Australian Communications Consumer Action Network
The organisation’s mission to champion consumer rights by advocating for fair, transparent, and accountable telecommunications policies.
Lastest News
Why taxpayers could miss out on billions of dollars
Why taxpayers could miss out on billions of dollars
ABC
2 July 2025
Spectrum is the invisible highway which powers our communications services - and it is a public asset worth billions.
Instead of holding a spectrum auction as we have done for decades and in keeping with international best practice, the regulator wants to roll over existing licences, giving major telco players a significant advantage, leaving Aussie taxpayers out of pocket an estimated $2–3.2 billion, and hampering competition and innovation.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett spoke to ABC News to unpack what’s at stake.
Telcos may save up to $3.2b if not forced to bid for spectrum at auction
Telcos may save up to $3.2b if not forced to bid for spectrum at auction
ABC
2 July 2025
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is proposing renewing spectrum licences for up to $3.2 billion less than they were initially bought for.
In this ABC piece, ACCAN argues that an auction would provide a better return for taxpayers, and a renewal of licences would entrench the dominance of current players.
Telcos are making deals with Starlink - what this means for Australians
Telcos are making deals with Starlink - what this means for Australians
ABC North & West South Australia
2 July 2025
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett joined Narelle Graham on ABC South Australia Regional Drive to discuss satellite-to-mobile phone services, the partnerships Australian telcos have with Starlink, and the difference government universal service reform can make for consumers.
Interview begins at 2:02:10.
Two-week mobile outage in Dalby due to Telstra network upgrades
Two-week mobile outage in Dalby due to Telstra network upgrades
ABC Radio Brisbane
24 June 2025
Right now, the southern Queensland town of Dalby has no mobile coverage, no internet, no EFTPOS and no ATMs. The disruption will last two weeks.
Speaking with ABC Brisbane, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett discussed the serious impact of losing access to essential communications — why it is happening in Dalby and what residents and businesses can do to make life a little easier.
Australian Communications Consumer Action Network
ACCAN is the peak national consumer advocacy organisation for communications.
Fair Call
Campaign
Telcos are writing the rules that are meant to hold them accountable. It's no surprise they’re failing consumers. The Telecommunication Consumer Protection (TCP) Code is supposed to set rules for how telcos treat their customers. It covers things like sales practices, billing, credit checks, and customer service.
After over a decade of reviews, breaches, and ongoing consumer harm, it’s clear the Code isn’t working.
The latest draft, developed by industry body Communications Alliance, has serious flaws. Despite ongoing feedback from consumer groups, regulators, and some telcos themselves, key issues remain unresolved — especially when it comes to the sales practices used by telcos which result in real consumer harm.
We believe enough is enough.
No Australian
Left Offline
The supporters of No Australian Left Offline want affordable broadband. Affordable broadband is a home internet service that enables all Australians to be online regardless of their personal circumstances or where they live, without putting them into financial stress.
With all Australian government services to be available online by 2025, it’s more important than ever that there is No Australian Left Offline.
Over one million Australians will continue to have access to essential government services with affordable broadband.
No Australian
Left Offline
The supporters of No Australian Left Offline want affordable broadband. Affordable broadband is a home internet service that enables all Australians to be online regardless of their personal circumstances or where they live, without putting them into financial stress.
With all Australian government services to be available online by 2025, it’s more important than ever that there is No Australian Left Offline.
Over one million Australians will continue to have access to essential government services with affordable broadband.
