ACMA updates telecom consumer protection code

ACMA has approved new updates to the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code’s compliance and monitoring arrangements.

The new arrangements are designed to increase the effectiveness of the industry code compliance body Communications Compliance and grant greater flexibility in reporting commitments to smaller telcos.

Under the updated rules, all telecommunications providers will need to complete a once-only registration of their details with industry body Communications Alliance by 3 May.

Smaller providers with fewer than 3000 services in operation will need to lodge annual compliance documents each April or indicate that they will defer lodgement to a second registration period. Large companies will need to lodge annual compliance documents by the start of September.

Other changes will allow providers to demonstrate partial compliance with the code as long as they also provide a plan for achieving full compliance. The documentation process for demonstrating compliance has meanwhile been streamlined.

“As the industry’s compliance improves the code should evolve and adapt,’ ACMA Acting Chairman Richard Bean said.

“In particular, this is an opportunity to reduce the reporting burden on smaller providers. This updated compliance and monitoring framework allows for more efficient industry self-regulation — for small and larger providers — while ensuring that all telecommunications providers continue to comply with the TCP Code.”

Image courtesy of Richard Leeming under CC