ACMA fines seven nbn RSPs over consumer info rules

ACMA has fined seven nbn resellers a total of $88,200 for failing to comply with the Telecommunications (NBN Consumer Information) Industry Standard 2018.

Activ8me, Aussie Broadband, Flip TV, Hello Broadband, Mate Communicate, My Net Fone and Telechoice have been issued the first fines under the new industry standard, which came into effect in September.

The new standard requires nbn retail service providers to provide clear and meaningful information about their nbn plans in their advertising, and in a mandatory one-page key facts sheet for each plan.

FlipTV, Hello Broadband and Mate Communicate were fined for not meeting the requirements for providing this key facts sheet for all their plans.

Other violations uncovered during ACMA investigations included failing to meet the requirements for providing adequate information about typical busy and non-busy period speeds, not fully informing consumers of their remedies in the event their infrastructure is incapable of providing the speeds advertised, and not including typical busy periods in advertising.

“Our Standard requires telcos to provide clear and meaningful information about their nbn plans in one-page key facts sheets and in their advertising,” ACMA Authority Member Fiona Cameron said.

“Telcos have had ample time to familiarise themselves and ensure compliance with the nbn rules. Failure to comply in this late stage of the nbn rollout is not acceptable and warranted stronger action.”

Image credit: ©pathdoc/Dollar Photo Club

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