COMMS ALLIANCE SUPPORTS PROPOSED NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN CONCERT WITH REVISED TCP CODE
Tuesday 21 January: Communications Alliance, the peak body of the telecommunications industry, has announced its support for strong new consumer protections powers for the regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), in concert with a revised Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code.
“Communications Alliance has consistently called for stronger enforcement powers for the ACMA, and we welcome this announcement to enhance consumer protections in the telecoms industry,” said CEO Luke Coleman.
The Minister today announced that the Government would propose amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 to enable the ACMA to take direct enforcement action against telcos that have breached consumer-related industry Codes. Currently, the ACMA must first issue a direction to comply with a Code before taking enforcement action.
Comms Alliance wrote to the Minister in December 2024 calling for these new ACMA powers when unveiling the revised Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code for public comment.
Comms Alliance also called for the establishment of a carriage service provider (CSP) register to improve transparency of industry participants, which also forms part of the proposed reforms.
“Australians expect the highest standards of business behaviour from telcos, and these new direct enforcement powers will ensure they are held to account by the regulator,” Mr Coleman said.
“A major revision of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code is currently open for public comment. Pending any further revisions and if accepted by the ACMA, the revised Code will provide stronger safeguards for consumers when combined with these new measures.”
Public comment on the revised TCP Code is open until 28 February 2025.
ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE Communications Alliance is the primary communications industry body in Australia. Its membership is drawn from a wide cross-section of the communications industry, including carriers, carriage and internet service providers, content providers, platform providers, equipment vendors, IT companies, consultants and business groups.
Its vision is to be the most influential association in Australian communications, co-operatively initiating programs that promote sustainable industry development, innovation and growth, while generating positive outcomes for customers and society.
The prime mission of Communications Alliance is to create a co-operative stakeholder environment that allows the industry to take the lead on initiatives which grow the Australian communications industry, enhance the connectivity of all Australians and foster the highest standards of business behaviour. For more details about Communications Alliance, see www.commsalliance.com.au.
Media information contact:
info@commsalliance.com.au