Communications Archives - Page 20 of 40 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

29 March , 2018

ACCAN welcomes ACCC’s first NBN speed test results

ACCAN welcomes the release of the first round of results from the ACCC’s Measuring Broadband Australia speed monitoring program, and its generally positive findings. ‘We’ve long been calling for the independent monitoring of broadband speeds so consumers know what they’re likely to be getting when they buy a service. We’re strongly supportive of the ACCC’s…

26 March , 2018

ACCAN welcomes ACCC action over Premium Billing charges

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the ACCC’s announcement today that it has commenced proceedings against Telstra for misleading its customers about third party billing services. ACCAN CEO Teresa Corbin said that consumers have been extremely frustrated by these unexpected charges on their telco bills and by the difficulties they experience in resolving…

21 March , 2018

New report uncovers murky world of online marketing

Online marketing, lead generation and cold-calling have been scrutinised in a new report from Consumer Action Law Centre. The report, entitled Dirty Leads: consumer protection in online lead generation, finds that marketers that use ‘lead generation’ can give rise to consumer manipulation and harm. Lead generation involves businesses who use techniques like online surveys or tricky…

12 March , 2018

Australians can now track NBN progress in monthly reports

NBN Co has announced a new monthly report to track service and quality improvements on the nbn broadband access network. The report will include key measures such as the number of homes and businesses which can connect to the nbn™ access network, network congestion levels, the percentage of homes and businesses on a 50mbps (download) wholesale speed…

23 December , 2017

New telco rules an early Christmas present for consumers

The Minister for Communications has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to impose new rules that will force telcos to significantly improve the consumer experience in moving to the NBN. This is a great win for consumers. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has been calling for some time for these issues to be addressed and…

20 December , 2017

ACCAN welcomes Government response to Universal Service Obligation

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has welcomed the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission report into the existing Universal Service Obligation (USO). ACCAN are pleased that the Government’s response acknowledges that existing arrangements are out of date and in need of reform, and welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide universal access to voice and…

19 December , 2017

Independent Review of Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

The Final Report of the Independent Review of the TIO has been published, in conjunction with the response from the Ombudsman. The Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Services Standards) Act 1999 was amended three years ago to require the TIO to be regularly reviewed, and this is the first such review. The Executive Summary of the Final Report notes that…

5 December , 2017

Principles to secure trust in Internet of Things

Four global and European consumer organisations today launched their principles recommendations to make consumer rights, privacy and security core features of the Internet of Things. Consumers International, BEUC, ANEC and ICRT recognise the benefits of IoT applications but urge developers, manufacturers, policy-makers and regulators to deal with numerous challenges and risks. According to estimates there…

4 December , 2017

Time for a Reboot for the troubled Telco sector

Consumer rights in telecommunications, including mobile and broadband services, are so parlous that thousands of people are being left without access to essential services or meaningful redress when their suppliers fail them, according to consumer advocates. A group of leading consumer advocates today pointed to staggering complaint levels, unfair sales tactics, and disappointing responses to…

28 November , 2017

Australians to own their own data

The Turnbull Government will legislate a national Consumer Data Right, allowing customers open access to their banking, energy, phone and internet transactions. Australians will be able to compare offers, get access to cheaper products and plans to help them ‘make the switch’ and get greater value for money. Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus…

13 November , 2017

Launch of Good Data Practice: A Guide

The Internet of Things Alliance Australia (IoTAA) last week launched its Good Data Practice: A Guide for Business to Consumer IoT Services for Australia. The 20 page Guide comes out of a major collaborative effort by industry, consumer representatives and regulatory bodies to address consumer-related concerns about business to consumer IoT services. The Guide deals with what industry…

8 November , 2017

Telstra Offers to Compensate 42,000 Customers for Slow NBN

Telstra has agreed to offer remedies to around 42,000 customers for promoting and offering some of its National Broadband Network (NBN) speed plans as being capable of delivering specified maximum speeds, when those maximum speeds could not be achieved in real-world conditions. Between September 2015 and November 2017, Telstra offered internet services through both its…