Submissions


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ACCAN recently submitted to the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy. In the submission, we suggested the NSW Telco Authority:

  • Ensure everyone in NSW has access to affordable broadband services and devices.
  • Consider the accessibility of appropriate communications services in regional, rural, and remote communities and First Nations communities in NSW.
  • Investigate the availability of communications services and devices for people with disability in NSW.

ACCAN recently submitted to the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group’s consultation on establishing a roadmap for First Nations digital inclusion.

ACCAN endorses the development of the First Nations digital inclusion roadmap, which aims to provide sustained guidance on collaborative approaches between government, industry, and First Nations peoples and communities to address the digital divide. In addition to ACCAN’s responses to the consultation questions, we recommend that the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group explore governance and legislative channels to mandate First Nations representation on government, regulatory, and industry boards.

ACCAN recently submitted to the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society’s inquiry on the influence and impacts of social media on Australian society.

Social media, digital communications services and telecommunications have converged and become ubiquitous in Australian society. Communications policy needs to urgently adapt to the integral role that social media and digital communications services now play, including imposing similar responsibilities and regulatory settings on these digital communications companies as those imposed on the existing telecommunications sector.

ACCAN recently submitted our response to the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) Review of the Numbering Plan and other instruments discussion paper. Telephone numbering is a fundamental aspect of our communications infrastructure, providing consumers and small businesses with mechanisms to recognise and be recognised through calls and texts.

ACCAN recently submitted to the inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network and telecommunications services accessibility.

Funding of universal telecommunications services (RBS Review)

ACCAN recently commented on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts’ consultation on the Funding of universal telecommunications services (RBS Review). The funding of the universal service obligation (USO) is integral to ensuring the efficacy and longevity of Australia’s communications services, especially for those who are living in regional, rural and remote areas, have specific accessibility needs, or are living on a low income.

ACCAN recently submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)’s consultation paper on Expiring spectrum licences (stage 2) – information gathering, and views on uses of frequency bands and alternative licence conditions (the Consultation Paper).

ACCAN supports the ACMA’s finalised expiring spectrum licence (ESL) stage 2 information gathering framework and its public interest criteria (PIC) as outlined in the Consultation Paper.

ACCAN recommends that the ACMA:

ACCAN recently submitted to the Senate Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI).

ACCAN considers that the consumer sector requires greater support to engage with AI and other emerging technologies that will impact consumers. At present there is no consumer group funded to engage with AI and emerging technologies on behalf of consumers. As AI and other emerging technologies become embedded in our societies and markets there are growing risks of harms.

ACCAN recently submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) consultation on its Five-year spectrum outlook 2024–29 and 2024–25 work program Consultation Paper. Our submission:

  • Supports the ACMA’s public interest criteria with respect to spectrum planning and allocation.
  • Encourages the ACMA to explore the adoption of shorter-term flexible spectrum licences.
  • Supports the ACMA giving further consideration towards ensuring that their engagement strategies fully capture consumer experiences as end users of spectrum.
  • Supports the introduction of a reply comment period for future spectrum consultations.

ACCAN recently submitted to the inquiry into regional telecommunications in Western Australia, focusing on mobile telecommunications failure during widespread power outages.

ACCAN recently submitted to the NSW Fair Trading Strategy and Regulatory Priorities Discussion Paper (the Discussion Paper).

ACCAN supports the proposed strategic direction as outlined in the Discussion Paper. ACCAN considers that NSW Fair Trading should take into account the connectivity issues faced by communications consumers living in strata/renting when deciding its future strategy and regulatory priorities.

ACCAN recently submitted to Communications Alliance’s consultation on the review of the G596:2013 Communications Support for Emergency Response Industry Guideline (the Guideline). 

The Guideline provides a procedure that facilitates cooperation between Pre-planned Service Providers, Secondary Service Providers, and Emergency Services Organisations in circumstances where pre-planned services are inadequate, and ad-hoc additional communications supports are requested by an Emergency Services Organisation.