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Ms Carol Bennett has officially commenced her role as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) as of Monday 8 July. This follows a prior announcement of her appointment to succeed Andrew Williams, who departed earlier this year.
Ms Bennett is a highly respected executive with extensive experience in senior management and board roles within the health and aged care sector. Importantly, Ms Bennett has an established reputation for effective national advocacy on behalf of consumers. She joins ACCAN from the Alliance for Gambling Reform, where she was CEO since 2021.
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The ACCC response to the latest draft of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code validates long-held consumer concerns about the suitability of self-regulation to protect telecommunications consumers.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes and supports the comments of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the May 20 draft of the TCP Code.
Read more: Consumers of essential communications services deserve direct regulation
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ACCAN recently submitted our response to the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) Review of the Numbering Plan and other instruments discussion paper. Telephone numbering is a fundamental aspect of our communications infrastructure, providing consumers and small businesses with mechanisms to recognise and be recognised through calls and texts.
Read more: Review of the Numbering Plan and other instruments discussion paper
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ACCAN recently submitted to the inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network and telecommunications services accessibility.
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Telco consumers fed up with SMS scams will soon be able to more easily distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent texts, thanks to new proposed legislation.
ACCAN welcomes the introduction of legislation to establish an SMS Sender ID Register by the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland in Parliament today.
Read more: Consumers welcome legislation to stem the tide of SMS scams
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Accessible Telecoms, a service run by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has today launched a new resource to help consumers check their devices will work after the shutdown of 3G networks.
Accessible Telecoms provides consumers with free information, tips and training about accessible products and software. Today, they are launching a 3G shutdown tipsheet to help ensure their audience isn’t left behind. The tipsheet walks consumers through how they can check their connected devices and, if necessary, replace devices that aren’t compatible post-shutdown.
Read more: Accessible Telecoms launches resource to help consumers navigate 3G shutdown
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Australian telcos are turning off the 3G network
Australian telecommunications companies are closing their 3G networks to increase the capacity and speed of 4G and 5G services. Devices that only connect to 3G won’t be able to make or receive calls and texts or access the internet. Some early 4G devices are also impacted.
Read more: Quick steps to prepare for the 3G shutdown
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Funding of universal telecommunications services (RBS Review)
ACCAN recently commented on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts’ consultation on the Funding of universal telecommunications services (RBS Review). The funding of the universal service obligation (USO) is integral to ensuring the efficacy and longevity of Australia’s communications services, especially for those who are living in regional, rural and remote areas, have specific accessibility needs, or are living on a low income.
Read more: Funding of universal telecommunications services (RBS Review)
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ACCAN recently submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)’s consultation paper on Expiring spectrum licences (stage 2) – information gathering, and views on uses of frequency bands and alternative licence conditions (the Consultation Paper).
ACCAN supports the ACMA’s finalised expiring spectrum licence (ESL) stage 2 information gathering framework and its public interest criteria (PIC) as outlined in the Consultation Paper.
ACCAN recommends that the ACMA:
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ACCAN recently submitted to the inquiry into regional telecommunications in Western Australia, focusing on mobile telecommunications failure during widespread power outages.
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ACCAN recently submitted to the Senate Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI).
ACCAN considers that the consumer sector requires greater support to engage with AI and other emerging technologies that will impact consumers. At present there is no consumer group funded to engage with AI and emerging technologies on behalf of consumers. As AI and other emerging technologies become embedded in our societies and markets there are growing risks of harms.