ACCAN recently submitted to the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee’s consultation on the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review. 

Since the last Regional Telecommunications Review, regional, rural, and remote (RRR) communities’ experiences of natural disasters and the cost-of-living crisis have highlighted the importance of affordable, reliable, and resilient communications services.

ACCAN recommends the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee support initiatives that:

• Transfer the Universal Service Obligation (USO) to NBN Co and establish fit-for-purpose governance arrangements that ensure NBN Co is accountable and transparent.

• Adopt a capabilities-led approach to communications services, such as access to healthcare services, education, economic opportunities, government services, and social connections. 

• Adopt a technology-neutral approach to the delivery of a standard communication service. 

• Establish minimum standards that reflect contemporary service needs and a framework that provides for uplift in service capability and standards as technology and community expectations evolve. 

• Directly regulate consumer safeguards for communications services including the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code to protect consumers from harm. 

• Modernise and strengthen the powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) through reforms to enforcement arrangements.

• Increase penalties available to the ACMA and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). 

• Reform the ACMA Act to require the ACMA to have members with RRR and First Nations consumer experience.

• Explore legislative and governance arrangements for mandatory First Nations representation on government, regulatory, and industry boards.  

Download: ACCAN submission to Regional Telecommunications Review 2024639.96 KB

Download: ACCAN submission to Regional Telecommunications Review 20245.25 MB