 |
This week
IN THE NEWS: Achieving better basics for all during a time of significant change, how Australians watch TV, and more.
|
![ACCANect 2022: Better Basics Online: 14 September [icon of a phone]](https://accan.org.au/images/WebNews/ACCANect2022-Socials-WebNews.jpg) |
|
Better Basics is the theme for the 2022 Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) conference which is to be held online on September 14. The aim of this year’s conference is to outline some of the key issues that are of continuing importance to consumers, and to highlight the work being done by consumer advocates, industry, regulators, and government to improve the communications sector and get the basics right for consumers. Earlybird registrations are open now, or for more information about the program, visit our conference website. [ACCAN]
|
|
|
|
ACCAN recently commissioned research asking the Australian public about their top concerns when it comes to their communications services. The way Australians watch television is changing. There are more free-to-air channels than ever. Broadcasters offer broadcast video on demand like iView or SBS On Demand and many Australians subscribe to subscription video on demand services like Netflix and Stan. However, with greater choice comes new demands on consumers. [ACCAN]
|
|
The ACCC is currently running an inquiry into the infrastructure used in the supply of mobile telecommunications and other radiocommunications services in regional areas. The inquiry is also exploring the feasibility of providing mobile roaming during natural disasters or other emergencies. In ACCAN’s submission to the inquiry we explained that community expectations regarding mobile services have changed in recent years. We provided three recent case studies from consumers who have contacted ACCAN about mobile coverage and reliability issues in their regions. [ACCAN]
|
|
Australians are being ‘‘dudded’’ by stagnating NBN upload speeds far below the top rates advertised in their internet plans, new data reveals. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said its latest National Broadband Network (NBN) report shows there has been ‘‘no significant improvement’’ in fixed-line upload speeds since early 2020. [The New Daily]
|
|
NBN Co has revealed it is looking to submit a new Special Access Undertaking (SAU) variation, or its proposal to update its rules and pricing, in October this year, after it was forced to withdraw its most recent proposal in late July. [CRN]
|
|
Optus customers in Queensland have taken to social media to vent their frustration at not being able to make or receive any calls. The telco has confirmed on social media that they are currently experiencing a network outage in the sunshine state that may be affecting a number of users. “We’re aware of an issue impacting calls for some Optus customers in QLD,” An Optus spokesperson said. [My GC]
|
|
Telstra will pay shareholders a total dividend of 16.5 cents a share, its first increase since 2015, despite a slight fall in net profit and income for the full financial year. The results are the final under outgoing chief executive Andy Penn who began his role in 2015. He will be replaced by his chief financial officer Vicki Brady. [SMH]
|
|
The federal government has scrapped its much-maligned COVIDSafe contact tracing app, with health minister Mark Butler deeming it “no longer required” to control the spread of the virus. [iTNews]
|
|
The ACMA has released the annual Australian content compliance results for metropolitan commercial television broadcasters for 2021. All 13 metropolitan licensees met the Australian content requirements for their primary and non-primary channels in 2021. The Seven Network reported an average of 74 per cent Australian programs on its primary metropolitan channels, the Nine Network reported 77 per cent and Network Ten reported 68 per cent. [ACMA]
|
|
A crackdown on phone scams has led to telco Circles.Life paying a $199,800 infringement notice for failing to undertake required customer identity checks. The company has also offered over $100,000 in compensation to consumers who have had their services compromised by scammers. [ACMA]
|
|
|
|
WebNews #575
Unsubscribe
from this mailing
click here
|
|
Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
Web: accan.org.au
Twitter: @accan_au
Facebook.com/accanau
LinkedIn: accan.org.au/LinkedIn
|
| |
|
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.
|
|
|
