Register for the No Australian Left Offline webinar, ACCAN Indigenous communications research highlights digital divide, and more.

This week

IN THE NEWS: Register for the No Australian Left Offline webinar, ACCAN Indigenous communications research highlights digital divide, and more.

No Australian left offline webinar

The No Australian Left Offline National Webinar will report back the key issues from the six State and Territory based virtual roundtables that have been hosted by ACCAN and nbn co during 2020. These roundtables have provided a unique opportunity for communities to share and discuss some of the barriers to getting online that are impacting their communities. Join us on Wednesday, December 9th as we discuss the next steps towards achieving more affordable, reliable broadband services for all Australians.

New research highlights urgent need to close digital divide for Indigenous communities

New analysis commissioned by ACCAN shows that urgent action is needed to address the digital divide in remote Indigenous communities in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns. [ACCAN]

Riding the Digital Wave: Report on COVID-19 Trends and Forward Work Program

The Australian Broadband Advisory Council's first report sets out the methodology for analysis of key sectors of the Australian economy during and as part of the COVID-19 recovery.

The report shows that COVID-19 dramatically accelerated: the move of businesses and consumers from offline to online; remote working and the use of online collaboration tools; a shift from face to face to online learning; and a shift to digital service delivery models. [Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.]

Telstra in court over unfair sales to Indigenous customers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken Telstra to the Federal Court over suspect sales practices to Indigenous customers. [CRN]

Phone and internet customers reveal debt trouble with telco companies during pandemic

Phone and internet customers say they are being disconnected, harassed by debt collectors and generally treated harshly by their telco providers when they need help, negatively impacting mental health.[ABC News]

Big telcos fight back with budget versions of their premium products

In the past week, the recently merged Vodafone and TPG announced budget offshoot Felix Mobile while Optus gave us gomo.

ACCC won't stand in the way of $250m Amaysim sale

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will not oppose Optus' proposed $250 million acquisition of mobile telecommunications provider Amaysim, despite concerns in the market about the implications of the deal. [AFR]

Mastercard expands digital ID trial with Deakin and Australia Post

Mastercard announced the quiet expansion of the trial for its digital identification service, following the successful completion of phase one with partners Deakin University and Australia Post. [ZDNet]

NSW govt calls on AI experts to join new committee

NSW government is calling on artificial intelligence (AI) experts to join a new committee that will advise on the appropriate use of the technology in the state. [itnews]

AMTA chief Althaus steps down after 15 years in job

The chief executive of the mobile industry lobby group, Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Chris Althaus, has stepped down after 15 years in the role following the organisation's annual general body meeting. [iTWire]

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