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This week
IN THE NEWS: 90% of Australians think telcos should offer affordable internet plans, consumer warning for technical support remote access scams, and more.
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![ACCAN Media Release: 90% of Aussies want more affordable internet [icon of a laptop with no internet and a dollar sign]](https://accan.org.au/images/WebNews/WebNews-28July2022.jpg) |
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As Australian households increasingly feel the impact of higher costs of living, new research by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) conducted in April has revealed that 90% of Australians think that telcos should provide an affordable internet plan as standard so that everyone can remain connected. [ACCAN]
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Have you received unsolicited calls from people saying there is a problem with your computer and offering to fix it? It’s likely to be a scam. The ACMA is aware of ongoing reports of scammers impersonating well-known telecommunications or tech companies like Telstra, NBN Co, and Microsoft. They make claims to alarm you, such as your broadband has been hacked or your computer has a virus or there are issues with your internet or phone connection. [ACMA]
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Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has declared a regulatory proposal from NBN Co, which would dramatically increase the cost of internet, “unacceptable”, forcing the broadband network operator to rethink its long-term pricing model. NBN Co chief executive Stephen Rue said the federal government had confirmed the organisation would remain in public ownership for the forseeable future as it requested the company withdraw a proposal that would shape how it determines wholesale prices. [SMH]
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Twenty remote Indigenous communities will have constant 4G mobile signal for the first time under a new program being rolled out in the Northern Territory. The NT government and Telstra will spend $5.8 million installing 20 small cell hubs in communities in the Barkly, Big Rivers, Central Australia, East Arnhem and Top End regions. [Canberra Times]
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The Australian and Victorian Governments will improve mobile connectivity for 20 locations across the fringes of Greater Melbourne through the Australian Government’s Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP). PUMP provides funding to improve mobile connectivity in bushfire priority areas along the edges of Australia’s major cities to improve connectivity and safety. [Minister for Communications]
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Telstra has accused NBN Co of pricing itself - and Australians - out of the fixed broadband market, and becoming a network “for only those who can afford it”. In an as-yet unpublished 84-page submission to the ACCC, Telstra said that the growing substitution of NBN services with cellular fixed wireless was “inefficient” and not in internet users’ best interests. [iTNews]
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E-commerce fraud is increasing pressure on businesses’ margins, adding a further barrier to growth during economic uncertainty, with nearly three-quarters of businesses having diverted engineering resources, and more than half curtailing expansion plans due to fraud concerns, according to a new report from financial services and software as a service company Stripe. [iTWire]
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Amazon is offering to halt the online selling and marketing practices in Europe that regulators allege are anti-competitive, hoping to bring an end to a two-year investigation and avoid a massive fine. [InnovationAus]
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Optus says the 5G mobile network will benefit travellers and give them access to business-critical applications such as video conferencing and file sharing. Passengers can also download files more quickly, stream content, video-call friends and family in ultra-high definition before boarding. [iTWire]
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Telecommunications company Optus has switched its tower in Northern Tasmania, providing enhanced mobile coverage in the town of Cressy as well as in Cressy Road, Green Rises, Saudridge, and Elphinstone Roads. “This increased connection in the Northern region will enable our customers to do more of the things they love,” said Optus territory general manager for Tasmania Peter West. [iTWire]
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Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
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Although we take care to direct subscribers to sites with accurate and reliable content, we advise that ACCAN is not responsible for the content within external sites and has no control over the views, services or information contained therein. Information contained on external sites may not necessarily reflect ACCAN's policy, standards or beliefs.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network's representation of residential and other consumers' interests in relation to telecommunications issues is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
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