Telco Sector Further Extends Measures to Assist Customers Affected by COVID-19

Sydney, 29 June 2021 – Australia’s telecommunications providers have agreed to extend the operating principles put in place by the industry to help keep people connected throughout COVID-19 and assist with financial hardship resulting from the pandemic.

The principles have been in place since April 2020 and will now be extended to 30 September 2021, at which time they will again be reviewed by industry.

The measures are in addition to the comprehensive existing co-regulatory framework of customer protections and financial hardship safeguards under which the industry operates.

Among other things, the COVID-19 principles provide that any customer who has entered into and complies with a financial hardship agreement will not be disconnected without their consent, regardless of when they entered that agreement.\

ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE

Australian Telecommunications Alliance is the primary communications industry body in Australia. Its membership is drawn from a wide cross-section of the communications industry, including carriers, carriage and internet service providers, content providers, platform providers, equipment vendors, IT companies, consultants and business groups.

Its vision is to be the most influential association in Australian communications, co-operatively initiating programs that promote sustainable industry development, innovation and growth, while generating positive outcomes for customers and society.

The prime mission of Australian Telecommunications Alliance is to create a co-operative stakeholder environment that allows the industry to take the lead on initiatives which grow the Australian communications industry, enhance the connectivity of all Australians and foster the highest standards of business behaviour.

Media information contact:
info@austelco.org.au