Vodafone receives warning from ACMA to improve customer service (Australia)

On 12.23.11, In Mobile, By Editor

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a warning to telecommunications giant Vodafone, for going against regulations designed for protection of consumer interests. According to reports, the regulatory authority has threatened to fine the operator a fee of US$ 252,852 after it found that Vodafone Pty Ltd as well as Vodafone Network Pty Ltd had breached the regulations in the Consumer Protections Code.

As per sources, Chris Chapman, Chairman, ACMA has said that these directions are intended to make sure Vodafone remains focused on improving outcomes for its consumers by increasing the regulatory consequences of any further breach. Reports reveal that Nigel Dews, CEO, Vodafone Australia, has responded to the warning saying that they have supported the ACMA throughout their thorough and lengthy assessment, and, while they respect the ACMA’s view of past events, they haven’t waited for their report to tell them what they need to do.

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ACMA outlines LTE spectrum auction plans (Australia)

On 09.21.11, In Mobile Technology, By Editor

The Australian telecom regulator, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), plans to use a combinatorial clock auction (CCA) format for the sale of the LTE spectrum.

According to reports, ACMA believes this process will allow bidders to bid on packages of spectrum in both the 700MHz and 2.5GHz bands, offering them the opportunity very importantly to acquire the specific combinations of spectrum which best meet their business needs. Further ACMA claims that the combinatorial clock auction is well suited to auctions where the value of an individual lot to a bidder depends significantly on what other lots that bidder can acquire. The winning bidders then are those that make the highest value combination of bids.

Sources claim that ACMA chairman, Chris Chapman believes that this decision paves the way for a successful auction, which is expected to take place in 2012. He further added that CCA format has already been used successfully overseas and is the methodology most likely to produce an efficient allocation of spectrum.

 

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Australian Transport Minister to resolve radio spectrum dispute

On 03.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Australia’s Federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese has stepped into a dispute between the rail and telecoms industry over the fate of a block of 1800 MHz radio spectrum.

The block in question is earmarked for use by the railways for their GSM-R network, but the licenses expire between 2013 and 2015.

With the spectrum up for grab, the mobile networks are eying it for potential LTE services in the future, and they are expected to be able to out-bid any offer from the railways for the spectrum if it is offered in an open auction. The move could imperil the GSM-R network which is required for railway safety.

According to a spokesman for Albanese, the federal Transport and Infrastructure Department had asked Communications Minister Stephen Conroy’s office to meet railway representatives to resolve the issue.

The telecoms regulator, ACMA has come under political pressure to reissue the licenses to the railways at a realistic cost rather than letting them go to auction. However, there is also constant pressure on the regulator to get the maximum amount possible from the licenses to help the Federal Government fund its national Broadband Programme.

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ACMA prohibits jamming devices (Australia)

On 02.28.11, In Mobile, By Editor

­The Australian Communications and Media Authority has made a declaration prohibiting the supply, possession and operation of jamming devices which are likely to substantially interfere with public mobile telecommunication services (PMTS). PMTS include 3G networks and equivalent services such as mobile WiMAX.

The Radiocommunications (Prohibition of PMTS Jamming Devices) Declaration 2011 replaces the mobile phone jamming prohibition made in 1999, and follows the ACMA’s 2010 review of the effectiveness of that prohibition. The review found that while the prohibition of jamming devices remains necessary, updates to the prohibition were required to address technological change that has occurred since 1999.

According to ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, in making the new prohibition, the ACMA notes the continued need for appropriate regulatory arrangements that protect PMTS from unwanted and potentially harmful interference. It is vital that people can access the Emergency call service, as well as receive warning messages in times of emergency.

The new declaration includes a definition of ‘PMTS jamming device’ in order to make clear the types of prohibited devices. The standing exemption from the prohibition for on board systems used to provide mobile communication services on aircraft remains.

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ACMA warns Jada Mobile Services over premium rate SMS rule violation

On 12.14.10, In Mobile, By Editor

­The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has directed mobile premium service provider Jada Mobile Services to obey industry rules or face hefty penalties in the Federal Court, after it found that the company violated the Mobile Premium Services Code.

Jada Mobile Services is alleged to have violated seven provisions of the code, including failing to clearly inform customers of all charges and the contact details of the content provider before supplying the service, and charging fees for a request to stop the service.

According to ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, providing clear and accurate information about the price and ensuring that consumers are given information about who to contact if they have questions about a service are fundamental requirements of the code.

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Telstra acquires additional 3G spectrum

On 10.26.10, In Mobile, By Editor

Australia’s Telstra has bought spectrum for 1400 new sites in rural and remote areas of the country. The company has purchased 2.1GHz band spectrum licenses from regulator ACMA in order to add data capacity to its 3G network.

According to Telstra COO, Michael Rocca, the extra spectrum is essential to keeping up with transmission demands on the nationwide network. Data carried on the Next G network is doubling every 12 months. Over half of this traffic is driven by regional and remote users. These new licenses are fundamental to our ability to continue to meet our customers’ demand for reliable wireless broadband.

The Next G network currently has around 7,000 base stations. Telstra boasts coverage of around 99% of Australia.

ACMA has issued the frequencies as part of a reallocation of idle spectrum in regional areas. It used the same mechanism to grant rival Optus licenses to 963 sites in August.

According to ACMA’s spokesperson, the terms of Telstra’s transaction are confidential, but that the licenses have been allocated on PMTS Class B license terms. These specify an annual tax of US$0.06 for each paired MHz of spectrum per head of population in each area. The regulator plans to allocate more licenses in the 2GHz band in areas outside Australia’s main cities and is now accepting applications.

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Australian operators asked to bar unwanted premium SMS charges

On 03.08.10, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Australian operators have been asked to enable premium rate SMS blocking as per which Australian users will get the choice to prevent unwanted premium SMS charges. The new rule will come into effect on July 1, 2010. New rules to stop mobile phone companies engaging with rogue operators are also being developed.

Through this move, ACMA has expressed its willingness to take a toll on those operators who repeatedly breach rules governing these premium SMS services. The industry will be closely monitored over the next 12 months to ensure that consumer concerns are being adequately addressed.

According to ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, the new rule will be a great option for parents who want to make sure their kids don’t sign up for something without understanding the charges and people trying to manage their phone budget can stop premium charges by barring these services from their phone.

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