Access agreement review

Work continues in conjunction with the CAUDIT Working Group (CWG) towards renewing AARNet’s agreements with shareholders.

This work has been ongoing for some time now and it is pleasing that it is drawing close to conclusion. The teams from both AARNet and CWG have met a number of times in the past few months, with good progress made over that period. Intensive meetings are scheduled for the coming weeks with a view to concluding the negotiation.

A number of key changes are in the wings

1. The AARNet Advisory Committee (AAC) is set to take a key consultative role in the context of policy changes affecting shareholders. The committee will be a conduit for feedback on any proposed changes.
2. There will be improved transparency around arrangements for third parties, ensuring that AARNet can meet its obligations while facilitating use of the network for agreed purposes.
3. Improved Service Level Agreements (SLAs)  will be incorporated into the agreement, reflecting the strong history AARNet has had in ensuring reliability of the network.

Once negotiations are complete, AARNet and the CWG will finalise the agreement with each institution. Consultation is also planned with the Society of University Lawyers to ensure the implementation of the new agreement into institutions is as smooth as possible.

The AAC thanks both the AARNet and CWG teams for the hard work completed on behalf of the sector and look forward to the final agreement providing a strong foundation for our relationships over the coming period.

Left: Rob Moffatt, QLD AAC Committee member and Chair of the CAUDIT Working Group