Submission: Connecting Consumers: A Review of the Australian Consumer Action Network

RLC has had many clients with problems involving telecommunications, from matters of simple over-commitment through t matters involving unfair marketing and unsuitable products. Society is increasingly organising itself around being connected via telecommunications at all times and in all places for products, information, participation in debate and comment, education and entertainment. Our clients are increasingly dependent on mobile telephones as their sole connection point and are frequently without credit. Staying connected is a challenge when they cannot afford to complete the call.

Our views in summary

By being a national consumer body with specialised knowledge of the telecommunications industry and regulatory environment, they are able to draw on the ground experience of their member organisations in a co-ordinated response.

We consider than ACCAN plays an essential role in maintaining a fair and equitable access to what remains an essential -  rather than an optional - service. We recommended that ACCAN be supported into the future and that it be supported in at least its current if not expanded levels.