The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has extended its Superfast Broadband Access Service declaration for a further five years.

This allows service providers access to a number of fixed-line broadband networks, as well as their existing NBN access until at least 2026, in a bid to “promote competition”.

“This decision recognises that these fixed-line networks can be localised monopolies, and where this occurs network operators have incentives to maximise their profits at the expense of consumers,” the ACCC said in a statement.

“Regulated access to these networks gives retailers greater opportunity to enter broadband markets, which benefits consumers through more competition and choice of internet providers.”