Stuart Corner
Monday, 19 November 2007 06:35
IT Policy -
Regulation
Page 1 of 2
The ACS (Australian Computer Society) has called on the Government to broaden the terms of the Telecommunications Universal Service Obligation (USO) to encompasses broadband and mobile technologies saying they are essential platforms for the delivery of communication services.
The USO presently covers only the fixed line telephone service and the provision of payphones. Telstra is the USO provider for the whole of Australia and receives an annual fee, set by the Government, for providing these services the cost of which is met by it and all other telcos in proportion to the revenue they earn from 'eligible services."
ACS telecommunications board director, professor Reg Coutts, said: "Australia faces a growing digital divide, which is being exacerbated by the huge disparity between the quality of telecommunications services provided in our cities and those available in rural and remote parts of the country. The USO was written at a time when a standard fixed line service was all anyone needed, but times have changed...The ACS believes it's time to expand the USO in recognition of the fact that Australians today need voice communications, email and online access to services in order to play their part in society."
The Government announced a review of the USO in August, releasing an
issues paper and inviting submissions. Communications minister, Helen Coonan, said at the time: "The review provides an opportunity for consumers to have a say on the effectiveness of the USO arrangements. It also gives telecommunications providers the opportunity to provide input on how the requirements of meeting the USO can be shared equitably...The review has a broad focus, and seeks innovative ideas and approaches for the delivery of USO services."
Submissions were due by 1 November and DCITA's intent is to make them available on its web site
here. However at 19 November no submissions were available.
