Three Revised Industry Codes Registered With ACMA, Improving Customer Outcomes and Public Safety
Thursday 9 December: Australian Telecommunications Alliance, the peak body of the telecommunications industry, has successfully revised three industry Codes which will lead to improved outcomes for consumers and better information for public safety and law enforcement agencies.
The three Codes registered by the Australia Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) today include the:
- Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) Code
- Inbound Number Portability (INP) Code
- Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Code
“The three Codes registered by the ACMA today are a timely reminder of why co-regulation, backed by a strong regulator in the ACMA, delivers the best outcomes for consumers and industry alike,” said Comms Alliance CEO Luke Coleman.
“While the vast majority of consumers wouldn’t even know they exist, Codes like these provide the firm foundation for resilient telecoms networks that operate 24/7. They ensure that consumers can quickly and easily change telcos while keeping their phone number, and help emergency service operators to locate you if you ever have to call Triple Zero.”
The IPND serves as a repository of public number customer data, including the number, customer name, service address and directory-related services information which can be used to assist emergency services and law enforcement. The updated IPND Code provides a number of improvements to the 2020 Code, including enhanced protections for end-user confidentiality, especially where the customer has chosen an unlisted entry, as well as new measures to ensure that information in the database is accurate, current and complete – and only accessed for approved purposes.
The updated INP Code clarifies the operational procedures a telco must follow to allow a customer to move between networks while retaining their number, including improved consistency with other portability codes (Local Number Portability, Mobile Number Portability). It enables the portability of free phone (13, 1800) numbers.
Similarly, the updated MNP Code, which enshrines a world-leading porting regime in place since 2001, clarifies telcos’ obligations in the mobile number portability process and provides better consistency with other instruments, as well as enabling extended hours of operation for porting numbers both through the week and on weekends.
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
