conditions and there has even been talk of licencing internet providers generally. Rest assured we will oppose the latter right into the ditches. While we do expect further consultation on this, the sudden call to review complex matters in a ridiculously short time frame has most of us rather annoyed, to say the least… As ever – let us know your views.
Happy peering!
Narelle
Since our last newsletter we’ve had a few more Members come on board. We’d like to say a special hello to you all!
We welcome Corporate Members:
Space Exploration Technologies Corp
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation, operated by SpaceX, providing satellite internet access coverage to over 50 countries to provide a commercial internet service. In January 2020, the Starlink constellation became the largest satellite constellation ever launched, and as of December 2022 comprises over 3,300 small satellites in orbit. SpaceX Starlink is opening a new POP in Perth connected to WA-IX.
IPSTAR has been providing rural and regional Australians with connectivity at home and on the farm for nearly 20 years. They are an ISP with partnership with large semi-government entities, currently expanding their network. They recently joined IAA as part of their expansion.
INMARSAT AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
Inmarsat is a mobile satellite operating company whose customers need access to the Internet through their ground station network. They see IAA’s NSW-IX as an important way of improving their internet connectivity in Australia and elsewhere and believe this will greatly enhance the scope and number of internet providers they have access to.
We also welcome Professional Members:
Michelle Williams
Michael Maenuú
Josh Finlay
Gordon Morton
The past couple months has been very busy for the policy team, and we continue to see various legislative and regulatory reforms in the telco sector.
Please get in touch to share any thoughts on any open and previous submissions; we always appreciate your feedback.
CDR Paused For Telcos
Treasury has confirmed that the expansion of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) Scheme has been paused for the telecommunications sector. Following the release of the 2023-24 Budget, it was revealed that $88.8 million will be invested over 2 years to support the CDR in banking, energy and non-band lending sectors and deliver a cyber security uplift. As had been speculated, it was further announced in the CDR Framework Design and Strategy, that a strategic assessment is planned for the end of 2024. This is to inform future expansions of implementation of action initiatives, including in the other sectors. This strategic assessment will require the consideration of new criteria, and consultation process.
The telco industry has long been pushing back on the expansion of the CDR into the sector. With plenty of information already provided to customers in an accessible format, in accordance with the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code, as well as switching between telco providers being a feature within the industry, representatives have disputed the need for the CDR Scheme.
This pause is welcome news. We look forward to continuing consultations with government, should discussions surrounding the implementation of the CDR for the telco sector arise again. You can read our previous responses to consultations related to the CDR for further details.
Completed Submissions
Copyright Enforcement Review | Attorney General Department
The Attorney General Department consulted on its Issue Paper regarding the review of Australia’s copyright enforcement regime. In our response, we pointed out the dangers of relying on website blocking schemes due to their inherent impact on the openness of the Internet, and the likelihood of motivated actors to go around these blocks. We also recommended finding other mechanisms outside of the court system to enforce copyright protection, and to focus on reducing infringement of copyright laws as opposed to enforcement after the fact.
Internet Carriage Services Online Safety Code | Industry Associations
Following the eSafety Commissioner’s response to the first round of the industry Online Safety Codes, the industry associations released round two of the Codes. We submitted specifically to Code 7 for Internet Carriage Services. Our response focused on the need to ensure compliance measures balance the protection of individuals with the need to minimise unnecessary burdens on ISPs.
ACMA Compliance Priorities 2023-24 | ACMA
We responded to the ACMA Compliance Priorities for 2023-24 and emphasised that rather than focusing on enforcement measures, the ACMA should prioritise encouraging compliance. We suggested this could be achieved via industry and community engagement, education and awareness and lowering the burden of regulatory compliance for industry.
Privacy Act Review Report | Attorney General Department
The Attorney General Department released its Privacy Act Review Report, which proposed various significant reforms to the Privacy Act. Should the Privacy Act be amended as per the proposals contained in the Report, these changes could prove to have substantial impacts, such as the removal of the small business exemption that currently exists. Our response reiterated positions we have expressed in previous submission regarding privacy legislation. In particular, we emphasised the need to focus on ensuring best practice data and personal information handling practices through collaborative means, as opposed to the expansion of the APPs that does not necessarily ensure compliance with the complex regulation.
2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy | Department of Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs and the Strategy Expert Advisory Board sought feedback on the 2023-30 Australian Cyber Security Strategy Discussion Paper. Our response primarily focused on the need for greater genuine engagement and collaboration, to ensure a truly effective approach to cyber security. In the context of increasing regulatory requirements for the telco sector in relation to data security, critical infrastructure and privacy, we emphasised the need to harmonise and simplify the current policy landscape for an effective and efficient strategy that combats the threats and risks to Australia’s cyber security.
Final Access Determination (SBAS) | ACCC
The ACCC released its Exposure Draft to the Superfast Broadband Access Service Final Access Determination. This draft instrument was based on the ACCC’s decision released in October 2022, with limited incorporation of stakeholder feedback to the consultation held during December 2022. Our response reiterated our positions stated in our response during the December consultation, including the extension of the Determination to cover all residential TC-4 speed tiers at NBN Co pricing, and regarding NNI and state based aggregation charges. We also recommended the Determination to expressly set out prohibition to on-charge RBS.
Open Submissions
Draft Decision: Variation to the NBN Co Special Access Undertaking (Nov 2022) | ACCC | 30 May 2023
The ACCC has released its draft decision to reject the proposed NBN Co SAU Variation. It is seeking views on its draft decision, and whether providers would accept a NBN Co SAU variation proposal based on NBN Co’s letter in response to the issues raised by the ACCC.
Although rejecting the SAU overall, amongst other things, the ACCC has indicated it is willing to accept the price increase for the 50/20 Mbps speed tier. Review the ACC’s draft decision.
Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code| Communications Alliance | 6 June 2023
Communications Alliance has commenced its review of the TCP Code, with the review to take place over 3 stages. The first stage, with the deadline for responses to its Discussion Paper closing in early June, is intended to be a pre-code drafting stage to gather information in order to set the foundations for the rest of the review.
Planning for IAASysters 2023 is well underway! We’re excited by the program we have in store. This year’s theme ‘Future Heroes of the Internet’ has been chosen to celebrate all the super women we have in our industry. We’re also proud to announce that this year’s conference will be held at Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast. If you’ve not heard of our Systers program before or just want to know more be sure to check our short video.
The successful participants were selected from a record number of strong applications. The sponsored attendees will enjoy:
- Ticket to attend the IAASysters Workshop (6 September 2023)
- Ticket to the AusNOG Conference (7-8 September 2023)
- Economy airfares to Gold Coast and accommodation
- One-year complimentary Professional Membership to IAA (subject to board approval)
We could not host such an amazing three-day program without the generous support of our sponsors. We like to thank this year’s Sponsors including:
If you would like to support the next generation of women in the Internet industry, it’s not too late to be a part of the Systers program. Head over to the Systers page on our website to find out how to sponsor!
Not only are we a ‘great place to work’ – our team continues to grow. In the marketing and communications department, we’ve added two valuable members to help promote IAA to the world.
Suzanne Thompson joins us as our new Marketing Manager. Suzanne is an experienced marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience, including working at some of Australia’s largest advertising agencies. She will manage strategies to promote our work and the service offerings we provide for the benefit of our Members.
In her spare time Suzanne enjoys writing, running and swimming, and is a Ward Councillor for the City of Joondalup, where she lives.
Chris Bishop joined IAA at the start of April and has settled in nicely to the role of Digital Marketing and Communications Officer. Chris has over 20 years’ experience in the digital marketing and design space, working with some of Perth’s leading digital agencies.
When he’s not helping to promote IAA to an international audience, you’ll likely find him training for an upcoming trail-race or enjoying a post run coffee or beer – depending on the time of day – with his training partners.
Finally, we extend a warm welcome to Anita Chidi-Amadi to the team. Anita joins IAA as Executive Assistant to our CEO Narelle Clark. Most recently working in Abuja, Nigeria, Anita was integral to supporting and developing strategic enrolment plans for a leading sixth-form college.
Outside of work Anita loves watching the news, cooking for her family, listening to podcasts and gaming.
Discover more about the team on the IAA website.
The mighty Tech Team have been very busy and are pleased to announce the Phase 1 of the rack migration at VDC-MEL03 is now complete. 40/100G ports are now available to all members on level 3. Make sure you get your orders in via the IAA Portal!
Our cable up to MDC/5GN on level 15 is currently being re-terminated from our previous rack in the OFDF to now be direct to our rack, which should be completed within a few weeks. We will soon be able to deliver 40/100G service ports to MDC/5GN members via level 15. Regardless of where you are at 530 Collins St, feel free to place your order now!
As a result of this hardware being installed, we were able to upgrade our VIC-IX ring to fully redundant 200G paths giving us up to 400Gbps usable out of each site, and at the same time reducing OPEX by choosing 100G BiDi transceivers to get the most out of a pair of fibre.
This hardware will also permit us to finally progress further on updating our layer 2 fabric technology choice. Watch this space for more updates!
