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This week
IN THE NEWS: Everything you need to know about Aussie spectrum, TPG mulls billion-dollar asset sale, and Telco Ombudsman urges better protections for consumers facing family violence
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ACCAN’s latest Hot Issues blog spotlights spectrum, an essential element in many technologies we use on a daily basis that is poorly understood by many. Read our easy-to-understand explainer on spectrum, including its uses, how it is managed in Australia and emerging issues in the space. [ACCAN]
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TPG Telcom has confirmed it is in advanced talks with Vocus Group to sell much of its fibre assets in a multi-billion dollar deal. Reports suggest TPG will pivot to compete further with large players Optus and Telstra in consumer mobile and fixed wireless services after the sale is completed. [IT News]
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ABC’s 7:30 has reported that Telstra continued correspondence with the families of deceased customers, despite being repeatedly informed that the individual had passed away. It is becoming apparent that this has been a systemic issue over several years. ACCAN members affected by any such behaviour from telcos are encouraged to get in touch with us. [ABC]
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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Cynthia Gerbert, has called for mandatory, enforceable and government-made rules to protect consumers experiencing family violence. These are vital measures for vulnerable consumers, and the Ombudsman has ACCAN’s full support in pushing for change. [TIO]
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We're only 6 weeks away from our 2023 Communications Consumer Congress! Be sure to get your tickets soon to secure early bird pricing. Join us in working towards communications services that are trusted, inclusive, accessible, and available for all. [ACCAN]
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Through the generous support of our Delegate Sponsors, TPG Telecom and NBN Co, ACCAN is able to provide a limited number of travel grants to assist rural, remote and interstate members to attend. Members in such circumstances are encouraged to apply before Monday August 7th via the link above. [ACCAN]
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A GSMA report predicts that 5G will account for 41% of mobile in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by the end of the decade, for a total of approximately 1.4 billion connections. It estimates that economic value added by the mobile sector in APAC countries will reach nearly a trillion Australian dollars by 2030. [VanillaPlus]
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This report makes the point that Australia’s 5G speed and availability is advanced compared to comparable countries, an impressive feat given our relatively small population and large landmass. Research suggests take-up of 5G capable smartphones in Australia far outstrips that in Europe. [ETFM]
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On the broadband front, respected industry analyst Paul Budde has a less positive message. He and his contributors have found that Australia has steadily fallen behind other nations in broadband speeds, while paying increasingly higher premiums for NBN services. At 54Mbps, we are now ranked 82nd in the world for fixed broadband speeds, back from 62nd in 2020, with only a slight increase in speed during that time. [Independent Australia]
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Companies at the forefront of AI development, including Microsoft, Google and OpenAI have formed the Frontier Model Forum to jointly consider ethical responsibilities in the furthering of AI technologies. Key goals of the Forum include formulating AI safeguards, discussing trust and safety issues with government and developing positive uses of AI, including in medical contexts. [The Guardian]
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If you are Deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, you can contact us on 02 9288 4000 through your preferred National Relay Service call number or access point.
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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 information contained in or attached to this message is intended only for the people it is addressed to. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this information is unauthorised and prohibited. This information may be confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you receive this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the e-mail and any attachments. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network does not warrant that the information in this e-mail or any attachments are free from any viruses, defects, errors, interception or interference.
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