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This week
IN THE NEWS: Government and X relationship devolves further, new 3G shutdown website launched, and Optus unveils policy for vulnerable consumers
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Disagreements between the Australian government and X (Twitter) reached new peaks this week as legal claims over online videos of the Wakeley church attack landed in court. The eSafety commissioner on Tuesday issued a notice to social media companies to remove materials depicting the attack, to uproar from platform users overseas spurred on by X’s owner Elon Musk. Posts about the issue have reached a significant global audience, with Musk complaining about the decision of the eSafety Commissioner to his 181 million followers. X has challenged the eSafety ruling in the Federal Court, arguing that it had no right to issue a “global content ban”. The situation has united the Australian political class from the Prime Minister down, with Labor, Coalition and crossbench politicians roundly criticising the conduct of the social media platform. X's challenge in the Federal Court continues. [ABC]
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The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched a new website to assist consumers as the shutdown of 3G networks continues. Telstra (30 June) is the next telco to exit 3G. It is vital that Australians know if they will be impacted, and have time to upgrade their phones and other devices before they are closed. Act now, don’t delay, and find out more on the website above. [AMTA]
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Optus has revealed a new policy to support customers who may be facing vulnerability, including those impacted by financial hardship, domestic or family violence, homelessness, disability or bereavement. While reaffirming its commitment to support customers in times of need, the telco has also established a Specialist Care team dedicated to assist affected customers. Optus customers can contact the Specialist Care team via phone (1800 470 291) or email:specialistcare@optus.com.au. [Optus]
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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has confirmed its support for a mandatory registration model for an SMS Sender ID registry. ACCAN also supports a mandatory model, which we believe would significantly assist in reducing scam losses and provide a high level of protection for governments, consumers and business entities. The Ombudsman warned that a voluntary model may be at risk of exploitation by scammers, and create inconsistency and confusion for consumers. [TIO]
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Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR) has released a detailed guide to the 3G shutdown aimed particularly at those living in rural and remote areas. BIRRR have compiled dozens of fact sheets and websites and extensively researched how your equipment and devices will be impacted by the 3G shutdown. The resource is focussed particularly on the Telstra shutdown, which is imminent and widely used in the regions.
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A government working group established to advise on the role of LEOsats has flagged country-wide benefits of adopting the technology. Promising LEOsat use-cases included: backhaul for remotely located cellular towers and delivering on the Regional Connectivity Program, besides generally increasing market competition in regional areas. [ITNews]
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The Government is considering how best to fund universal service delivery. At present there are a range of overlapping funding mechanisms for universal services, including government contributions, the Regional Broadband Scheme (RBS) and the Telecommunications Industry Levy (TIL). You can have your say via the webpage linked above. Consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday 14 May 2024. [DITRDCA]
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Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines is encouraging individuals and local community groups to have their voices heard as part of the Regional Telecommunications Review (RTR), ahead of a public consultation in her electorate. The RTR will be in Benalla on May 3, one stop on a long list of visits to cities and towns across the country. ACCAN encourages any interested member of the public to attend their nearest consultation. Find time, date and location details on the RTR website. [DITRDCA]
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ACCAN congratulates Nerida O’Loughlin for her reappointment as Chair of the ACMA, a move formalised by the Governor-General today. Ms O’Loughlin was first appointed as Chair in 2017 and was reappointed in 2022. We look forward to continuing to work with the Chair and other Authority members to achieve positive outcomes for communications consumers. [Minister Rowland].
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For readers who had not heard the news, on 11 April the Board of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) announced the appointment of Ms Carol Bennett as Chief Executive Officer for the organisation from 8 July. Read more about Carol’s background, and hear from her and ACCAN Chair Prof. Julian Thomas, at our media release (above). [ACCAN]
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