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ACCAN wants to hear about your experience with your ADSL internet service.

ADSL stands for ‘asymmetric digital subscriber line’. ADSL is a broadband internet connection delivered through the same copper wiring that your home phone may use. The ACCC are soon to begin an inquiry into whether Telstra should continue to provide access to wholesale ADSL services on request. The outcome of the ACCC inquiry could impact price and retail choice of ADSL services for regional, rural and remote consumers.

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Nbn Co sought feedback on the second consultation paper of its wholesale pricing review. Earlier in 2021, ACCAN provided feedback to its first consultation paper.

In our response to nbn Co’s second consultation paper ACCAN explained that we would not like to see wholesale costs for residential customers increase, due to the flow on impact that wholesale price increases can have on consumers. As such, in our response ACCAN supported:

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COnnection & Protection Banner: What consumers need from the Internet of Things

In Australia, and worldwide, the demand for consumer IoT devices and appliances is soaring as they become more affordable and the ongoing rollout of 5G mobile technology in Australia means in just 2 years, the average Australian household will likely contain 18 IoT connected devices.

Internet of Things (IoT) powered smart devices and appliances provide consumers with optimal convenience, however, Australia’s current regulatory system offers consumers little protection. An enforceable regulatory regime is needed.

The IoT Position Paper Launch will highlight the key areas of concern for IoT devices in Australia and what consumers need from an Internet of Things regulatory framework.

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ACCAN OBJECTIVES

From section 3.1 of the ACCAN Constitution:

  1. to be a peak body in Australia representing the interests of consumers in relation to communications and telecommunications issues;

  2. to promote the telecommunications consumer objectives of accessibility, affordability and availability to all consumers;

  3. to promote the development of Australian information and communications technology resources;

  4. to develop a strong, coordinated voice for consumers and to represent and advocate on behalf of consumers to Government, regulators and the telecommunications industry;

  5. to undertake research, policy development and education on consumer telecommunications issues;

  6. to facilitate access to and dissemination of information to consumers, consumer representatives and consumer organisations;

  7. to advocate on behalf of consumers on telecommunications laws affecting consumers, law reform, policy development and in relation to industry practices;

  8. to participate in regulatory and co-regulatory activities; and

  9. to contribute to the development of Government telecommunications policy.

View our Strategic Plan

View our Constitution

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ACCAN has announced the date for its 2021 National Conference. ACCANect 2021 #DigitalDownload will be held Online, 8th September 2021. Mark your diaries now for Australia's premiere telecommunications conference.

ACCAN National Conference 2021 - Save the date: 8 Sept 21

Network and meet new people

We expect over 200 attendees including industry leaders, international delegates, consumer groups, government and regulators as well as mainstream media. The ACCANect 2021 digital event platform offers all delegates live access to Speakers sessions as well as interactive networking opportunities with other delegates, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors.

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If you are Deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, please contact us on 02 9288 4000 through your preferred National Relay Service call number or access point. For more information about the National Relay Service visit the National Relay Service website.

If you want to call us and need an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone ACCAN on 02 9288 4000.

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For general enquiries email:
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Phone: 02 9288 4000
SMS: 0457 606 600

Media enquiries:
(calls only: no texts please)

Alec Bennetts
Mobile: 0409 966 931
Phone: 02 9288 4000
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The Australian Human Rights Commission has heeded the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)’s call for no Australian to be left offline, with the release of the Human Rights and Technology Final Report

The report, presented to the Attorney General, details the Australian Human Rights Commission’s support for a concessional broadband rate for low-income households to make internet access more affordable and improve digital inclusion.

“The past year has demonstrated just how essential it is to be online,” said ACCAN CEO, Teresa Corbin. “With Melbourne in the midst of its latest lockdown, and families forced back into remote work and schooling, we need to act now to make sure that our most vulnerable have access to a reliable, affordable broadband product.”

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ACCAN recently responded to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications inquiry into the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No.1) Bill 2021. This Bill proposes amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, including in relation to subscription television captioning rules.

In our submission ACCAN stated that the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 remains the most appropriate place for captioning requirements to be set out. We recommended broader amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to embed the same levels of access features (including captioning, audio description and Auslan interpreting) across all subscription, video on demand, commercial free-to-air and national broadcasters. We made a similar recommendation in response to the Media Reform Green Paper.

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The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications released the Media Reform Green Paper: Modernising television regulation in Australia in December 2020 for consultation.

The Green Paper proposed that:

  • Australian broadcasters and free-to-air television networks may be able to make a ‘one-time transition' to a new broadcaster's licence with reduced tax and content quotas on multichannels.

  • In exchange, those who take up the ‘new licence' must agree to transmit content on reduced radiofrequency spectrum, with surplus spectrum to be auctioned off to the telecommunications industry and proceeds used to funds to finance Australian screen content production and local news.

  • Large Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) services and Advertising Video-on-Demand (AVOD) providers may be forced to invest into Australia's screen industry.

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Infrastructure Australia recently undertook an industry consultation for its Regional Strengths and Gaps project. ACCAN provided a response to this consultation.

In our response ACCAN highlighted the Wamboin Communications Action Group as a strength in terms of their success in improving connectivity in their area. This group is now providing guidance to other communities across Australia with similar aspirations. Similarly, ACCAN’s Community Consultation Guide provides information to communities to put together a business case for investment via the Mobile Blackspot Program.

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