Telecommunications and Internet Archives - Page 2 of 29 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

30 August , 2024

Consumer Advocates Call for Mandatory SMS Anti-Scam Registry

The growing rate of scams and the devastating impact they are having on Australians has been recognised by the Federal Government through the establishment of the SMS Sender ID Register – but it should be made mandatory. ACCAN has welcomed this important step in the fight against scams but urges the government to ensure that…

15 August , 2024

Advocates Welcome Extension of 3G Network

Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, welcomes today’s joint announcement from major telcos Telstra and Optus that the shutdown of 3G networks will be delayed until 28 October. ACCAN yesterday called on the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland to delay the shutdown due to health and safety concerns particularly with the ongoing access to triple zero services…

8 August , 2024

Over 70% of Consumers Experience Poor Customer Service

CHOICE survey of 6000 consumers reveals many businesses are giving consumers the run-around A new survey of 6000 CHOICE supporters has found that almost 3 in 4 (73%) have experienced poor customer service from a business they dealt with in the preceding year, and 85% believed that customer service provided by businesses is getting worse. …

8 August , 2024

Consultation on TIO’s Proposed Changes to the Terms of Reference

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) is proposing amendments to their Terms of Reference in response to the 2022 Independent Review, correcting drafting issues, and recent legislative change. From the TIO (original here): The proposed changes are limited to responding to recent legislative change, implementing recommendations from the 2022 Independent Review and correcting drafting issues. We…

26 July , 2024

New Research Highlights Sorry State of Consumer Experience and Trust with Telcos

New research commissioned by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) shows more than 75 percent of Australians have experienced some form of vulnerability in the last 12 months. The research, produced via a partnership between the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) and the TIO unearthed a suite of sobering assessments in relation to the vulnerability of the consumer…

25 July , 2024

Money Yarns, Stronger Futures – Highlighting Challenges and Bold Recommendations

The Consumer Action Law Centre has today released a groundbreaking report titled Money Yarns, Stronger Futures. The report amplifies the voices of First Nations people, sharing their personal experiences to shed light on the significant challenges they face in achieving financial prosperity. Money Yarns, Stronger Futures not only highlights these challenges but also offers bold recommendations for both…

18 July , 2024

Design to Disrupt and Weathering the Storm Awarded the 2024 Consumer Advocacy Award

At the 2024 ACCC National Consumer Congress, the Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) was proud to present our Consumer Advocacy Award for the best consumer advocacy campaign or project of the past year. The nominees this year were all strong contenders: 1. Fair Call, direct regulation for telcos – formed from a coalition of consumer advocates…

5 July , 2024

Advocates Argue for Direct Regulation of Communication as an Essential Service

The ACCC response to the latest draft of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code validates long-held consumer concerns about the suitability of self-regulation to protect telecommunications consumers. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes and supports the comments of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the May 20 draft of the TCP…

3 July , 2024

Telstra and Optus Cooperate with ACCC Google Search Services Investigation

The ACCC has accepted undertakings from Telstra and Optus as part of the ACCC’s ongoing competition investigation into Google’s search services in Australia. During the investigation into Google’s conduct, the ACCC became aware of agreements that Google had initiated and entered into with Telstra and Optus, which meant Google’s search services were pre-installed as the…

2 July , 2024

Consent expectations for businesses using direct marketing

The ACMA has today released a Statement of Expectations on the use of consumer consent to provide guidance to businesses that undertake email, SMS, and telephone marketing. The Statement sets out steps for businesses to ensure they have consumer consent before conducting telemarketing and e-marketing. It is an outcome-focused guide to better practice – designed to…

21 June , 2024

ACCC Releases Final Report on Regulation of Mobile Terminating Access Service

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…

29 May , 2024

Passing the Buck: Scam Victims Carrying Unfair Burden

A survey of 280 scam victims by consumer group CHOICE has found they are left carrying the burden of scams after big businesses like telcos, tech platforms and banks fail to step up and protect them. 61% of respondents said they had lost confidence in doing financial transactions online. The survey results, detailed in CHOICE’s…