Industry Code on SPAM?

On 19 March 2004, the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) facilitated a meeting of key members of the ISP industry, held to discuss a proposed anti-spam Code of Practice. Represented at the meeting were Ozemail, Telstra, Optus, Pacific Internet, iPrimus, Comindico, Uecomm, TPG, Nextep, PowerTel, AAPT, AuDA, ACIF, CAUBE, ISOC-AU, Microsoft Hotmail, the West Australian Internet Association (WAIA) and the South Australian Internet Association (SAIA). At this stage, it is still to be determined how the Code will be developed and implemented.

ACA to Undertake Awareness Campaign for ISPs

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) wants to ensure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are represented and participate in self regulatory processes and are aware of their obligations under existing legislation including consumer codes of practice and the ISP guideline.

Speaking at a recent meeting of IT and communications resellers on the Gold Coast, Roslyn Kelleher, Senior Telecommunications Manager for ACA said “We want to raise their awareness of their regulatory responsibility so that they are well advised in the knowledge that they do have regulatory obligations.”

The Codes and Consumer Safeguards Team of the ACA is keen to build connections with ISPs and particularly with new entrants in the ISP ranks. Mick Owens will head up the project. Mick’s recent work on the Mobile, Internet and Fixed Line Tool Kits has provided him with good background on ways to reach people.

In outlining his proposed approach he advised, “…at this stage we don’t think a big budget advertising campaign is the way to go. I’m looking more to the direct approach of sitting down with new ISPs and showing them that being aware of their obligations and adhering to the relevant codes and perhaps participating in developing those codes can be a benefit to them and help them grow their business. For example, if new entrants are aware of, and sign up to the ISP guideline, they could then have a marketing edge over competitors who haven’t signed up.”

Mick hopes to start contacting ISPs in late February or early March.

TIO Jurisdiction and Pay TV Complaints

Australian Telecommunications Regulation: The Consumer Law Centre Guide 3rd Edition
The third edition of Australian Telecommunication Regulation, edited by Alasdair Grant, was published in February 2004. The book provides a comprehensive description of Australia's telecommunications regulatory framework and its constituent laws and policies. This third edition updates prior editions by including current telecommunications cases and legislation, and a chapter discussing regulatory economics in network and other utility industries. The book can be ordered from www.unswpress.com.au/isbn/0868407747.htm. The Recommended Retail Price is $69.95.