Changes to Consumer Protection Code Welcomed

Sydney, 7 March 2016 –  Communications Compliance has welcomed the changes to the code compliance framework contained in Chapter 9 of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code - a revised version of which was registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on 4 March 2016.

Communications Compliance is the compliance monitoring body established by industry in 2012 under the TCP Code.

Deirdre Mason, Chair of Communications Compliance, commented that:“The changes to Chapter 9 have successfully addressed some of the challenges faced by carriage service providers (CSPs) in terms of fulfilling their compliance obligations, challenges that we have had first-hand visibility of in our role as the Code compliance monitor.

“The introduction of dual lodgement windows and the streamlining of compliance documentation in particular should allow for greater flexibility and reduced reporting burdens on CSPs who are required to lodge documents with Communications Compliance.

Telecommunications providers that offer services to residential and small business customers, irrespective of whether they have previously lodged documents with CommCom, will need to register their details with Communications Alliance Ltd (CA) by 3 May 2016.

The TCP Code was revised by a broad stakeholder group including industry and consumer representatives, convened by Communications Alliance.

Communications CEO, John Stanton, said that the changes to Chapter 9 of the code are appropriate also in the light of year-on-year improvements in industry compliance with the consumer protection provisions and the massive reduction in complaints to the TIO, which have fallen to a nine-year low.

All queries relating to the lodgement of compliance documents should be directed to CommCom at cspservices@commcom.com.au