Australian consumers must currently pay a monthly fee of $2.93 or more to make sure that their phone number won't be released by directory assistance or be made available in the White Pages. The fee effectively charges people for their privacy and is a particular problem for low-income consumers and victims of crime, harassment or violence. ACCAN's position is that the fee should be removed for all consumers.

For communications consumers, the challenge of overcoming information overload to choose a new product and service is sometimes just too much. As one participant in the Seeking Straight Answers research puts it, "[I just want] someone to do the work, someone who knows what they're doing to find me the best deal...There's so many things you've gotta do that the inconvenience of doing all that outweighs any benefits you're going to get".

At some time in the near future you’re likely to use a ‘1800’ or ‘13’ telephone service to make a complaint, access essential financial or legal advice or just order a pizza. ACCAN has launched a campaign to ensure you're able to access these numbers.

On Sunday night during the Logies television coverage, viewers were urged to vote in the Logies Myer One "Best Dressed" competition. Viewers could text (or call) to vote for the best dressed Logies attendee, for a chance to win $10,000 in Myer vouchers.

But instead of being charged the advertised 55c to vote via SMS, consumers were charged $2.25. How did this happen? According to the content provider, 5th Finger, the wrong number was advertised to SMS voters.

Thanks to everyone who has written in support of our campaign to get telcos to drop their unfair ‘pay-to-pay’ fees.   Hundreds of protest emails have already been sent to telcos, but none of them saw fit to respond to us.