Details

With the cost-of-living front of mind for most Australians, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is urging the federal government to develop an easy to use, independent and free comparison tool to help consumers navigate the often-complicated telecommunications market.

Currently, it is difficult for consumers to find information about different products, services, and plans available to them. The establishment of an Independent Plan Comparison Tool (IPCT) will provide consumers with key product and price information for telecommunications services, allowing them to select a service offering that best meets their needs. 

Details

ACCAN has today released our Independent Plan Comparison Tool (IPCT) Policy Position. Developed in consultation with consumers and other stakeholders, this position outlines the rationale for an IPCT for the telecommunications sector. 

The IPCT should:

Details

Recent research conducted by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has found that direct debit is a problem for some consumers, particularly for those who are living week to week.

A thriving and competitive communications market is characterised by a variety of free payment options that reflect consumer preferences for payment. However, some payment options may place unfair financial risk on consumers.

Details

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) commissioned research on how consumers experience their billing arrangements. 

This research has found that some of the payment options that are offered by telecommunications providers to their customers are not suitable for people in vulnerable circumstances.

Some of the key findings of the research include: 

Details

ACCAN has developed a resource which provides a series of guidelines on how to make publications, presentations, meetings and documents accessible for people with disability.

Download:  docxAccessibility Best-Practice Resources4.65 MB

Download:  pdfAccessibility Best-Practice Resources271.91 KB

Details

ACCAN has responded to the ACCC’s consultation on its Draft Instrument for the Superfast Broadband Access Service (SBAS) Final Access Determination. The SBAS is a declared wholesale access service that retail service providers can use to supply fixed line superfast broadband services to end users.

ACCAN supports the draft instrument which:

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to the Office for Women consultation on the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality (the strategy). In our submission we recommended the Office for Women consider gendered violence arising from technology-facilitated abuse as a vital component of the strategy.

Details

Are you a community organisation or school looking to help bridge the digital divide? Listed below are organisations which may be able to help.

Details

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network’s (ACCAN) Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the organisation’s support of the Voice to Parliament. A Voice to Parliament aligns with ACCAN’s organisational vision of Communications services that are trusted, inclusive, accessible, and available for all. A Voice to Parliament also aligns strongly with ACCAN’s Reconciliation Action Plan vision of a united Australia that acknowledges its past and values the unique culture and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Board and staff of ACCAN support a successful Referendum that will enshrine a First Peoples Voice to Parliament in our Constitution. A Voice that can provide independent advice to Parliament and Government enables true self-determination by ensuring the diverse First Nations perspectives and aspirations are authentically embedded in decisions affecting their lives. A Voice will also provide new opportunities for community consultation to improve communications, particularly in regional and remote Australia.

Details

ACCAN responded to the Government’s 2023 Privacy Act consultation. The consultation report offered a number of proposals resulting from the 2022 Privacy Act Review consultation.

in general, ACCAN was pleased with the majority of the proposals in the report.

Details

ACCAN has responded to the Federal Government’s thematic review of the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG). The CSG is an important consumer protection as it requires telecommunications service providers to connect and fix landline services within specified time frames.

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to the ACMA’s consultation on its compliance priorities for 2023–24. ACCAN has identified several areas the ACMA should consider when developing its compliance priorities for 2023-24. These areas include:

About us

ACCAN in Action