In its initial implementation phases, the obligations of the Consumer Data Right may be subjected to only the biggest telcos. This is under a proposed schedule released by Federal Treasury. Meanwhile, there is a probability that smaller telcos may be permanently exempted from the CDR obligations.

The Treasury is considering a phased approach wherein a first tranche could potentially cover the largest carriers and carriage service providers. However, this will be confined to the kind of product data that is generally available in critical information summaries. This approach is similar to that used in the rollout of open banking. In this case, the rollout was initially confined to the product information of the ‘big four’.

The second stage will also most likely be confined to the largest telcos. However, this phase involves sharing consumer data with accredited participants in the CDR ecosystem. This is intended to happen before the third phase wherein data obligations would then be extended in the industry.

Nevertheless, the Treasury is currently consulting on a potential minimum threshold to have a good idea on telcos potentially escaping CDR obligations. This involves telcos that have fewer than 30,000 residential or small business customers. If this pushes through, smaller telcos still need to participate voluntarily. It can be noted that a similar threshold applies in the energy sectors. In this case, retailers that have fewer than 10,000 customers are exempt from data-sharing obligations. With this current approach of the federal government, OTT services and network providers would be exempted. In addition to this, only publicly offered products will be captured.

In late January, the federal government extended the CDR to the telco sector. This designation listed a range of data held by carriers and carriage service providers. Some of these pieces of information include billing, account, and product information. However, data-sharing obligations were not included. This is because the latter takes place through the CDR rules and standards. These rules and standards include a range of general provisions that apply to participants in the CDR ecosystem, regardless of industry.

This week, the Treasury kicked off a consultation that seeks to identify what telecommunications-specific standards are needed. The consultation will also cover the specific data that must be shared. However, it should be noted that some information from the scope of the CDR is already excluded. Some of these data include location and the content of communications. Public input will be accepted by the Treasury and the Data Standards Body until 29 March.