Newsroom

News and media releases from Communications Alliance

Posted: Tuesday 24 August 2010

Communications Industry’s NBN Pioneers Honoured

Sydney, 24 August 2010 – Communications Alliance today paid tribute to the more than 200 industry professionals who have worked to create the framework for the National Broadband Network.

At Communications Alliance events held this week in Sydney and Melbourne, the individuals – drawn from 72 Australian telecommunications companies – will be honoured for their contribution to the peak body’s NBN Project.

The participants, who all worked on a voluntary basis, have included telecommunications carriers and carriage service providers (including NBN Co.), equipment and cable vendors, IT systems providers, software vendors, network installers, the legal sector, consultants and other expert individuals.

The CEO of Communications Alliance, John Stanton, said the project exemplified the spirit of cooperation that Communications Alliance members applied to resolving many industry-wide challenges. He said that the work completed to date would underpin not only the NBN, but would also assist the roll-out of any other future high speed broadband networks in Australia.

Mr Stanton paid particular tribute to the leaders of the seven working groups (listed below), to the former Communications Alliance CEO, Anne Hurley, and to the lead consultants – Gary McLaren (now CTO at NBN Co and a team co-leader on the NBN Project) and Dr Paul Brooks – who successfully steered the project since its inception in May 2009.

The NBN working group leaders are as follows:

  • Gary McLaren CTO, NBN Co
    Team Co-Leader – Reference Model
  • Ben Hickey Consulting Engineer, Juniper Networks
    Team Co-Leader – Reference Model
  • Dino Georgiou GM, Industry Engagement and Strategy, Telstra
    Team Leader – Wholesale Services
  • Phil Smith GM, Infrastructure, Opticomm
    Team Leader – Early Stage Deployments
  • Rob Haylock Solutions Architect, Alcatel-Lucent
    Team Leader – End User Premises
  • Colin Goodwin Group Product Manager, Ericsson
    Team Leader – Technical
  • Greg Tilton GM, Systems Architecture & Technology, NBN Co
    Team Leader – Operational
  • Dave Thompson GM Internet & Data Products (Acting), Optus
    Team Leader – End User Migration

The Chairman of Communications Alliance, Michael Lee, congratulated the Communications Alliance NBN Project members on their achievements, which had laid the groundwork for the realisation of a world-class broadband network.

“The project is an outstanding example of communications industry collaboration. Members of the seven project streams have crafted technical and operational advice and solutions on areas including the NBN architecture, the shape of wholesale services, early stage deployments and issues relating to end-user premises and the migration of customers onto the NBN,” said Mr Lee.

The CEO of NBN Co, Mr Mike Quigley, said the project members had made an invaluable contribution to the design strength of the emerging NBN and to the work of NBN Co.

“Industry collaboration is vital to the success of NBN Co and the work done in the Communications Alliance NBN project has been instrumental in helping to develop key aspects of NBN Co’s product design, technical specification and operational processes.

“I thank all participants for their important contribution and congratulate Communications Alliance in facilitating such a productive and important industry dialogue,” commented Mr Quigley.

Some of the significant achievements of the working groups to date include:

  • Developing an end-to-end reference model that identifies the architectural options for the delivery of NBN services – whether across optical fibre, wireless or satellite access technology.
  • Creating wholesale service definition frameworks for Ethernet services and telephony access services.
  • Defining a cohesive architecture for End User Premises - identifying possible options for issues such as in-house cabling and equipment based on industry best practice, national and international Standards.
  • Exploration of the processes and interactions needed to achieve the smooth migration of an End User’s existing telephony and data services onto the NBN.
  • Developing guidelines for use in deploying infrastructure in Greenfields areas (new housing developments) e.g. the installation of new main fibre conduits and distribution conduits.
  • A draft specification for business-to-business (B2B) interactions and process that will enable retail service providers to deliver a working NBN-based service to end customers. 
  • Providing a consistent vocabulary and terminology for the passive optical network, its building blocks, and the technical issues which must be considered and resolved for the NBN.
  • Identifying the relevant standards which underpin the ability of the telecommunications industry to implement the NBN Reference Model and wholesale services that run on it.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Monday 16 August 2010

NBN Co and RSP Interaction Framework released for Public Comment

Sydney, 16 August 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today released for public comment a framework for business-to-business (B2B) interactions between NBN Co and Retail Service Providers (RSPs).

The draft NBN B2B Interaction Process Requirements Specification has been developed by the Operational working group of the Communications Alliance NBN Project in response to NBN Co’s proposed B2B provisioning portal.  It is based on the NICC B2B and ITU 3340 standards.

The Specification identifies the primary B2B interactions and accompanying processes that RSPs will be required to implement in order to deliver a working service to an end user on the National Broadband Network. 

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said the document highlights the benefits of collaboration between the industry and NBN Co:

“Smooth and effective communication channels between NBN Co and service providers will be crucial to ensuring a world class experience for customers, and this paper provides an excellent initial blueprint,” Mr Stanton said.

Included in the draft NBN B2B Interaction Process Requirements Specification are scenarios for the following critical provisioning processes:

  • Order fulfilment
  • Appointment management
  • Service assurance
  • Network testing and diagnostics
  • Billing

The draft NBN B2B Interaction Process Requirements Specification is available from the Communications Alliance website at:

www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment

Interested parties are invited to comment on the draft Specification, with the public comment period closing at 5pm (AEST) on Friday 3 September 2010.  Responses will be published on the Communications Alliance website.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration. 

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Friday 09 July 2010

2010 ACOMM Award Winners Announced

Category Awards to iiNet, SOPRANO Design, Vocus Communications, Nextgen Networks, Maddocks Lawyers, NEC Australia, Telstra Enterprise & Government and OptiComm
Deena Shiff Named 2010 Communications Ambassador

Sydney, 9 July 2010 – The winners of the prestigious 2010 Communications Alliance & CommsDay Awards were announced last night at the Annual ACOMM Awards Dinner which featured Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Communications, Broadband and the Digital Economy, as keynote speaker.  The industry’s top honour, the 2010 Communications Ambassador Award, was won by Telstra’s Deena Shiff

“Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the 2010 ACOMM Awards who represent the best of the best in the Australian communications industry,” said Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton. 

“As a fast-paced industry focused on meeting customers’ needs, these Awards provide a well-deserved opportunity to reflect on the industry’s own significant and growing contribution to the Australian economy and to reward those organisations and people who constantly raise the bar professionally.  Our 2010 Communications Ambassador, Deena Shiff, is one such person,” Mr Stanton commented.

The winners of the 2010 ACOMM Awards are:

  • Communications Ambassador Award – Deena Shiff for her passion, vision, and 21-year contribution to the communications industry.
  • Innovation for a Large Company Award – iiNet for its revolutionary BoB™ all-in-one home communications solution.
  • Innovation SME Award – Soprano Design and Vocus Communications -Soprano Design for its suite of mobile enterprise messaging services and Vocus Communications for its free IPv6 transit services for ISPs and telcos.
  • Innovation in Content Delivery and Services - Nextgen Networks for facilitating broadcast innovation through its cost-effective Gbit/s links to sports stadiums.
  • Services to the Industry Awards
    • Professional Services Excellence - Maddocks Lawyers for assisting clients to respond to the changing communications landscape.
    • Partnerships for Growth Award - NEC Australia and OptiComm for the wholesale FTTH network being rolled out to 50,000 new homes and businesses.
    • Commitment to Customer Service Award - Telstra Enterprise & Government for its unique “Enterprise-grade” customer service model.

The industry’s top honour for individual achievement, the 2010 Communications Ambassador Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to the Australian communications industry.  This year’s winner, Deena Shiff, is widely recognised for her integrity and passion for SME innovation.

Deena has been a key industry figure for 21 years.  A lawyer by initial training, she played a key strategic role at OTC Limited and was centrally involved in the formation of Telstra at the beginning of the 1990s before rising to become Telstra’s first Group Managing Director for Wholesale – a role in which she was acknowledged as a champion for the wholesale model and for shifting opinion within Telstra toward wider product access for wholesale customers.  While a keen market competitor, she is renowned for her fairness and vision to recognise outcomes that will benefit the wider industry.  Deena also uses her strong understanding of the technology needs of SMEs to champion innovation and support online initiatives for small and medium businesses.  She is now Telstra Business Group Managing Director.

Decisive Publishing CEO Grahame Lynch said: “Each year the ACOMM Awards represent a new high standard in industry excellence and the 2010 Awards are no exception.  The Australian communications sector is constantly meeting new technological challenges in order to serve businesses and consumers and the ACOMM winners should be congratulated for their role in driving the sector’s innovation.”

A comprehensive listing of this year’s ACOMM Award finalists is available at www.commsalliance.com.au

2010 ACOMM Award Finalists and Winners

Category: Innovation - Large Company Award
Finalists: Huawei; iiNet; and Internode
Winner: iiNet
iiNet's BoB™ is an all-in-one home communication solution replacing the modem and standard home phone. BoB delivers twice the range of most other wireless modems; supports up to five handsets; offers ‘plug and play’ capability; and automatically routes phone calls through standard PSTN if power is lost.

Category: Innovation – SME Award
Finalists: Allegro Networks; Mach Communications; Soprano Design; and Vocus Communications
Joint Winners: SOPRANO Design and Vocus Communications
SOPRANO Design accelerates enterprise messaging for mobile network operators around the world through providing tailored, industry specific software, streamlining SMS, MMS and email business processes and generating revenue for their mobile telecommunications provider.  SOPRANO Mobile Enterprise Messaging Suite 5.0 provides Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Service Providers with a suite of web accessible mobile messaging applications to drive their enterprise, business and government (SMS, MMS, Email, Voice) messaging revenue.

Vocus Communications is an independent wholesale voice and data provider.  In August 2008, it committed to providing free IPv6 transit services to all ISPs and telecommunications companies, allowing any provider access to IPv6 at no cost and also allowing providers to offer these services to corporate and residential customers.  Vocus is encouraging early transition to IPv6 addresses and delivers an easy to access alternative to IPv4 transit addresses.  It is currently responsible for routing almost all IPv6 connectivity in Australia.

Category: Services to Industry - Professional Services Award
Finalists: Herbert Geer; Maddocks; and Truman Hoyle
Winner: Maddocks
Maddocks is a leading Australian law firm, providing legal services across the infrastructure, government, financial and services sectors.  In the past 12 months Maddocks has worked with clients to develop their regulatory and commercial response to changes in the telecommunications landscape.  Maddocks also advised on the development of the 'FireNet' fibre optic cable network that is utilised by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Country Fire Authority in Victoria.

Category: Partnerships for Growth AwardFinalists: Alcatel-Lucent & Telstra; Clarity & TelstraClear; Huawei & Optus; and NEC Australia & OpticommWinner: NEC Australia & Opticomm

NEC Australia is a leading supplier and integrator of information and communication technology solutions to carriers, government and businesses. With its Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology, NEC Australia is helping OptiComm, a Hills Industries joint venture company, roll out Fibre-to-the-home broadband networks to more than 50,000 new homes and businesses across Australia.   NBN Co Tasmania has selected OptiComm as the supplier of NEC’s GPON FTTP and as the operator for the first stage deployments of NBN rollout in Tasmania.

Category: Commitment to Customer Service Award
Finalists: Internode; Optus; Telstra Enterprise & Government; and Westnet
Winner: Telstra Enterprise & Government
Telstra Enterprise & Government provides network services and solutions to more than 200 of the world’s top 500 companies.  In October 2009, it launched Telstra Enterprise-grade Customer Service™, a unique customer service model supporting the distinct needs of large corporate and government customers.

Category: Innovation in Content Delivery and Services Award
Finalists: Internode; Nextgen Networks; and Pacnet
Winner: Nextgen Networks
Nextgen Networks is a national Telecommunications carrier specialising in high performance data services.  On behalf of a customer, it has established a ‘game-changing’ broadcast network with cost-effective Gbit/s links to sports stadiums around Australia that realises a new generation of High Definition TV (HDTV) capabilities, efficiencies and consumer outcomes.  Through this initiative, Nextgen is facilitating ongoing innovation in the broadcast industry and ultimately, a superior viewer experience.

Category: 2010 Communications Ambassador Award
Finalists: Matt Healy; Deena Shiff; and David Spence
Winner: Deena Shiff
Deena Shiff is Group Managing Director of Telstra Business.  She has been a leader in Australian telecommunications since she first entered the industry in the late 1980s and has been at the forefront of innovation and development of new services to better serve Australia businesses.  Whilst maintaining a reputation as a ‘quiet achiever’, Deena’s strategic vision and passion for communications is recognised throughout the business community.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Monday 05 July 2010

Scheduled Review of Mobile Premium Services Code Announced

Public Comments Invited by 30 July

Sydney, 5 July 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today announced the scheduled review of the Mobile Premium Services Code and called for comments from interested parties.

The Mobile Premium Services Code and Guideline (C637:2009) was registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in May 2009 and came into effect on 1 July 2009, with a review of the Code scheduled for July 2010.

Stakeholders are invited to contribute to the review and comment on the Code’s operation and impact on customer outcomes over the past 12 months.

Submissions received during the public comment period will be considered by a stakeholder committee representing industry, consumers and regulators.  The review committee will then make a recommendation on whether there is a need to revise the Mobile Premium Services Code.

According to Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton, a significant reduction in the volume of complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) about Mobile Premium Services is indicative of the early success of the Code.

“The communications industry actively supported the introduction of the Mobile Premium Service Code and its commitment to meeting the obligations of the Code has resulted in a significant drop in complaints.  Consumers now benefit from a range of protections including tighter advertising controls, double opt-in, and improved customer service and complaint handling.”

“Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) statistics show a 65 per cent reduction in mobile premium services complaint issues from July 2009 to May 2010 and complaints have been on a downward trend each quarter since the Code became operational,” Mr Stanton said.

Commenting on the recent Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) report, Community research into attitudes towards the use of mobile payment services, Mr Stanton said: “The ACMA’s research will help inform the review of the Mobile Premium Services Code and provides interesting insights into consumer awareness of protections currently available.”

The public comment period for the Mobile Premium Service Code will close at 5pm (AEST) on Friday 30 July.  For further information visit: www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/Documents-under-Review

The Mobile Premium Services Code aims to establish appropriate community safeguards and customer service requirements for Mobile Premium Services.  It can be downloaded from the Communications Alliance website: www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/consumers

Consumer information about Mobile Premium Services is available from: www.19sms.com.au

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Friday 02 July 2010

Latest Release NBN End User Premises Handbook Now Available

Sydney, 2 July 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today announced the availability of the Release 2 NBN End User Premises Handbook.

The Handbook now includes information on satellite and wireless access, a substantial new section on installation practices in the End User Premises, and information on testing and diagnostics of End User Premises cabling and connecting to an optical fibre distribution network.  It also provides an overview of the variety of distribution technologies available to deliver services within the End User Premises.

The NBN End User Premises Handbook was developed by the End User Premises working group of the Communications Alliance NBN Project.  It was first released in March 2010, then updated and released for public comment in early May. 

Today’s Release 2 Handbook includes updates based on feedback received during the public consultation process such as the inclusion of power back-up provisions, clarification of references to End User Premises and the buildings within those premises, and guidance on the required qualifications for installers.

Commenting on the publication of the Release 2 NBN End User Premises Handbook, Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said:  

“The NBN End User Premises Handbook is filling a strong need, particularly among the communications and construction industries, for greater clarity on the equipment and cabling to be installed in customers’ homes and businesses. 

“Communications Alliance and the End User Premises working group are very pleased to release this comprehensive Release 2 Handbook which has doubled in size and now includes wireless and satellite access.  We expect it will become a valuable resource for all involved in connecting and delivering NBN services,” Mr Stanton said.

The Release 2 NBN End User Premises Handbook can be downloaded from: www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/national-broadband-network.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration. 

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Thursday 01 July 2010

Consumer Protections Issues Paper Released for Public Comment

Professor Michael Fraser Joins TCP Code Review Steering Group

Sydney, 1 July 2010 – Communications Alliance today released for public comment an Issues Paper to guide the Review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code.  The move coincided with the announcement of the appointment of Professor Michael Fraser to the Steering Group.

The Issues Paper proposes areas of focus for the Review of the TCP Code and Guideline and outlines priorities identified in submissions already received from the telecommunications industry, regulators and consumer representatives.

Issues to be considered by the TCP Code Review include whether to:

  • Further simplify the Code language and provide a consumer-friendly summary of core consumer-protection principles, rights and obligations;
  • Update the Code to reflect technological and/or service developments;
  • Incorporate the Mobile Premium Services Code into the TCP Code;
  • Outline more explicitly service providers’ customer service commitments;
  • Develop an improved data collection system to monitor industry compliance;
  • Include measures to improve customer complaint management procedures;
  • Update existing provisions to ensure costs associated with a product or service are transparent and unambiguous; terms and conditions are fair; advertising is clear and accurate; and customer assistance is readily accessible and timely.

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said the Issues Paper, submissions and public comment and input will help the Steering Group work to foster world class customer management performance in the Australian telecommunications industry.

"Achieving customer service excellence in telecommunications is a complex human and technological challenge to which the Australian industry is fully committed – it’s a world away from selling burgers or beer."

"Service providers need to deal effectively with rapid change in technology and service solutions, need to make diverse systems relate and respond appropriately to the human experience, and must anticipate and meet the ever-evolving needs of customers."

The Steering Group invites comments on the TCP Code Review Issues Paper from interested parties.  The public comment period will close at 5pm on Friday, 16 July 2010.  The Issues Paper can be downloaded from the Communications Alliance website: http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/Documents-under-Review

The TCP Code Review Steering Group is responsible for considering public comments and making a recommendation on the Code and any revisions required.  The Steering Group has proactively stated its commitment to a constructive and effective review focused on areas with potential to improve customer service outcomes and reduce complaints across the communications industry.

Professor Michael Fraser has been appointed to the Steering Group as the second consumer representative and will join the eight Steering Group members announced last week.  He is a Professor of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and Director of the University’s Communications Law Centre.

Commenting on Professor Fraser’s appointment, Mr Stanton said:  “Communications Alliance extends a warm welcome to Professor Fraser.  We look forward to drawing on his expertise as the Steering Group progresses this important review of the TCP Code.”

The nine members of the TCP Code Review Steering Group are:

  • Fay Holthuyzen, Independent Chair
  • Allan Asher, CEO, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)
  • Brenton Philp, General Manager Compliance Strategies Branch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
  • Kath Silleri, Executive Manager Content and Consumer, Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA)
  • John Stanton, CEO, Communications Alliance
  • Keith Besgrove, First Assistant Secretary, Digital Economy Services, Department of Broadband, Communications & Digital Economy (DBCDE)
  • John Horan, General Counsel, Primus
  • David Quilty, Group Managing Director, Public Policy & Communications, Telstra
  • Professor Michael Fraser, Faculty of Law, and Director, Communications Law Centre, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

The TCP Code regulates the behaviour of telecommunications service providers in areas including billing, credit management, complaint handling, customer contracts and the information contained in advertising.  The TCP Code and Guideline can be downloaded from: http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/Documents-under-Review

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Wednesday 23 June 2010

TCP Code Review Aims for World-Class Consumer Protection

Sydney, 23 June 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today named the Steering Group for the scheduled review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code.

The TCP Code regulates the behaviour of telecommunications service providers in areas including billing, credit management, complaint handling, customer contracts and the information contained in advertising.

The Steering Group includes both voting and non-voting members and was established following a stakeholder meeting hosted by Communications Alliance last month.

The members of the TCP Code Review Steering Group are as follows:

  • Fay Holthuyzen, Independent Chair
  • Allan Asher, CEO, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)
  • Brenton Philp, General Manager Compliance Strategies Branch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
  • Kath Silleri, Executive Manager Content and Consumer, Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA)
  • John Stanton, CEO, Communications Alliance
  • Keith Besgrove, First Assistant Secretary, Digital Economy Services, Department of Broadband, Communications & Digital Economy (DBCDE)
  • John Horan, General Counsel, Primus
  • David Quilty, Group Managing Director, Public Policy & Communications, Telstra

A second consumer representative will be appointed to the Group soon.

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton welcomed the appointment of Fay Holthuyzen, a former Deputy Secretary of the Federal Department of Communications and a widely respected figure in the telecommunications industry, as the independent Chair of the Steering Group.

“The review of the TCP code is key to realising the ambition of the industry and other stakeholders to ensure that telecommunications consumer protections and customer management in Australia are robust, up to date and capable of delivering beneficial outcomes for customers now and into the future,” Mr Stanton said.

The Steering Group is  responsible for considering public comment on the issues paper, making a recommendation (via its voting members) on whether to revise the Code and setting the terms of reference of the revision

Ms Holthuyzen said the review was timely and important, particularly given the significant changes taking place in the industry.

“I look forward to working with the industry, consumer groups and all stakeholders to ensure that Australia can benefit from a world-class approach to consumer protection in the telecommunications sector,” Ms Holthuyzen said

The Steering Group will release an issues paper for public comment in the coming days.  The paper will outline key areas of focus for the TCP Code review as well as initial contributions by regulators, consumer groups and the industry in relation to the Code.

Ms Holthuyzen said that if it was decided that the Code required revision, several working committees would also be established, reporting to the Steering Group. The revision would be expected to extend throughout the remainder of the calendar year, with the aim of delivering a revised code to the ACMA for registration early on 2011.

The TCP Code can be downloaded from the Communications Alliance website: www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/consumers.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Thursday 03 June 2010

Framework Proposed for NBN Telephony

Sydney, 3 June 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today released a definition of the wholesale telephony services expected to be available via the National Broadband Network.

The draft paper, titled National Broadband Network Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Telephony Access Service, provides a framework to describe the wholesale telephony services that could be offered over the National Broadband Network.   It is anticipated this framework will be used by wholesale and retail service providers as well as suppliers of telephony and network equipment.

Developed by the Communications Alliance NBN Project’s Wholesale Services Working Group, the paper considers architecture options for telephony, signalling protocols, telephony features, and codecs for telephony services.  It specifies the telephony features that will need to be supported by the NBN wholesale service, including Calling Line Identification, the National Relay Service,  TTY (teletype) services and Calling Number Display.

Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said: “This paper will help define the telephony services to be offered to end users and ensure that consumers can be confident that their telephone services will migrate smoothly to the NBN -  it sets the scene for the transformation of Australia’s telephony environment from copper wire to fibre.  I  thank the Wholesale Services Working Group for their commitment and effort in producing such a detailed and important contribution to Australia’s broadband future.”

The Telephony Access Service paper is focused on the access link from the end user premises to a point of interconnect, with the retail service provider taking responsibility for long haul transport from the point of interconnect and the switching of calls.

The draft National Broadband Network Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Telephony Access Service paper is available from the Communications Alliance website at: http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment

Communications Alliance invites interested parties to comment on the draft paper and submissions are due by 5pm on Friday 25 June 2010.  Responses will be published on the Communications Alliance website.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: jennifer@einsteinz.com.au
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Tuesday 20 April 2010

Communications Industry Defines Optical Access Infrastructure

Draft Paper Released for Public Comment

Sydney, 20 April 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today released a draft paper defining the passive optical infrastructure for the National Broadband Network.

The draft National Broadband Network – Optical Access paper aims to develop a common understanding of the components of optical fibre networks, factors influencing network limits and choices available in deploying the networks. It has been developed by the Technical Working Group of the Communications Alliance NBN Project and is intended to become a reference point for designers and builders of optical fibre networks as well as the service providers who will use these networks.In addition to defining the generic elements of optical networks, the draft paper outlines issues to be resolved for the NBN and addresses:

  • Factors impacting the optical budget
  • Dimensioning parameters and optical budget calculations
  • General considerations for connectors versus splicing

Testing Commenting on the release of the draft paper, Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton said:  “The National Broadband Network – Optical Access draft paper is the second significant outcome from the Technical Working Group as part of our NBN Project.  The Group should be congratulated on its terrific work in documenting a shared understanding of optical network fundamentals. We look forward to receiving the industry’s feedback on this paper.” 

The draft National Broadband Network – Optical Access paper is available from the Communications Alliance website at:http://commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment 

Communications Alliance invites interested parties to comment on the draft paper and submissions are due by 5pm on Friday, 7 May 2010.  Responses will be published on the Communications Alliance website.

The Communications Alliance NBN Project was established in July 2009 and includes seven working groups: NBN Reference Model; Wholesale Services; Early Stage Deployments; End User Premises; Operational; Technical; and End User Migration. 

Communications Alliance has published Release 1 versions of its NBN Reference Architecture and NBN Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Ethernet papers following the public comment process.  It has also published a draft National Broadband Network End User Premises Installation, Distribution, Testing and Associated Practice Handbook, draft National Broadband Network – Overview of Technical Standards paper, and draft National Broadband Network Wholesale Service Definition Framework – Telephony Access Service paper.  

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

 

Posted: Tuesday 20 April 2010

Communications Alliance Committed to Consumer Protection

Sydney, 20 April 2010 – Communications Alliance today committed to work closely with the Federal Government and ACMA to ensure that telecommunications customers enjoy adequate protection in the evolving and converging service environment.

The Alliance has already begun an important scheduled review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code – a process that will involve all stakeholders, including representatives of consumer groups, government agencies user groups and industry players.

“The industry agrees it is fundamentally important to ensure that industry self-regulatory codes are capable of delivering benefits and adequate protections to consumers,” said Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton.

“The welcome recent reduction in complaints to the TIO, and the sharp fall in complaints about Premium SMS services show that, while current regulatory arrangements are not always perfect, they can and do produce positive results.”

Communications Alliance will engage closely with ACMA and other stakeholders on the inquiry, announced today, into industry practices in dealing with customers, Mr. Stanton said. 

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

 

Posted: Friday 16 April 2010

Communications Alliance Prepares for TCP Code Review

Sydney, 16 April 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today announced it will bring stakeholders together to prepare for the upcoming review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code.

In recognition of the importance of the Code, Communications Alliance will host a stakeholder meeting where participants can discuss the approach and process of the review.  It is anticipated the outcomes of this meeting will guide the TCP Code review process which is scheduled to commence in May 2010.

Representatives of government, regulators and consumer groups will be invited to take part in the forum with members of the communications industry.

Communications Alliance CEO Anne Hurley said the stakeholder meeting is an important preliminary step towards the TCP Code review.

“The TCP Code helps define the way communications service providers interact with consumers and is a critical instrument for consumers, service providers, government and regulators alike.  We look forward to collaborating with the Code’s many stakeholders to determine the most appropriate approach to the upcoming review.”

The TCP Code contains service provider rules about advertising of products, consumer contracts, billing, credit management, transfers of service, and complaint handling.  The Code can be downloaded from the Communications Alliance website: http://www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/consumers

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au

Posted: Tuesday 06 April 2010

Mobile Phone Network Infrastructure Code Review Announced

Public comments invited by 18 May 2010

Sydney, 6 April 2010 – Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry, today announced the scheduled review of the Deploymentof Mobile Phone Network Infrastructure Industry Code (ACIF C564:2004) and invited comments from interested parties.

The review aims to determine whether a need exists to amend or revise the Code. This will include identifying:

  • Whether any process improvement is required from operational experience in dealing with the Code;
  • Any existing issues with the Code;
  • Whether the Code is meeting the needs of industry and the community satisfactorily; and
  • Expected impact of technology changes.

The review will focus on the Code obligations and outcomes rather than compliance with the Code which is monitored and enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

As part of the review process, Communications Alliance will host a roundtable forum to facilitate full and open discussion on the Code review and to identify any issues with the Code. This will assist Communications Alliance to scope a revision of the Code should it be required. Parties wishing to register interest in participating in the roundtable discussion should email: info@commsalliance.com.au.

Comments on the Code are requested by 5pm on Tuesday 18 May 2010.  The timeframe for comments has been extended to cater for school holidays. Visit http://www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/Documents-under-Review for details on how to submit comments.

The Deploymentof Mobile Phone Network Infrastructure Industry Code applies to Carriers who are installing or intending to install, operating, contracting or arranging for the installation of fixed radiocommunications infrastructure used to supply Public Mobile Telecommunications Services.  It does not apply to Carriers in relation to the intended installation or operation of Exempt Radiocommunications Infrastructure (as defined in the Code).

The Code can be downloaded from the Communications Alliance website: http://www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/Interoperator-Arrangements.

About Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance is the peak body for the Australian communications industry. It presents a unified voice for its members in public policy, facilitates industry solutions to industry issues, and provides up-to-date information on industry issues. Communications Alliance is also leading the industry's response to the National Broadband Network implementation. For further information see www.commsalliance.com.au

Media information contact:
Einsteinz Communications
T: (02) 8905 0995
E: pru@einsteinz.com.au
E: ashleigh@einsteinz.com.au