This presentation is to update the consumers of Australia about the latest arrangements of framework for the calls made from mobile phones to 13/1300 and 1800 numbers.

1. www.vtelecom.com.au
Latest framework
to call 13/1300 and 1800 numbers
from mobiles in Australia

2. Recently ACMA (i.e. The Australian Communications and Media
Authority) announced a new framework for call charges from mobile
phones to 13/1300 and 1800 numbers.
With a serious intent to deliver following customer benefits, the new
arrangements take account of market changes in recent years and are
developed in close consultation with the telecommunications
industry:
1. Separate plans have already been made by different mobile
operators at their individual levels to make all calls to 1800
numbers from mobile phones free of charge and will be advising
their customers about these plans in due course. These calls will be
free for pre-paid mobile customers (even when they run out of
credit but only until their service expires);
2. Communications Alliance has developed a general guideline in
which mobile operators will offer ‘13-Friendly’ mobile plans. Under
these plans, calls to 13 and 1300 numbers will be charged against
the included-value allowance on their plan, rather than billed
separately. These plans will be available across all price points, so
that all consumers can benefit from them;
3. The Australian telecommunication industry is implementing an
information campaign to alert consumers to consider whether a
‘13-friendly’ plan is appropriate for them when choosing their
provider.
The ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman said that “To make these initiatives
effective, mobile operators are finalizing the arrangements at their individual
levels and we are looking forward to all mobile customers realizing the
benefits of this approach in the near future.”
Mr. Chapman said that “The ACMA is particularly pleased that these clear
consumer wins have been achieved without direct regulatory intervention.
Industry is to be congratulated for not only coming on board with updating
the arrangements, but for adopting a leadership role that aligns with the
importance of mobile phone services to so many people.”

3. The Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code is also getting
updated as these initiatives will work in conjunction with other protections
– notably call and data usage alerts from mobile providers – which are
now required under the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code.
As some of the vulnerable consumers are also present so, in developing its
approach, the ACMA has considered the particular issues confronting
vulnerable consumers who often need to contact government and
support agencies. Vulnerable consumers should benefit from the broad
initiatives outlined above and additional initiatives which include:
a. A commitment from industry to communicating about those plans in
ways that specifically take account of the needs of vulnerable
consumers; and
b. The introduction of ‘call-backs’ by high transaction government
agencies such as Medicare and Centre link, which enable consumers
to avoid spending long periods waiting in call queues.
The ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman said that “Both the ACMA and
industry will monitor how these issues work out in practice. We consider
this mix of actions currently represents an appropriate, pragmatic and
balanced strategy that is most likely to result in short and long term
improvement in consumers’ experiences.”
For more information, Contact
vTelecom Pty Ltd
24 / 4a Bachell Ave, Lidcombe NSW 2141
1800 883 532
www.vtelecom.com.au