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IN THE NEWS: 3G shutdown a matter of life and death, ACCAN Board Nominations close this Tuesday, and Scams Awareness Week is nearly upon us
CEO MESSAGE: This week I wrote an opinion piece for the Canberra Times and regional newspapers about the 3G shutdown. We summarise the article below, and it can also be found in full on the ACCAN website. I stress the point that all Australians need to take steps to prepare for the network shutdown on October 28, but industry – and the medical devices sector in particular – must step up to ensure their customers are aware if their devices will be impacted by the closure of 3G.
We have also shared an interview that I recently recorded with the Institute of Community Directors. If you would like to learn a little more about me, my background and my plans upon joining ACCAN, I invite you read it.
Scams continue to be an acute consumer issue, and although we have made great progress in curbing scam losses since the establishment of the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), Australians still lost $2.7 billion to scam attacks in 2023. This is why we partnering with the NASC to promote Scams Awareness Week, which begins on Monday 26 August. This year’s theme is ‘share a story, stop a scam’, which highlights the importance of breaking down the stigma and shame that is wrongly attached to becoming the victim of a scam. Scam victims are not at fault for being targeted by scammers – it can happen to anyone. Sharing our stories helps build our defences against fraudsters.
Finally, I remind our members that nominations to join the ACCAN Board are set to close on August 27. If you haven’t yet completed your membership renewal, you must do so prior to nominating.
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
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3G shutdown a matter of life and death
On August 19, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett wrote an opinion piece about the 3G shutdown for the Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. Carol warned consumers to prepare ahead of the shutdown, and called for a ‘whole-of-ecosystem’ approach from industry to ensure consumers remain safe and businesses continue smooth operations after the 3G shutdown. Carol urged the medical devices sector to step up and contact affected customers, and for all Australians to check their devices and prepare ahead of the 28 October shutdown. [ACCAN, via Canberra Times]
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Help us make a positive difference for communications consumers by nominating to join the ACCAN Board! Board nominations close Tuesday 27 August at 4pm AEST [ACCAN]
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ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett recently sat down with the Institute of Community Directors Australia for an interview about her career to-date and motivations for entering the communications sector. Carol shared several key issues that she hopes to address at ACCAN – including growing affordability and access problems – and explained why she believes telecommunications is such a vital issue for Australian consumers. To learn more, find the interview linked above. [Community Directors]
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Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by a scam? Scams are getting more sophisticated every day, and the best way to fight back is through awareness and education. Next week, ACCAN will be supporting the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scams Awareness Week to help Australians spot and avoid scams. The theme of the week is: 'Share a story, stop a scam'. By sharing your story, you can help others recognise the warning signs and help protect us all. [ScamWatch]
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The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has found that Australians living outside of metropolitan hubs are experiencing significant issues with their telcos. In its recent submission to the Regional Telecommunications Review (RTR), the TIO noted that it has received over 50,000 complaints from regional, rural and remote customers about faults, poor service quality, poor mobile coverage and outages since July 2021. Problems such as these can be particularly dangerous for consumers living in areas at greater risk of natural disasters. You can read more on the TIO website, linked above. [TIO]
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ACCAN Deputy CEO Dr Gareth Downing will be speaking at an International Institute of Communications (IIC) event on September 5. Dr Downing will put forward the consumer perspective on two important reviews - the Universal Service Obligation (USO) review and Regional Telecommunications Review (RTR). Other speakers include the Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC), Alannah MacTiernan and incoming Comms Alliance CEO Luke Coleman. Tickets for this in-person event are free for IIC customers, or $89 for the general public. See more at the link above. [International Institute of Communications]
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Renewal reminder notices were recently sent out by email. Thank you to all members for your continued support of ACCAN and its work for communications consumers. If you are not yet a member - an ACCAN Membership gives you access to informative and educative resources, ACCAN events, and frequent Advisory Forums. Please contact our membership team should you have any questions. [ACCAN]
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auDA has announced a new Research and Development Grant, plus the return of its Community Grant Program for 2024! auDA is the administrator of the .au domain and an ACCAN member. Their Community Grant Program supports initiatives that drive digital inclusion and innovation. The program is open to not-for-profit organisations and research institutions registered with ACNC. The Community Grants Program is now open, and will close 12 September. Learn more at the link above. [auDA]
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Access to online learning at home is important for your children’s education. Having access to fast internet at home can also help children to improve their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet, and participate in our modern digital world. The School Student Broadband Initiative is an Australian Government Program that offers free home Internet to families and carers that have a school age student at home. It was recently extended until 31 December 2025. See if this program is for you or someone you know – learn more at the link above. [Anglicare]
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The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) is currently holding consultations around the country, providing an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area. Please note, the survey and online submission process has now closed. The RTIRC are tentatively scheduled to be in the Katherine, NT from 11-13 September. Find more information at the link above. [RTIRC]
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WebNews #671
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Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
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