New agreement seeks to improve phone and internet services for consumers and industry

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), providing agreement on how the two parties will share information on compliance with consumer law and systemic issues. 

In publishing the MoU, Ombudsman Judi Jones said, “Consumer confidence in phone and internet products and services is critical to maintaining a thriving telecommunications industry. This MoU sets out very clear guidelines and timelines for cooperation between our organisations. It also provided the opportunity for the ACCC and the TIO to consider the current telecommunications environment and realign our priorities.”

Notes to editors

Media enquiries 

For all media enquiries please contact the Media Team on 0437 548 540 or via email. 

About the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman 

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman provides a free and independent dispute resolution service for residential consumers and small businesses who have an unresolved complaint about their phone or internet service. 

Residential consumers and small businesses should contact tio.com.au or 1800 062 058. 

The Telecommunications Industry Sector 

Government and the regulators set policy and regulations for the telecommunications sector. 

The Telecommunications industry regulators are the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) acma.gov.au Media enquiries to (02) 9334 7719 or media@acma.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): accc.gov.au. Media enquiries to 1300 138 917 or media@accc.gov.au. After hours 0408 995 408. 

Peak Bodies 

Communications Alliance is the peak body for Australian communications industry: commsalliance.com.au. Media enquiries to Sefiani Communications sefiani.com.au or 0431 478 558. 

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation representing individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit groups as consumers of communications products and services, accan.org.au Media enquiries to 0409 966 931 or 02 9288 4000. 

Acknowledgement of Country 

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects  
to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from all nations of this land.