Telstra refuses to cut prices. (News.com.au / Michael Sainsbury)

From the article: “TELSTRA has raised the stakes in its escalating battle with the competition regulator, refusing to back down on the prices it charges competitors for access to its raw copper wires.

[...]

Such services are growing in importance as Telstra’s competitors plan to use its copper to build their own high-speed internet networks using digital subscriber line (DSL) technology.“

Hopefully if a proper split of Telstra’s Wholesale and Retail arms takes place the ACCC will be able to get a comparison between the ULL rates for wholesale customers compared to what Telstra charge its retail arm. Personally I don’t see how Telstra can be claiming it makes a loss on ULL when they have retail phone services available for not much more than the ULL wholesale rate.

it is now fairly certain that Howard will push through the full sale of Telstra in his current term, despite the complains by National party members from rural areas. What remains to be seen is how the government expects to control Telstra after selling its remaining shares.