Authorities have officially warned Telstra about cutting off access to its services without providing the appropriate amount of notice to affected customers.
The Australian mobile operator limited or suspended its service to 5,410 customers with outstanding bills, but did so without notifying them within five business days. This was in violation of the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code (TCP), according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Also: Change this one Android setting to instantly make your phone twice as fast
The regulator said in a statement on Friday that it had issued an official alert to Telstra about its actions, which took place between May and July last year.
During this time, affected customers can only make outbound calls to emergency services or Telstra. Some are unable to receive calls outside of emergency services or Telstra.
The TCP Code is part of the nation’s Telecommunications Act 1997 (also known as the “Act”) and outlines the rules that apply to all telecommunications services for both residential and business customers. small business.
ACMA President Nerida O’Loughlin said: “Telephone and internet connections are essential to our daily lives. We use them for work, education, banking, health services and connectivity. social connection”. service to residents is interrupted.
Also: A group of former Apple employees want to replace their smartphones with this thing
“With current cost-of-living pressures, many Australians are struggling. By restricting people’s services without notice, Telstra may have added additional stress to these people,” O said. ‘ Loughlin said. “Telecom companies have an obligation to help those in financial difficulty and there are many options available to help customers manage their bills.”
ACMA says its current compliance priorities include protecting financially struggling telecom consumers. At the core of this is ensuring telecom companies comply with their obligations, especially those related to service interruptions, it said.
Last month, the ACMA fined Circles Australia AU$253,080 ($169,600) for “massive rule violations” aimed at protecting the safety of Australians. The mobile service provider failed to provide customer information to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) at least 60,000 times between January and August 2022. This database used to locate people in an emergency, assist law enforcement operations, and facilitate Emergency Alert Services.
All telecommunications companies are required to upload customer details to IPND for all services they provide under the Telecommunications Act and IPND industry codes. The ACMA has since 2018 taken action against 31 telecom companies for not complying with IPND rules, issuing penalties totaling almost AU$4 million ($2,676,580).
Also: How to Clear Cache on Your iPhone (and Why You Should)
The Australian regulator last November passed legislation to increased financial penalties for data privacy violators, pushing the maximum fine for serious or repeated violations to AU$50 million ($32.34 million), from AU$2.22 million ($1.47). million dollars) at present, three times the value of any gains from data misuse.
