Mobile

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The ACCC has released its final report outlining the findings of its inquiry into whether the domestic mobile terminating access service should continue to be regulated. Access to telecommunications services in Australia is usually unregulated unless the services are declared. In deciding whether to declare a service, the ACCC must be satisfied that declaration will…

Read More ACCC Releases Final Report on Regulation of Mobile Terminating Access Service

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Australia’s planned closure of the 3G network will continue with the two biggest 3G network closures and transitions to 4G planned for this June (Telstra) and September (Optus). The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), an industry association, has a website page dedicated to the 3G closure including a FAQs section and contact details for various…

Read More 3G Network Closure Continues alongside Regional Telecommunications Review

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The current USO only provides consumers with a right to a standard telephone service. A standard telephone service refers to a landline (home phone) connection many of us grew up with, and must provide access to local, national and international calls, untimed local calls, and free access to emergency service numbers.

These services are essential, and for many individuals residing in regional, rural, and remote areas they are a reliable and trusted lifeline during natural disasters and emergencies.

However, communications technology and public expectations have changed since the USO was introduced, and USO reform may provide opportunities to get a better deal for consumers and ensure more reliable and robust services.

Read More Universal Service Obligations – Have Your Say in the Future of Communication

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Financial counsellors around Australia welcome yesterday’s announcement by the ACCC that Telstra and the ACCC will be asking the Federal Court to impose a penalty of $50 million on the telco. The penalty relates to unconscionable conduct in its’ dealings with 108 Indigenous customers. This is a media release by Financial Counselling Australia. Telstra has admitted…

Read More Financial counsellors welcome announcement of court proceedings concerning unconscionable conduct by Telstra against Indigenous customers

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Mobile handsets continue to be the most common way consumers are accessing the internet while the largest volume of data is downloaded over fixed lines, as shown in a new ACCC data report on internet activity. The report, for the period ending 31 December 2018, also provides information on the number of retail services in operation…

Read More New report tracks internet activity on mobile and fixed lines

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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…

Read More ACCAN welcomes ACCC action over Premium Billing charges

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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the ACCC’s draft decision to not declare a wholesale domestic mobile roaming service. In its submission to the ACCC Inquiry, ACCAN questioned whether regulated domestic roaming would result in better mobile coverage and improved competition in regional, rural and remote areas. ACCAN notes the ACCC’s finding that…

Read More ACCAN supports ACCC draft decision to not declare domestic mobile roaming

A group of like-minded advocacy groups have come together to end the data drought by forming the Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition to champion better communications services for consumers and small businesses living in rural, remote or regional areas. The Coalition includes the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the…

Read More ACCAN: New Coalition formed to end the data drought

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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) have collaborated to publish a report on telecommunications affordability. The report, titled Connectivity Costs: Telecommunications Affordability for Low-Income Australia was formed through over 500 surveys with Centrelink recipients and low-income Health Care Card Holders and multiple focus groups. The…

Read More Gap in service: ACCAN and SACOSS release report on a lack of telecommunication services to low-income consumers

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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN),  South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) and Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) have collaborated in a effort to push the Federal Government to help low-income consumers have better access to telecommunication services, an ACCAN media release reports. New data has revealed that people who are on a minimal income…

Read More ACCAN media release: low-income earners face telecommunication exclusion