Labor urges government to retain NRS at same access levels

The Australian Labor Party has urged the government to consult consumer groups and the community around the National Relay Service about any changes that are being considered, to ensure that the same level of access as at present is maintained. [iTWire]

Telstra to pay $10 million for misleading premium billing charge representations

The Federal Court has today ordered Telstra to pay penalties of $10 million for making false or misleading representations to customers in relation to its third-party billing service known as “Premium Direct Billing” (PDB), following action by the ACCC. [ACCC]
 

2018 Regional TelEcommunications Review to commence

On 30 April 2018, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Regional Communications, announced the commencement of the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review. The committee is chaired by Mr Sean Edwards, and the members are Ms Wendy Duncan, Ms Johanna Plante, Ms Robbie Sefton, Ms Kylie Stretton and Mr Paul Weller. [NFF]

NBN Co to create a class war on its network

NBN Co is set to divide its customer base into two classes in October: those who can afford to pay for a higher minimum standard of service, and those who can’t. The company’s retail service providers - particularly those that have a lot of 12Mbps users - face being caught in the middle and are already bracing for a backlash. [iTnews]

Comms Alliance comes out on complexity of new ACMA rules but members can’t agree on scope

Communications Alliance has formally lobbied the Australian Communications and Media Authority against what it sees as the unnecessary complexity and cost of proposed new Record Keeping Rules over customer complaint handling. But its members have been unable to agree on a common position on the wide scope of both the RKRs and a proposed Complaints Handling Standard, which would cover all carriage service providers despite being conceived as a reaction to NBN‐specific issues. [Comms Alliance]
 

Good Things Foundation, Network Capacity Building Grants

If you have a large network of organisations that you think could benefit from being part of Be Connected, or you have an innovative idea about how to engage older Australians with technology, then you should think about applying for a Capacity Builder Grant. [Good Things Foundation]

Telecom service providers eye IoT for revenue growth

Telecommunications service providers are pursuing multiple paths to gain revenue in the Internet of Things market, but a newly published report warns that 70% of the providers have no well-defined strategy for their entry into the market. [iTWire]
 

Court gives auDA time until 28 July to hold SGM

The au Domain Administration, the organisation that administer Australia's domain namespace, has been granted an extension by the Federal Court to hold a special general meeting requested by some dissatisfied members who are seeking to oust the chief executive and three directors. [iTWire]

 

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