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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is glad to announce the launch of the Affordable Devices service, an extensive database of retailers and organisations which help consumers access free or low-cost mobile phones, laptops, tablets and desktops.

Affordable Devices is a result of research commissioned by ACCAN. It lists sources of low-cost devices, filtered by the State or Territory in which they are based, and provides detail as to whether the listed website is screen reader-friendly.

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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the establishment of an industry working group by the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, to ensure the planned switchover from 3G to 4G happens in a safe way.

The working group will include representatives from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone/TPG and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, with the Department of Infrastructure. Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts participating with an observer status.

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ACCAN recently submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts on the Fighting SMS Scams – What type of SMS sender ID registry should be introduced in Australia? consultation paper.

ACCAN supports the development of a SMS sender ID registry as a significant step towards improving outcomes for telecommunications consumers impacted by scams. ACCAN considers that the SMS sender ID registry should be mandatory and be developed and implemented before the end of 2024.

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Further information for financial counsellors 

The telecommunications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has developed a new regulation called the Telecommunications (Financial Hardship) Industry Standard (the FH standard), which improves protections in the existing Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code (TCP Code). The FH standard is mandatory, and will commence on March 29.

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ACCAN recently submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department) on the Better Delivery of Universal Services discussion paper (the Consultation). In addition to ACCAN’s responses to the Consultation questions, we further recommended that the Department:

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ACCAN recently submitted our comments to Communications Alliance on the C657:2024 Inbound Number Portability Industry Code.

ACCAN considers the current Code to largely be meeting its intended objectives: providing guidance for industry and providing appropriate consumer protections.

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ACCAN recently submitted our comments to Communications Alliance on the C570:2024 Mobile Number Portability Industry Code.

ACCAN considers the current Code to be largely meeting its intended objectives: providing guidance for industry and providing appropriate consumer protections.

We consider that the success of the Code merits a review of the performance levels outlined in section 3.5 to reflect advances in technology and business processes.

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ACCAN recently responded to the Department of Home Affairs’ 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy: Legislative Reforms Consultation Paper (the Consultation Paper).

ACCAN supports the legislative reforms introduced by the Consultation Paper to address the gaps in the current regulatory framework. These reforms include:

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Period: 1 September – 30 November 2023

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ACCAN recently submitted to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications’ consultation on the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards and Other Measures) Bill 2023 [Provisions] (The Bill).

ACCAN supports the Bill as an important step in refining the telecommunications consumer safeguards framework. The Bill expands the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s reporting remit and improves the ability for consumers to gain compensation from Statutory Infrastructure Providers.

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ACCAN recently submitted to the ACCC’s Public Inquiry into the Declaration of the Domestic Transmission Capacity Service, Fixed Line Services and Domestic Mobile Terminating Access Service Draft Report.

ACCAN agrees with and supports the draft report’s recommendations to extend the declarations of:

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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the new Telecommunications (Financial Hardship) Industry Standard, developed by the ACMA at the direction of the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

ACCAN CEO Andrew Williams said that the new financial hardship standard is a critical improvement in consumer protections for telecommunications consumers.

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