No 22: 10 December 2024
Three Revised Industry Codes Registered with ACMA - Improving Customer Outcomes and Public Safety
Communications Alliance has successfully revised three industry Codes which will lead to improved outcomes for consumers and better information for public safety and law enforcement agencies.
The three Codes registered by the Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) today include the:
“The three Codes registered by the ACMA today are a timely reminder of why co-regulation, backed by a strong regulator in the ACMA, delivers the best outcomes for consumers and industry alike,” said Comms Alliance CEO Luke Coleman.
“While the vast majority of consumers wouldn’t even know they exist, Codes like these provide the firm foundation for resilient telecoms networks that operate 24/7. They ensure that consumers can quickly and easily change telcos while keeping their phone number, and help emergency service operators to locate you if you ever have to call Triple Zero.”
The IPND serves as a repository of public number customer data, including the number, customer name, service address and directory-related services information which can be used to assist emergency services and law enforcement. The updated IPND Code provides a number of improvements to the 2020 Code, including enhanced protections for end-user confidentiality, especially where the customer has chosen an unlisted entry, as well as new measures to ensure that information in the database is accurate, current and complete – and only accessed for approved purposes.
The updated INP Code clarifies the operational procedures a telco must follow to allow a customer to move between networks while retaining their number, including improved consistency with other portability codes (Local Number Portability, Mobile Number Portability). It enables the portability of free phone (13, 1800) numbers.
Similarly, the updated MNP Code, which enshrines a world-leading porting regime in place since 2001, clarifies telcos’ obligations in the mobile number portability process and provides better consistency with other instruments, as well as enabling extended hours of operation for porting numbers both through the week and on weekends.
Significant Decrease in Scams as Senate Committee Considers Scams Prevention 
Framework Bill
Communications Alliance participated in the National Anti-Scam Centre Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday 3 December. There's been a 41% decrease in losses reported to Scamwatch over the past year, and a 32% decrease in the number of people reporting a financial loss, according to the latest National Anti-Scam Centre Quarterly Update.
On Wednesday 4 December, Comms Alliance CEO Luke Coleman met with Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh to discuss cooperation between telcos and banks playing a role in this reduction. As the Scams Prevention Framework is considered by a Senate Committee (responses due 9 January), members of Communications Alliance and the Australian Banking Association (ABA) are already investing in the technology needed to reduce scams.
“Love Is” Tech Abuse Awareness Campaign
The Telco Together Foundation, in collaboration with eSafety and leading telecommunications organisations including Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom, Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Vocus Group, Indara, More, Tangerine and Uniti Group, have collaborated to make the “Love Is” Tech Abuse Awareness campaign a reality. It marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s ongoing commitment to tackling these urgent issues and driving systemic change across Australia. Through this campaign, the Foundation and its members are uniting to raise awareness, educate the public, and empower individuals to recognise and respond to the harmful effects of Tech Abuse.
More information on this initiative click HERE
Current Consultations
Below is a list of currently open telecommunications-related consultations being conducted by Government and other organisations that provide an opportunity for you to have your say.
Communications Alliance members interested in contributing to an industry submission (if one is being developed in response to a specific consultation) should contact us.
Consultation Proposed changes to the Numbering Plan and other instruments Proposal to remake the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 Sunsetting space object determinations and space object class licence Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2024 Inquiry Proposal to remake the TLN and 8 telecommunications standards Proposed update to the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan Unfair trading practices Consultation on the design of proposed general and specific prohibitions | Organisation/Closing Date ACMA - 14/02/2025 ACMA - 12/2/2025 ACMA - 4/2/2025 ACMA - 17/1/2025 Senate Economics Legislation Committee - 09/01/2025 ACMA - 20/12/2024 ACMA - 16/12/2024 Treasury - 13/12/2024 |
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