Hot Issues
Welcome to the latest current affairs that impact communications consumers.
Sign up for ACCAN's weekly newsletter to have these news items sent to your email address each week.
[ List view | Detailed view ]
- Details
Research released by ACMA yesterday found that one-third (32 per cent) of Australian mobile users have in the past year wanted to make a 13/1300 call from their mobile but not done so because of concern about call costs.
ACCAN remains concerned about the affordability of calling a 13/1300 number from a mobile.
“We are yet to be convinced that the industry proposal to charge 13 numbers for the ‘included value’ of a mobile plan will turn around this alarming figure on 13 call affordability," said ACCAN Deputy CEO, Narelle Clark.
Read more: ACMA research shows third of consumers avoid 1300 mobile calls due to cost
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
Have you ever found yourself unable to sign-up for an online service, unable to order tickets online or contact an organisation because they have an inaccessible CAPTCHA on their website? CAPTCHA tests are boxes containing squiggly letters and numbers which you must decipher in order to continue on a website.
Read more: CAPTCHA – what you can do
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
Summary: If you haven't already heard, a potentially catastrophic internet security flaw has been discovered this week and there are some serious ramifications for consumers.
Read more: Internet security flaw leaves almost every internet user at risk
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
The federal government's $100 million program to boost mobile coverage in regional and rural Australia is now underway. While the program won't stop all of us from having to stand on car roofs or hang out of trees to get a signal, this fresh investment is a welcome step.
Read more: Is your area in need of better mobile coverage?
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
ACCAN's engagement with rural, regional and remote consumers has continually highlighted the importance of improving mobile communications outside of urban centres. Better mobile coverage will yield a range of benefits to regional and remote Australia including improved business opportunities, better access to essential services and enhanced safety and well-being.
Read more: ACCAN ‘Connecting the Country' Forum 2014
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
Summary: The ACCAN Grants Scheme is now open and accepting applications for a total funding pool of $250,000.
Read more: Apply now for the 2014 ACCAN Grants Scheme
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
ACCAN has today released its updated broadband policy position – Our Broadband Future. This 2014 update takes into account the views of members expressed to us in consultations we held last year.
Read more: Our Broadband Future
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
The M-Enabling Australasia 2013 conference was held on 14-15 August in Sydney, Australia. The two days consisted of enthralling discussions and practical presentations about mobile technologies and how they can benefit people with disability and older consumers.
Read more: M-Enabling 2013 highlights video
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
Summary: Would you know if some of your consumer rights were left out of a telco contract? And could it end up costing you? ACCAN's fine print project reveals some concerning findings, with the ACCC asked to step in to protect consumers.
Read more: Unfair and misleading fine print could be costing you
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
This Sunday 26 January, the ACCAN team will be down at Yabun, Australia's biggest Indigenous festival with a range of useful info and giveaways. We also have a fantastic print by emerging Indigenous artist Graham Toomey to give away to a lucky visitor to our stall.
Read more: ACCAN at Yabun 2014
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
Summary: ACCAN policy officer Xavier O'Halloran describes an all-too-familiar experience with annoying telemarketers, and why ACCAN thinks we should hang up on their calls for good.
Read more: Hanging up on telemarketers for good
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
Summary: ACCAN and CHOICE have teamed up to make sure consumers are protected when using m-commerce.
Read more: Safe and smart payments for consumers
Write comment (0 Comments)