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IN THE NEWS: ACCAN receives funding to scrutinise billions of dollars of NBN expenditure, mandatory SMS Register to drive down scams, regional reps warn of coverage issues post-3G shutdown
CEO MESSAGE: Today the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland announced that ACCAN would be receiving additional funding to represent consumers in the economic regulation of NBN Co.
The NBN is closely regulated by the ACCC and, until now, consumers have not had a direct voice in the NBN regulatory process. This has all changed with Minister Rowland’s announcement that a funding grant of $2.5 million would be given to ACCAN to participate in and inform these consultation processes. Work has commenced to ensure that consumers receive high-quality, affordable and reliable services through the NBN. We thank the Minister for her support for a consumer voice in the costing of one of Australia’s largest organisations delivering essential communications.
Consumers this week received the exciting news that the federal government's planned SMS Sender ID Register will be mandatory rather than voluntary.
This comes after a government trial of a voluntary register and consistent pressure from ACCAN and the consumer sector to create a mandatory Register. 89% of respondents to consultation expressed a preference for a mandatory model.
The Register will help to drive down the number of scam SMS’ Australians receive. Australians are frequently bombarded by scam texts – and we know from international experience (Singapore) that a mandatory Register will make a difference.
Continuing on the scams theme, ACCAN’s holiday season awareness campaign is ending soon. We have had our joint initiative with Google, Guide to Spotting Scams, promoted as a pre-video advertisement to Australian YouTube viewers for the last week. So far 1.7 million viewers have seen our video.
We are hearing reports from our members, the Isolated Children’s Parents Association and Country Women’s Association, that some regional consumers are facing significant connectivity challenges due to the 3G network shutdown. ACCAN would be glad to hear your stories – you can call or email our team with any on-ground experiences you have.
Although the year is drawing to a close, our team remains busy. We are finalising a number of submissions including our Pre-Budget submission with affordability the key focus. We are also participating in key consultations on the Scams Prevention Framework and the NBN (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill, both in the coming weeks.
Until next week, I hope you enjoy this edition of WebNews.
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
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