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IN THE NEWS: ACCAN argues TCP Code deficiencies at Senate hearing, 3G shutdown – fresh concerns over phones from online retailers, and unfair trading ban a welcome step.
CEO MESSAGE: The 3G shutdown is now less than a fortnight away. I contributed to an excellent piece by CHOICE, which raised concerns about new and refurbished devices sold by major retailers which won’t work after the shutdown on 28 October.
The issue? Some smaller online retailers, and even big players such as Coles and Boost, have until very recently been selling devices sourced from overseas.
Phones imported from countries such as the US and China are not compatible with a key radiofrequency used by Telstra and Optus in their mobile networks. This means users with affected devices may have reduced coverage post-shutdown, particularly in regional areas, and including 000 connectivity.
ACCAN is actively urging consumers to check that their phones and other devices are 4G or 5G compatible if you haven’t already done so. Our advice is to visit 3gclosure.com.au for more information
On Friday, Dr Gareth Downing and I had the privilege of appearing before a Senate hearing on the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill while in Canberra. We shared concerns over the industry codes system proposed under the legislation. Based on our experience with the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code, we believe voluntary industry codes are ill-equipped to protect consumers. Penalties under industry codes are too weak and are ineffective. They are unlikely to work for behemoth digital platforms.
We’ve also been out in the media commenting on the multi-billion dollar TPG/Vocus infrastructure deal, we welcomed the new laws proposed by the government that will ensure the NBN remains in public hands, and reforms to the Australian Consumer Law which will ban several manipulative business practices which cause consumers harm.
Read on for a full digest of this week’s news!
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
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ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett and Deputy CEO Dr Gareth Downing appeared before a Senate Inquiry into the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill on 11 October. They argued that, in ACCAN’s view, the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code has not provided robust protections for consumers. Enforcement is limited, and when penalties are applied, they are far too small. Linked above is a video of Senator David Pocock asking the ACCAN team their views on the adequacy of direct regulation in the communications sector. [ACCAN]
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ACCAN this week contributed to a piece by CHOICE, which shone a light on new or refurbished devices recently sold to Australians by major retailers. Some will not function as expected after the 3G shutdown. Online third-party marketplaces and major brands such as Coles have been selling phones sourced from overseas. Phones which originate from countries including the US and China may not be compatible with the 700Mhz band used by Optus and Telstra as a backbone of their networks. Coverage implications including limited 000 access may arise as a result. Our CEO Carol Bennett said that governments and industry should be doing much more to track down the grey-market phones putting Australians at risk, and ensure they are no longer sold to consumers. [CHOICE]
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On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones announced that the government will move to reform the Australian Consumer Law to ban unfair trading practices. Included under the proposed changes (which are expected to come before Parliament in 2025) exploitative or manipulative tactics such as subscription trapping, deceptive website design, fake time-pressure tactics and drip-pricing. Too often companies fail to treat consumers with the decency and respect they deserve. These strengthened protections are welcome, and come after advocacy from ourselves and other advocates. [ACCAN]
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You may have heard that TPG and Vocus have struck a major $5 billion dollar deal. Unless you run a business – this may not affect you greatly. Under the deal, Vocus will take ownership of 24,000 kilometres of TPG fibre, nearly doubling their current network. A subsea fibre cable connecting Sydney to Guam will also be owned by Vocus. Hear what our CEO Carol Bennett had to say on SBS News On The Money at the link above. [SBS]
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Pressure is mounting on the government to put consumers first in its proposed Scams Prevention Framework. As 35-year journalism veteran and Financial Review columnist Tony Boyd argued in an opinion piece this week, it is a mistake to ask scams victims to seek reimbursement through lengthy and arcane dispute resolution processes. The presumption of reimbursement is simple - it would incentivise major companies to prevent scams in the first place, and assist consumers in distress. ACCAN and fellow consumer advocates are continuing to lobby the government to make this vital change to scams legislation. [AFR]
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CommBank has paid a $7.5 million penalty for breaches of the Spam Act, little over a year after paying a $3.5 million fine for the same offence. Between November 2022 and April 2024 CommBank were found to have sent more that 170 million marketing emails without any option to unsubscribe, including nearly 35 million emails to people who either had not consented, or had withdrawn consent. [ACMA]
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Accessible mobile communications are important for everyone – and that’s why ACCAN was proud to support Centre for Accessibility (CFAA) in the ‘Cancellations for All’ project earlier this year. The project was launched to support people with disability, their families, and carers over accessibility issues in the telecommunications sector regarding the cancellation of mobile services.
The companion report outlines additional issues that are important to accessibility for all, including items such as identification requirements, early activation, and postal address accuracy. Read the report at the link above. [Centre for Accessibility]
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ACCAN is proud to support Get Online Week, a nationwide initiative to help Australians bridge the digital divide. With over 1,000 events happening across the country, now’s the perfect time to boost your digital skills, stay safe online, and feel more confident using tech! Find an event near you, or helpful online resources, at the link above [Good Things Australia]
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WebNews #679
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Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
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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