ITWire

Nowhere does the DBCDE statement suggest that the Government is discussing regulation with other governments. It states: "We have gained considerable support within APEC economies for a multipronged approach on international mobile roaming that includes a focus on increasing transparency and consumer awareness of roaming prices."

Noting the OECD's conclusions and recommendations, DBCDE, said: "While some of these are for changes to regulations, the Government is initially seeking a non-regulatory approach in cooperation with other countries through a number of international forums including the OECD."

It lists these as being: the ITU, The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and New Zealand, saying:

"An ITU questionnaire has highlighted the wide disparity internationally in prices paid for roaming services and the results of this will be considered at an ITU meeting in Seoul in May 2010. Australia will have a representative at this meeting.

"And within the treaty based Asia-Pacific Telecommunity, we will host a workshop on 8-10 June 2010 in Brisbane to consider a regional approach to international mobile roaming.

"On the bilateral side, the Department is currently in discussions with New Zealand."

The Reps enquiry also recommended that: "When an Australian Government agency provides information to the public on roaming, the alternatives to roaming be included as part of the information. These alternatives should include: international calling cards; short message service; use of local networks; email; and use of hotel telephones.

DBCDE said this information was now provided on its own web site and those of the ACMA, the ACCC and DFAT's SmartTraveller.

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