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This week
IN THE NEWS: Telstra extends 3G shutdown, NBN CEO jumps ship to Optus, and consumer groups call for improved domestic violence protections
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Telstra has postponed the shutdown of its 3G network until August 31, CEO Vicki Brady announced on Monday. This is significant news for the mobile telecommunications sector, with the shutdown originally planned to begin June 30. The announcement comes after months of increased scrutiny about how thoroughly consumers have been informed about the shutdown, including whether consumers with affected phones, devices and equipment are prepared to lose connectivity. Eight additional weeks will allow the message to spread further. Brady said on Monday that customers with impacted mobiles will soon hear a short pre-recorded message when making outgoing calls, urging them to upgrade their device. [ABC]
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Long-standing NBN Co CEO Stephen Rue has announced his resignation, and is set to take on the CEO position at Optus. In an executive shift that took many in the industry by surprise, Rue will take the reins at Optus in November, replacing interim Optus CEO Michael Venter. NBN CFO Philip Knox has been appointed interim CEO at NBN Co. Media commentators emphasised the quality of Rue’s connections and reputation within government circles, though questioned the extent of his customer-facing experience. Optus is establishing a local board which Rue will report to, replacing a previously established direct report to Singtel Group, based in Singapore. [ITNews]
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Telecommunications products and services can offer a lifeline to victim-survivors escaping violence, but are also often misused to perpetrate domestic and family violence (DFV). Today, consumer advocacy groups including ACCAN, the Consumer Action Law Centre, the Centre for Women's Economic Safety, and the Economic Abuse Reference Group are calling for action. We are urging the government to step in to implement direct regulation to protect telecommunications consumers facing DFV, bringing our industry into line with other essential service sectors. Read our media release on the ACCAN website (above). [ACCAN]
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Privacy Awareness Week is an annual event to promote and raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal information. Together with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), we’re highlighting the importance of protecting your personal information. This year’s theme focuses on privacy and technology and the key principles of transparency, accountability and security. Find out how you can power up your privacy at the OAIC’s website (above). [OAIC]
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Due to staff leave and travel commitments, we will be taking a break from our regular WebNews schedule next week. We will return for our next edition on 23 May. In the meantime, stay tuned to ACCAN’s social media platforms for updates on important telco consumer stories, and hear what we are getting up to. [No article - announcement]
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Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to hand down the Budget for FY24-25 on Tuesday 14 May. ACCAN has made a number of recommendations to the Treasury in relation to the budget, including that funds be allocated to establish a concessional broadband service, and an independent plan comparison tool, community device refurbishment programs and a legislated right to repair. Read our full list of recommendations on our website (above). [ACCAN]
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Accessible Telecoms is now on social media! Follow their pages on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram for information about new telecommunications products, device education, accessible tech news and more. Like, follow and share to help spread the word about this fantastic service. Linked above is their Facebook page. [Accessible Telecoms]
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The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has launched a new advertising campaign to raise awareness of coercive control, a known precursor to intimate partner homicides. Technology can be mis-used by perpetrators, and compelling videos on the campaign website show diverse experiences of coercive control to help people identify the signs of abuse (link above). [NSW DCJ]
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Deakin University is seeking participants for a focus group about digital communication. They want to explore your experiences and use of digital technologies and what communication means to you. In-person focus groups will be held in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. Online focus groups will be held via a password protected Zoom call. Have free time in June or July? Visit the link above – participants will receive a $50 gift card on completion. [Deakin University]
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ACCAN’s Acting CEO Dr Gareth Downing features in this piece about a Vodafone customer who was notified about a significant price increase on her mobile plan and decided to fight back. Read the article for tips for consumers facing price rises and a study of the legality of such behaviour. This story is also available in video form, courtesy of ABC The Business. Please note – the video requires a free ABC account to view. [ABC]
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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.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network's representation of residential and other consumers' interests in relation to telecommunications issues is supported by the Commonwealth through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
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