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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Digital Ready Digital Business Kit and the DigitalReady.org.au website. Targeted at small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the Arts, Recreation and Education services sector the kit will enable them to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by fast broadband and information technology. The kit was launched today at the by Peter Strong, Executive Director, Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) at the 2014 ACCAN National Conference.
Digital Ready gives step by step assistance to build the necessary skills to engage effectively with the digital economy. Over six modules, it covers a range of topics including: getting connected to fast broadband, determining an online strategy, using social media, the cloud, online registration, eCommerce and telework.
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The shortlist for the inaugural Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) Apps For All Challenge 2014 Telstra Prize has today been announced. The awards will be handed out at a ceremony during the ACCAN National Conference on Tuesday 16 September, from 5:00pm.
Launched earlier this year, this is Australia's first and only competition for accessible mobile apps which aims to raise awareness of issues faced by people with disability and older Australians with inaccessible apps.
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ACCAN has made a submission to the ACCC's Domestic Mobile Terminating Access Service (MTAS) Final Access Determination. ACCAN endorsed the ACCC's preliminary finding that mobile voice and SMS termination services should be declared for five years and are now providing feedback on the pricing model.
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In ACCAN's submission to the Government's consultation about online copyright infringement, we argue that consumers should not pay the cost if the government forces ISPs to spend more on trying to stop illegal downloading activities. We also say that if any industry notice scheme is introduced, consumer rights need to be respected and there should never be account terminations.
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ACCAN has recently received reports from members about an increase in unwanted telemarketing calls, as well as outright telemarketing scams. In a welcome move, Telstra has issued a media release reminding customers across Australia to beware of scammers who attempt to obtain their personal information via telephone. In the past 12 months customer comments regarding these calls have increased four-fold.
Read more: Beware of telephone scams
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A reminder to ACCAN members that nominations for Directors to fill three vacancies on the ACCAN Board close at 5pm on Friday 15th August 2014.
Read more: Reminder: board nominations close on Friday 15th August 2014
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People experiencing homelessness in Sydney and Melbourne have a higher rate of mobile phone ownership than Australians generally, new University of Sydney research shows.
While 92 per cent of Australians own a mobile phone, an even higher proportion – 95 per cent – of the adults, youth and families surveyed own a mobile. More than three quarters (77 per cent) of these have a smartphone, compared to around two thirds (64 per cent) of the general population. The survey found wide variation in the models and ages of the phones owned by the respondents. Almost half (41 per cent) reported that their phone was a gift, second-hand, stolen or borrowed.
Read more: 95 per cent of homeless surveyed own a mobile but access not guaranteed
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Last Friday news website Crikey! reported on the federal government’s leaked draft discussion paper on tackling online copyright infringement.
The paper has two main policy proposals. The first is to make it easier for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to be held liable for authorising copyright infringement, making them more responsible for policing the activity of their customers.
Read more: Crikey! Leak: Online Copyright Infringement Draft Discussion Paper
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Connecting Today's Consumer session transcripts and presentations are now available.
Every consumer wants to be connected and enjoy the benefits of competitive products and prices, but what’s the reality in Australia today and what can be done to improve the consumer experience?
Connecting Today’s Consumer explored the big issues facing Australian telco consumers – When and how can every Australian connect to our broadband and mobile networks? Are we being offered truly competitive content and products? How do we ensure consumers know their rights and can act on them?
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As you may have heard, the first part of the independent cost-benefit analysis of broadband and review of regulation – also known as the Vertigan Review – has been released by the Government.
Satisfaction with NBN Reforms
The Review Panel has taken a moderate approach to the issues, finding a high level of satisfaction generally among the communications industry and stakeholders with the NBN reforms. The Panel itself backs this positive assessment. The Panel concludes that on the whole, "the broad framework should be retained largely unchanged for the time being" with some specific exceptions.
Read more: A Moderate Approach: The Vertigan Review
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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
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Earlier this year Google and ACCAN partnered to offer a paid internship opportunity with ACCAN. Applicants were invited to submit a brief proposal outlining a research project on an emerging communications consumer issue.
The winner was recent law graduate David Seidler, who tackled the hot topic of data retention. Seidler’s report Hacking the Grapevine: Data Retention and protecting Australian consumer privacy is a first-class piece of research by a talented up-and-coming lawyer.