The regulator attributes higher prices to a concentrated market
All three MNOs in Australia have recently increased their prices according to the ACCC. Since July 2020, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have increased the price of several post-paid plans (although have coupled some of these with increased data allowances) . In pre-pay, the regulator called out “a similar worsening of terms” for consumers, as all operators have reduced top-up credit expiry periods, resulting in customers having to top-up more often. The regulator is making the link between the price rises and recent consolidation in the market as Vodafone merging with TPG prevented a fourth player materialising (the ACCC opposed the merger). No enforcement action is being taken, but the ACCC is advising the MNOs to compare their tariffs to those available from MVNOs and make improvements.
