The Morrison Government is overhauling consumer protections to better reflect the way that modern telecommunication services are delivered in Australia.
The Consumer Safeguards Review Part B report released today contains 14 recommendations to implement a framework to support the reliability of modern communication services.
The Part B report is the second stage of the Government’s three-part Consumer Safeguards Review which is preparing the telecommunications industry for a post-2020 operating environment when the National Broadband Network (NBN) is fully rolled out.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher Minister Fletcher MP, said the existing consumer safeguards were designed for voice services delivered over the copper telephone network.
“The consumer safeguards we have in place today have been in place for more than 20 years and are highly prescriptive. As Australia’s telecommunications environment continues to change, and with the National Broadband Network rollout finishing next year, now is the right time to modernise the consumer protection framework,” Minister Fletcher said.
“The report’s recommendations are designed to support Australians to get and stay connected to fixed voice and broadband services. I have asked my Department to work closely with industry, consumer groups and regulators to progress this work.”
The final stage of the Consumer Safeguards Review will consider choice and fairness in the retail relationship between the customer and their provider. The Government will consult on the final stage in early 2020.
The report is available at: www.communications.gov.au/consumer-safeguards-review.
