As the year begins, we’re already seeing significant developments in the communications sector—an unusual pace for this time of year. With an election on the horizon, we can expect even more changes in the coming months.
Late in 2024, we published our pre-budget policy submission. This significant piece of work lays out ACCAN’s recommendations for improving outcomes for Australian communications consumers through the 2025-26 budget. To make this important work more accessible, we’re sharing bite-sized insights through our social media channels. Be sure to follow us for updates and help us amplify these crucial consumer-focused policies as we continue advocating for their implementation.
The draft Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code was released for public consultation late last year by the Communications Alliance. ACCAN is currently conducting a forensic review of the draft Code and preparing our response, which we are eager to share with you once completed. The TCP Code is under intense scrutiny from regulators and consumer organisations and as ACCAN has indicated over recent months, more robust consumer protections are long overdue for consumer protection and to generate consumer confidence.
This week, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced legislative changes to strengthen ACMA’s enforcement powers. These changes mean that the ACMA will have increased powers to issue significant penalties (up to $10m consistent with banking and energy sectors) for breach of industry codes, without the need for prior warnings through the discredited two-step process. A Carriage Service Provider (CSP) registration scheme will also strengthen transparency and accountability for all providers in the telco market. If applied appropriately, these measures will be major wins for consumers and is welcome by ACCAN and other consumer organisations who have long advocated for stronger accountability in the sector. We commend the Federal Government and the Minister for this decisive action.
The Federal Government last week also announced $3.8 billion in new funding for NBN Co which will extend the rollout of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) to around 90% of NBN’s fixed line network, replacing slower and less reliable Fibre to the Node connections. This is a significant victory for consumers, as we mentioned in the press interviews and a media release.
Telstra’s partnership with Starlink to deliver SMS via satellite is generating buzz. This technology has the potential to bring connectivity to remote areas that previously lacked signal. While the benefits to public safety and economic growth are exciting, ACCAN will monitor this space to ensure that pricing structures remain fair and accessible for all consumers.
ACCAN has been active in the media through January. I recently featured in a piece about coverage problems which a wide cross-section of consumers have faced since the 3G shutdown. It has become evident that too many people have experienced coverage reductions despite assurances that this would not happen. It is now incumbent on telcos to ensure that the groundwork is undertaken to fix any new coverage issues their customers are struggling with. ACCAN will represent consumers in a hearing of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee in early February, which is looking into the 3G shutdown.
ACCAN has also provided input to the scams protection framework (SPF) legislation via a joint submission with other consumer groups and our own telco specific submission. We will provide evidence to a senate inquiry on this issue next week but are keen to ensure that the various shortfalls (especially the presumption of reimbursement) in the final draft legislation are addressed to the benefit of consumers.
It promises to be a watershed year for communications reform and we look forward to working with our stakeholders and members to represent the needs of all Australians.
