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Online Copyright Infringement Discussion Paper

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In ACCAN's submission to the Government's consultation about online copyright infringement, we argue that consumers should not pay the cost if the government forces ISPs to spend more on trying to stop illegal downloading activities. We also say that if any industry notice scheme is introduced, consumer rights need to be respected and there should never be account terminations.

2014 Review of the National Triple Zero (000) Operator

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ACCAN's submission to the Department of Communications Review of the Triple Zero Operator acknowledged that the standard voice-only national service is widely recognised, reliable and easy to use for the majority of Australians and that the current model should remain as the primary national model for requesting emergency services (fire, ambulance, police).

Competition policy review

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Structural changes to the communications market were one of a package of reforms in the 1993 Hilmer Review, which substantially improved competition in the Australian market. This led to a proliferation of consumer choice from the government owned monopoly, Telecom, to the diverse array of competitors Australian consumers have access to today.

ACMA reform to reporting requirements

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ACCAN has responded to the ACMA's consultation on proposals for deregulatory reform in telecommunications reporting requirements.

Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era

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Privacy in Australia is back on the agenda again with the Australian Law Reform Commission's (ALRC) recent inquiry into Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era. ACCAN's submission to the inquiry focuses on when consumers have a 'reasonable expectation of privacy'. We support the proposed introduction of a new Australian Privacy Principle (APP) which would give consumers the ability to request the destruction or de-identification of their personal information.

Telecommunications deregulation bill no.1 2014

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ACCAN has responded to the Government's consultation on proposals for longer term deregulatory reform in telecommunications. Our submission flagged that the important areas of privacy and the customer service guarantee (which puts timeframes around new connections and fault repairs) need more in depth consideration and consultation, while supporting reforms for arrangements around pre-selection, Part 9A of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act, retail price controls and the local presence plan. We are also generally supportive of changes to Telstra's priority assistance arrangements, although with some qualification.

Deregulation: consumer information requirements

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In December 2013, ACCAN made a submission to the federal government regarding the Minister for Communication's call for possible telco regulatory reform. ACCAN has made an additional submission regarding consumer information requirements in the telco sector.

NBN regulatory issues framing paper

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ACCAN has made a submission to the independent Expert Panel conducting a cost-benefit analysis and review of NBN regulation.

Mobile Coverage Expansion Program submission

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ACCAN has made a submission to the Department of Communications' discussion paper on extending mobile phone coverage and competition in regional Australia. ACCAN has welcomed the government's $100m investment in the program, while cautioning that there is a need for ongoing long-term investment in remote coverage to overcome market failures in this area.

Do Not Call Register

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ACCAN believes the Do Not Call Register has been an important tool in protecting consumers from receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls and faxes. However, with approximately 9 million registered numbers and on average approximately 1 million new numbers registered every year, we believe it is time to redesign the Register and align it with the Spam Act 2003.

MTAS - regulating the cost of an SMS

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ACCAN has made a submission to the ACCC's Domestic Mobile Terminating Access Service (MTAS) Declaration Inquiry. ACCAN endorses the ACCC's preliminary finding that mobile voice and SMS termination services should be declared for five years.

NBN battery backup submission

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This submission to the ACMA is about the type of regulation that should be introduced to ensure all consumers are able to make a fully informed choice on whether or not to take a backup battery when they are switched over to a fibre-based telephone service. This will happen to the vast majority of premises in Australia over the next seven years.