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This week
IN THE NEWS: Consumer wins in the 2024/25 budget, Comms Alliance releases draft TCP code, and report into Optus data breach to be uncovered in court
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ACCAN was glad to see the government implement or fund several recommendations in the 2024/25 budget which will benefit communications consumers. The ACMA will receive $12.4 million over four years from 2024-25 to oversee a review of mandatory anti-scams rules for banks, telcos and digital platforms, improve existing scam call and SMS codes for telcos, and boost enforcement action to disrupt scams. $48 million was also committed to deliver additional free community Wi-Fi in remote First Nations communities, establish a First Nations Digital Support Hub and a network of digital mentors to develop digital capability and support safe use. [Minister Rowland]
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Communications Alliance has submitted a near-complete draft Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code to the ACMA and TCP Code Review Committee, which ACCAN participates in. The TCP Code is an industry code that sets out rules and benchmarks for how telcos must deal with their customers. It protects customers who use mobile phone, landline and internet services, including the NBN. The Code is currently under a review which is drawing closer to completion. ACCAN will be scrutinising the current draft, and will have more to say via our website, WebNews and social media platforms in due course. We look forward to working with industry and other stakeholders to see sound outcomes for consumers through this process. [Comms Alliance]
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The Federal Court has ruled that Optus will not be able to keep a report authored by Deloitte in the wake of the September 2022 data breach away from lawyers acting in a class action against the telco. Beyond the legal team representing Optus customers now having access to the report, the decision means that some portions of it will likely become public as the lawsuit continues. [Cyber Daily]
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Optus customers can now use the 3G shutdown compatibility checker that Telstra rolled out some months ago. Customers can text the number 3 to 3498 to receive confirmation that their device will remain fully functional after the shutdown of 3G networks. It is unclear whether the text service will work for customers of Optus sub-brands, such as Coles Mobile, Amaysim and Dodo. [TechGuide]
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In its submission to the Better Delivery of Universal Services consultation, TPG has argued that social media platforms, streaming services and other tech giants should contribute to costs of connectivity infrastructure, including the rollout of fixed broadband and 5G. It pointed out that demand for data has grown at astonishing rates over recent years due to these companies, yet they contribute little to the infrastructure costs or to Australia’s universal access schemes. This reiterates a similar call from TPG and Optus in August last year - note: paywall. [DITRDCA – TPG submission]
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The First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group is seeking feedback on how government and industry can better support First Nations people to access the internet and media they need to make decisions about their lives and communities. At the link above, you can have your say via a survey or schedule a time to put your views to a Department representative via a phone call. [DITRDCA]
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A team at Monash University are trialling a new program to help scam survivors with called Smooth Sailing After Scams. Have you been scammed? Do you want help in coping with the loss of money or feelings of anger, shame, confusion or disbelief? Have your relationships or lifestyle been affected? This 10-session program, delivered in small groups by allied health clinicians via telehealth or in-person (Notting Hill, Victoria), may help. Find out more via the link above, or by emailing the researchers at cyberability@monash.edu [Monash University]
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Optus has announced that prices for their postpaid mobile customers will be increasing soon. Customers can expect to pay at least $3 extra per month, while receiving an additional data allowance for the period. The increase amounts to a 5-6% price hike. As we have pointed out in the past, post-paid consumers on average only use 15.9GB of data per month – well below the allowance of many plans. It is essential that consumers look around for better deals that suit their particular needs. [Finder]
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The NSW Government is developing the state's first Digital Inclusion Strategy to support the people of NSW to access, afford and engage with digital technologies, services and online resources. The NSW Government is calling on local communities, industry and organisations to actively participate in the consultation process. Your feedback will help shape the strategy's outcomes and solutions, focusing on improving digital ability, affordability, accessibility, connectivity, trust and safety. To participate in the consultation or to learn more about the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, head to your local library or council, or visit the link above. [NSW Department of Customer Service]
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Happy National Reconciliation Week! ACCAN is committed to supporting Australia's reconciliation journey through our advocacy work, particularly regarding digital inclusion. We are excited to play a small part in the many evolving ways First Nations communities can use technology to share stories of Country and culture. Find out more about this year’s theme – Now more than ever – at the NRW website. [Reconciliation Australia]
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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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