Telecommunications and Internet Archives - Page 15 of 29

8 October , 2018

Telstra breaches priority assistance obligations

The ACMA has directed Telstra to commission an independent audit of compliance with its priority assistance obligations for customers with life-threatening medical conditions. Telstra must also implement a range of systems, processes and reporting to assure the future reliability and effectiveness of priority assistance. The remedial direction results from an investigation into Telstra following two incidents in 2017, where…

26 September , 2018

New appointments to telco consumer forum

Eight new members have joined the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Consumer Consultative Forum (CCF) to provide information and advice on telecommunications issues affecting Australians. The organisations appointed are: Consumer Policy Research Centre Country Womens’ Association of Australia Deaf Australia Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia LegalAid NSW NSW Business Chamber South Australian Council of…

21 September , 2018

ACMA’s telco rules finalised

The ACMA’s final set of rules to improve the experience for consumers moving to services delivered over the National Broadband Network (NBN) commence today. ‘The ACMA has been working hard on behalf of consumers to address issues of concern before we reach the peak rollout period for the NBN,’ said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin. Over…

17 September , 2018

Telcos on notice about false and misleading advertising

ACCC Chair Rod Sims has put telecommunications companies on notice to ensure their advertising is clear and transparent or face court action from the regulator, including much higher penalties and a warning that the ACCC may bring proceedings against executives who knowingly approve misleading advertisements. Earlier this year the ACCC began investigating Optus, Vodafone and…

5 September , 2018

My Health Record – submissions invited

Here is your chance to have your say about the My Health Record system – submissions invited on the Parliamentary inquiry into the expected benefits of the system and other issues, read more here. Individuals and organisations are invited to send in their opinions and proposals in writing (submissions) Preparing a submission to an inquiry. Submissions sought by 14 September…

24 July , 2018

Disappointing Report Card on Telco Customer Service

Peak communications consumer group, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), has released a report, called Can You Hear Me?, on the customer service provided by 10 telco providers. Major findings are that consumers are unimpressed by the amount of time they spend getting a resolution to a telco issue. It takes an average of 13…

23 July , 2018

ACMA finalises new telco rules for NBN migration

A final set of new rules requiring telcos to help their customers move smoothly to the National Broadband Network (NBN) was released today by the ACMA. ‘These new rules will give consumers greater confidence that their telco will make sure their new NBN service will work as expected and provide options if their connection doesn’t…

20 July , 2018

Telephone number loss an issue for consumers and small business

A new report highlighting the issue of phone number loss when migrating to the National Broadband Network (NBN) is recommending greater action by phone companies – including better communication with consumers and small businesses. Residential consumers and small businesses generally expect to retain their existing phone numbers when moving between providers or to the NBN.…

27 June , 2018

ACMA invites consumer reps to join key telco forum

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) invites applications from consumer organisations to join its key telco consumer advisory group—the Consumer Consultative Forum (CCF). ‘Communications services are increasingly central to Australia’s economic and social wellbeing. We want to better understand the consumers’ needs in the contemporary and future communications environment’ ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin. The…

13 June , 2018

ACCAN’s Analysis of NBN Co’s recently announced Pricing Changes

NBN Co has recently announced changes to wholesale prices charged to retail service providers (RSPs) from October 2018. These changes mean consumers can expect to pay higher prices to access NBN services. At the same time consumers can expect to have an improved experience as congestion in the network is addressed through greater dedication of…

10 June , 2018

ACMA rules kick in on telco complaints

Telco consumers can expect a better complaints-handling experience under a new industry standard and record-keeping rules announced today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). This is the first tranche of new rules announced by the ACMA in December 2017 to improve consumers’ experience in migrating to the National Broadband Network (NBN). The ACMA’s actions follow its industry information-gathering exercise and its…

15 May , 2018

Don’t play around with children’s online safety

Many Internet connected children’s products have weak security as well as invasive data collection and privacy features. There is currently no effective regulation of these products, and little consumer understanding of how they function or their faults. Read more on the Consumers International website here and the video Huggybug Your Family Today’: Don’t play around with children’s online…