The PRWIRE Press Releases

ACIF FORUM TO LOOK AT FUTURE OF BROADBAND WIRELESS

2006-08-14T14:47:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) has invited representatives from across the industry to discuss the challenges of rolling out broadband wireless in Next Generation Networks (NGNs).
The discussion will take place at Future Wireless the second in a series of ACIF forums being convened to look at the issues relating to NGN access technologies.
ACIF is conducting the events to identify the major operational, technical, regulatory and commercial issues that will need to be addressed as Australia moves to the NGN environment.
The strategy is in line with ACIFs belief that the industry itself must take as much responsibility as possible for developing the NGN transition framework. One of the main objectives of the Future Forums is to pinpoint those areas that are most appropriate for industry-led initiatives.
The tempo of NGN leadership is set to accelerate shortly when ACIF and the Service Providers Association Inc (SPAN) merge to form the Communications Alliance.
Anne Hurley, CEO of ACIF and designated CEO of the Communications Alliance, said the Future Forums offered the industry a unique opportunity to set the agenda for the NGN transition.
We can take the lead in deciding our future direction or we can sit around and wait for our fate to be determined by others, Ms Hurley said. From what I am hearing throughout the industry, there is an overwhelming preference for the proactive approach and we are doing our utmost to facilitate that process.
The Future Wireless Forum will be hosted by law firm Baker & McKenzie, Level 27, Bridge Street, Sydney, between 1.30 pm and 6pm on Tuesday, August 22.
Speakers at Future Wireless will include Ms Hurley; Eric Hamilton (CTO, Unwired); Jason Ashton (Director, BigAir); Shara Evans (Founder, Market Clarity); Simon Curry (Group Manager, Intel Australia); Ray Owen (Asia Director, Motorola); Anthony Goonan (General Manager Wireless Planning, Telstra); Neil Robinson (Manager, Access Technology & Planning, Optus Networks); Justin Jamieson (Partner, Spectrum Strategy Consultants); John Lindsay (Carrier Relations Manager, Internode); Jim Holmes (Principal Consultant, Ovum).
Those wishing to attend can reserve a seat by clicking on www.slatteryit.com.au/acif_wireless.aspx.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment.
From September 1, 2006 ACIF and the Service Providers Association Inc (SPAN) will combine to become the Communications Alliance, the new peak body for Australias communications industry.

COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE SET TO LAUNCH

2006-08-10T14:50:00Z

The Communications Alliance the new peak body for Australias communications industry will launch on September 1.
Special general meetings of members of the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) and Service Providers Association Inc (SPAN) have now approved the merger of both organizations to form the Communications Alliance.
ACIF members voted on July 26 and the SPAN meeting took place yesterday.
From September 1 the Communications Alliance will be governed by a transitional board, co-chaired by current ACIF chairman Neville Stevens and SPAN chairman John Kranenburg. Both will be non-executive roles.
A newly elected board will commence on December 1 and will elect its own chair.
ACIF CEO Anne Hurley has already been confirmed as the CEO of the Communications Alliance with responsibility for managing the business and operations of the new body.
Ms Hurley said the Communications Alliance would be the most broadly representative body in the history of the Australian communications industry, providing a powerful and unified voice to lead the transition to the next generation networks (NGN) era.
Our industry is undergoing an almost total transformation and it will require unparalleled cooperation between all sectors to ensure an orderly transition, Ms Hurley said. By bringing the industry together under the Communications Alliance we can muster all of the brain-power, resources and expertise we will need to handle this challenging time in our history.
The impending birth of the Communications Alliance will be celebrated when the industry comes together for the SPAN 2006 Annual Dinner on August 31.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment. For further information see www.acif.org.au
About SPAN
The Service Providers Association Inc (SPAN), founded in 1993, is the national body representing service providers in established and emerging communications technologies, and related organisations, in Australia. SPAN corporate membership is open to all industry participants, including access providers and access seekers and provides an effective forum to work co-operatively together to develop the overall market to their mutual benefit.
SPAN's principal aim is to amplify the voice of members to maximize industry growth and release constraints to innovation and competition. For further information see www.span.net.au

AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY TO UNITE AS COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE

2006-06-28T14:25:00Z

The Australian communications industry is poised for the creation of a new peak body the Communications Alliance -- which will lead it into the Next Generation Networks era.
The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) and Service Providers Association Inc (SPAN) today announced they were in the final stages of negotiating to merge under the new Communications Alliance banner.
The boards of both ACIF and SPAN have agreed to the merger, which will now be put to the membership for final approval. The timetable adopted will see the two organisations complete the transition to a new structure by 1 September this year.
ACIF CEO, Anne Hurley, has agreed to become CEO of the newly created Communications Alliance. Ms Hurley said the combined organisation would have the membership, resources and capabilities to speak and act on behalf of a broad cross-section of the communications industry as well as develop collaborative industry responses to emerging trends and issues. The Communications Alliance will engage in the full range of industry activity from exploration, investigation and discussion of emerging industry trends, through to critical discussion and debate of the regulatory and policy issues raised by these emerging trends, Ms Hurley said.
Ultimately this will lead to development of the practical industry-led guidelines needed to support the implementation framework for next generation networks.
SPANs Chairman, John Kranenburg, noted that both SPAN and ACIF members will benefit by becoming part of an expanded industry body rather than maintaining their current separate entities.
The new Communications Alliance will build on the significant achievements of both ACIF and SPAN over the past decade, Mr Kranenburg said. The new organisations scope of activities and depth of member base will lift its leadership contribution to a new level in the industry. The members of both SPAN and ACIF will automatically enjoy rights to engage in and contribute to the full scope of Alliance activities.
The Alliance is committed to the continuation of the essential industry responsibilities and functions delivered by the separate entities. It will also benefit from the synergies and economies achieved by the amalgamation.
The Communications Alliance will place a strong emphasis on providing thought leadership on new trends and directions by fulfilling a strong advocacy role on behalf of the industry and its members, particularly in areas of competition and innovation. Its broad representation will allow it to provide balanced and comprehensive input to policy development and debate.
Unique services currently provided, such as the ACIF process for development of the documentary outputs industry codes and technical standards which have regulatory status under the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the provision of SPANs Alternative Dispute Resolution, which acts to solve disputes between parties within the industry, will continue to be key elements of the new Alliance.

About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.

ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment. For further information see www.acif.org.au

About SPAN
The Service Providers Association Inc (SPAN), founded in 1993, is the national body representing service providers in established and emerging communications technologies, and related organisations, in Australia. SPAN corporate membership is open to all industry participants, including access providers and access seekers and provides an effective forum to work co-operatively together to develop the overall market to their mutual benefit.

SPAN's principal aim is to amplify the voice of members to maximise industry growth and release constraints to innovation and competition. For further information see www.span.net.au

ACIF ANNOUNCES FUTURE FORUMS TO PLOT THE COURSE TO NEXT GENERATION NETWORKS

2006-06-21T14:49:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) today announced a series of Future Forums to explore the operational, technical, regulatory and commercial access issues that need to be addressed in the transition to next generation networks (NGNs).

ACIF will use the information gleaned from the Future Forums to prioritise the issues and feed this information into the development of Australias strategic framework for the NGN transition.

The first event, Future Fibre, will focus on the challenges presented by fibre access solutions such as fibre to the home (FTTH) and fibre to the node (FTTN). It will take place on Tuesday 18 July from 1:30 to 6pm and will be hosted in the offices of law firm Baker & McKenzie at 50 Bridge Street, Sydney.

Speakers at Future Fibre will include ACIF CEO, Anne Hurley, Alcatel CTO, Ric Clarke, ACCC general manager, Michael Cosgrove, Optus director of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, Paul Fletcher, Ovum principal consultant, Jim Holmes, ATUG managing director, Rosemary Sinclair and Telstra general manager of regulatory Affairs, Dr Tony Warren. A number of other industry leaders have indicated their interest in speaking and will confirm their participation closer to the event.

The next generation of communications networks will rely on a variety of access technologies, all of which present complex operational, technical, regulatory and commercial challenges, Ms Hurley explained.

Because of ACIFs unique position as a neutral body that is broadly representative of the Australian communications industry, we intend to take the lead in driving discussion of the issues that need to be confronted.

This series of Future Forums will kick off that process and provide valuable input into the strategies the industry needs to pursue as we move into the future.

To register for Future Fibre, visit www.slatteryit.com.au/acif.aspx or call Slattery IT on 02-9423 8850.

About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.

ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment.

ACIF PUBLISHES REVISED CUSTOMER CABLING STANDARDS

2006-04-12T21:12:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) today announced it had published two revised standards on customer cabling. Because of their broad impact on the cabling industry, the standards are ACIFs most referenced documents.
The standards assist equipment suppliers and installers of cabling products in overcoming technical issues, as well as specifying the correct installation and repair of cabling and cabling products.
The first standard, Requirements for customer cabling products, has been updated to meet the cabling regulatory arrangements in Australia. The standard has been revised to include advances in cabling technology and products that are connected to a carriers network. It is mainly of interest to manufacturers and importers of cabling products, as well as cabling providers.
The second standard, Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring Rules) has great importance for cabling providers because they must comply with it as a requirement of the Cabling Provider Rules (CPRs). There are an estimated 55,000 cablers in Australia.
The standard, generally known as the wiring rules, defines the technical requirements for the installation or repair of customer cabling and customer equipment that is connected, or intended to be connected, to a telecommunications network.
The wiring rules also cover design and construction practices sufficient to ensure that the installation of cabling does not expose carrier personnel, cabling providers, customers or anyone else to danger. The rules accommodate industries that were previously excluded, such as those in the fire protection, security and building management sectors.
According to ACIF chief executive officer, Anne Hurley, the standards provide relevant parties with the tools to ensure cabling safety and compliance.
ACIF has always strived to ensure that its standards are comprehensive, comprehensible and up-to-date. By revising these standards, ACIF is providing cablers and manufacturers with the most up-to-date information they need to carry out their work, Ms Hurley said.
Interested parties can download the published standards from the ACIF website (www.acif.org.au).
The documents will be sent to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the official making of the standards, which will then be enforceable.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment.

ACIF PUBLISHES DISCUSSION PAPER ABOUT QUALITY OF SERVICE ISSUES IN VOIP INTERCONNECTIVITY

2006-03-22T18:15:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) today released a discussion paper about Quality of Service (QoS) issues in VoIP interconnectivity.
The discussion paper will be circulated throughout the communications industry in Australia and overseas with a 60-day period for submissions to be received.
Following ACIFs VoIP Forum at the end of last year, ACIF commissioned Market Clarity analysts Shara Evans and Richard Chirgwin to prepare a discussion paper to identify key QoS issues created when VoIP calls traversed multiple Internet domains.
QoS was identified at the Forum as one of the major concerns relating to VoIP interconnectivity, and is particularly complex because of the level of coordination required between VoIP providers.
QoS refers to the capability of a network provider to provide better service to selected network traffic (eg voice calls) and is often referred to as traffic engineering.
The discussion paper raises a range of QoS questions including:
What level of co-operation is required between providers to achieve inter-domain QoS
Whether a complete suite of industry technical standards exist to support inter-domain QoS
Alternatives to the creation of an inter-domain QoS fabric
Whether providers are willing to give preferential treatment to traffic (voice calls) sourced from other providers networks
What role ACIF can play in facilitating a standardisation of contract terms and conditions necessary to address VoIP QoS issues
The key to tackling QoS issues and ensuring best services for customers is to work with a forward-looking approach that ensures VoIP services are competitive, efficient, and reliable, said ACIF chief executive officer, Anne Hurley.
The discussion paper addresses a range of important issues and ACIF is keen to encourage a coordinated industry response so the uptake of VoIP services in Australia creates the maximum benefit for both the industry and consumers.
Australia appears to be the first country to address these issues from a whole-of-industry perspective. So we have an opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world.
Once feedback is received from the discussion paper, Dr Paul Brooks from Consultel has agreed to chair an ACIF group of industry experts to review the submissions and identify the steps needed to be taken by the industry to address VoIP QoS issues.
The public comment period closes on Friday 26 May 2006. The discussion paper is available from the ACIF website (www.acif.org.au).
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment.

ACIF PUBLISHES VOIP SECURITY FACT SHEET AND GUIDE TO VOIP

2006-03-21T14:33:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) today announced it has published a VoIP security fact sheet as well as a basic guide to VoIP technical terms and issues.
These have been developed in response to a growing need within the telecommunications industry for information about VoIP developments and the impacts of Next Generation Networks (NGN).
The VoIP Security Fact Sheet is designed to alert VoIP and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) about security issues they need to address as this technology emerges. It highlights some of the ways VoIP calls, networks and systems can be vulnerable to malicious or criminal attack. The fact sheet offers advice to providers about the need to safeguard their own infrastructure and suggests that they also educate their customers on the need to take precautions.
A Basic Guide to VoIP Technical Terms and Issues was created to help VoIP providers supply information to their prospective customers. The guide seeks to offer a basic set of terms that can be consistently used across the industry.
As VoIP becomes part of the telecommunications landscape, there is a growing need to improve the level of understanding about the risks and benefits this service can provide, said Anne Hurley, CEO of ACIF.
Both the guide and the fact sheet provide useful information that will benefit VoIP providers and their customers.
The VoIP Security Fact Sheet and A Basic Guide to VoIP Technical Terms and Issues will be available from the ACIF website at www.acif.org.au/projects/voip.
Additional information about VoIP can also be found on the ACIF website at www.acif.org.au.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment

ACIF STANDARDISES EMERGENCY DIALLING ON MOBILE PHONES

2006-02-16T16:43:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) has revised mobile phone standards to assist users dialling the emergency operator.
The revised standard requires that all mobile phones sold in Australia must be capable of dialling emergency services even if the handset is locked.
The standard assists in situations where the person dialling is not familiar with the phone, for example, where a mobile phone user is involved in an accident and a passer-by picks up the locked handset to call for help or where a child at home uses the mobile phone of an incapacitated parent to call emergency services.
The standard, which provides the general requirements for mobile telephony in Australia, was updated by ACIF to address the need to keep up with developments in handset technology.
As well as the revisions relating to emergency calls, the standard has also been updated to include handsets such as screen-based devices like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that have touch screen keypads.
Another section of the revised standard introduces new requirements to limit maximum sound levels of conversations on mobile phones. The new requirements are designed to reduce the risk of users damaging their hearing because of excessive sound levels and is based on the standard for fixed line phones.
This Standard is being forwarded to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for registration.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the communications environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment.

NEW CODE TO HELP PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS NEEDS

2005-12-12T13:20:00Z

People who need special features to help them use their telephones will be able to make better informed choices because of a new code developed by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).
The Accessible Equipment Information Industry Code (C625:2005) and an accompanying industry guideline are designed to improve telecommunications access for people with particular communications needs.
The two main requirements are that:
Importers and manufacturers of customer equipment must provide information to service providers about whether or not their products have features that could enhance accessibility for people with a disability;
Customer equipment importers and manufacturers must respond to direct requests from consumers about the features of their equipment that can meet an individuals special communications needs.
The new code was developed by a special ACIF working committee with representation from consumer and disability groups. Once registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the code will be enforceable and ACMA will be able to ensure that manufacturers, importers and service providers meet their obligations.
People with disabilities are especially dependant on their telephones, explained ACIF chief executive officer Anne Hurley. So they deserve as much assistance as possible in helping them choose equipment that meets their specific communications needs.
This new industry code and guideline should remove unnecessary barriers that sometimes frustrate people seeking information about the features they require in a telephone handset or keypad.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the regulatory environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment through self-regulatory processes, technical codes and standards.

ACIF VOIP FORUM IDENTIFIES PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

2005-12-06T19:51:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) today hosted its second annual Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Forum which brought together carriers, service providers, vendors, integrators, industry associations, government agencies and consumer groups to examine regulatory and technical issues relating to the provision of VoIP.
Issues examined by the participants included quality of service, deployment and security in VoIP. A panel was also convened to consider the implications of the Governments recent report into the policy and regulatory framework for VoIP services.
ACIF CEO Anne Hurley said the forum was fully booked with more than 120 industry and consumer representatives attending to voice their opinions on the best way forward in developing an appropriate regulatory framework for VoIP.
This has been a resounding vindication of ACIFs belief that our industry has the maturity to tackle difficult issues like VoIP without the need for imposed regulation, Ms Hurley said.
By taking the initiative and working together cooperatively, we can enhance the consumer experience of emerging technologies as well as promote industry accountability and compliance, Ms Hurley said.
The forum identified the most pressing issues for further action. They include:
Defining Quality of Service and devising easily understood measures for consumers to gauge the quality of VoIP services;
Educating VoIP providers about their obligations to their customers in relation to security of VoIP services;
Increasing awareness among VoIP providers of the need to inform existing and potential customers about all aspects of a VoIP offering;
Developing an action plan for responding to the recommendations contained in the Federal Governments VoIP report.

ACIF HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL VOIP FORUM

2005-11-23T18:28:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) will be hosting its second Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Forum on Tuesday 6 December, 2005.
The focus of this years forum will be on interprovider cooperation. A range of critical topics will be covered from quality of service to security of VoIP. In addition to case studies on VoIP deployment, a panel has been convened to consider the implications to industry of the Government report into the policy and regulatory implications of VoIP Services.
Speakers include industry analysts and professionals from organisations such as Alcatel, engin, Huawei, iiNet, Neighbourhood Cable, Nortel, Optus, Pacific Internet, Telstra and Telsyte, with a keynote address by Fay Holthuyzen, Deputy Secretary Communications, DCITA.
Anne Hurley, CEO of ACIF, said that the VoIP forum is timely and relevant in light of the Government releasing its report on VoIP services. While the Government has found no immediate need for any changes to the regulatory framework, it has encouraged new and non-traditional providers of networks and services to participate in industry self-regulation processes and in ACIFs work on Next Generation Networks (NGN) issues.
ACIFs position is that self-regulation needs to keep pace with the changes that VoIP is bringing to telecommunications services to ensure that users are adequately protected. We hope that this forum will provide a platform to discuss any foreseeable challenges and opportunities that may arise when multiple providers work together to deliver VoIP services, Ms Hurley said.
ACIFs inaugural VoIP forum recognised VoIPs potential to fundamentally alter the way that people communicate and identified priority issues that needed to be addressed. In the past year, ACIF has developed fact sheets for VoIP providers and has established a VoIP Working Group to identify and monitor existing and new issues for the industry, consumers and regulators.
The forum will be held at the NSW Trade and Investment Centre, Level 44 Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street, Sydney, commencing at 9:30am and finishing at 4:30pm.
To register for the event or to find out more information, call ACIF on (02) 9959 9111 or visit www.acif.org.au/projects/seminars
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the regulatory environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment through self-regulatory processes, technical codes and standards.

ACIF INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT OF NEW RULES FOR MOBILE PHONE SOUND LEVELS AND TRANSFERS

2005-08-30T15:56:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) today announced that it had released for public comment two revised sets of rules: a technical standard regulating mobile telephone noise levels and an industry code regarding the transfer of phone services.
The draft technical standard sets a maximum level on sounds being emitted from mobile phone earpieces during voice calls. The technical standard is being revised to significantly reduce the risks of damaging users hearing from excessive mobile phone noise levels and is based on the already established standard imposed on landlines.
A separate issue is addressed under the draft Customer Transfer Industry Code, which stipulates that transfers of all phone services from one carrier to another must be authorised and verified before the transaction is finalised. This code is being revised to protect customers from being susceptible to unauthorised phone representatives inviting them to transfer their phones to another service provider. The revision is to ensure alignment with National Privacy Principles (NPPs) and the NSW and Victorian legislation on Fair Trading and Door to Door sales.
ACIF chief executive officer, Anne Hurley, encouraged members of the public to review the draft rules before they were finalised.
ACIF has an unwavering commitment to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding new codes and standards. These draft rules have been revised to make mobile phone usage more user-friendly and increase customer protection from unauthorised phone service transferrals, Ms Hurley said.
Interested parties who wish to comment on the draft technical standard or code can download a copy from the ACIF website (www.acif.org.au), or contact ACIF and request a hard copy.
The public comment period for the draft code closes at 5pm on 30 September 2005, while the public comment period for the draft technical standard closes at 5pm on 31 October 2005.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to lead industry involvement in defining the regulatory environment.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment through self-regulatory processes, technical codes and standards.

ACIF musters industry leaders to advise on convergence issues

2005-08-02T16:43:00Z

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) has harnessed the expertise of some of the industrys leading figures to consider the issues posed by the converged regulatory and technical environment.
The new ACIF Convergence Group will advise on the best way to tackle issues relating to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Next Generation Networks (NGN) , content and other associated areas.
The emphasis of the Convergence Group will be on developing outcomes tailored to the specific issues but will not be responsible for implementing the recommended solutions. These outcomes could involve the production of fact sheets, holding of forums, development of codes or standards etc.
In forming the new group, ACIF sought to draw membership at the highest level from the widest industry sectors in the converged regulatory and technical environment. As well as the traditional telecommunications sector, there are representatives from broadcasting, content providers, internet service providers, regulators and consumer organisations.
ACIFs chief executive officer, Anne Hurley, who chairs the new group, explained that the convergence of multiple technologies was blurring the boundaries of the various regulatory regimes and creating new challenges which the industry needed to address.
We are certainly entering an era of dynamic flux which will require some new and imaginative responses from a regulatory perspective, Ms Hurley said. This is the type of situation where the self-regulatory model is at its best because we believe that the best outcomes for all stakeholders can be achieved by co-operation.
The ACIF Convergence Group will offer the opportunity for a broad cross-section of interested parties to sit down together and come up with some practical solutions without the need for government intervention.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to facilitate communications self-regulation in the interests of both industry and consumers. Its membership comprises carriers/carriage service providers, business and residential consumer groups, industry associations and individual companies.
ACIF operates on the central premise that the best outcomes for all stakeholders in Australian telecommunications can be achieved by co-operation, obviating the need for government regulation.

Emergency calls over the internet spelt out

2005-06-01T15:56:00Z

Callers using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or internet telephony will have a better chance in an emergency if their service providers follow a set of procedures spelt out in a new fact sheet released today by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).
The procedures are designed to counteract the fact that calls made over the Internet can be difficult to match to a physical location. This may cause callers using the 000 or 106 emergency numbers to be misdirected or delayed.
However, if VoIP service providers take the actions recommended by ACIF, calls on their networks will automatically trigger special responses at the emergency call centres.
Being able to use the phone to get help in an emergency is one of the most important benefits of modern communications, explained ACIF chief executive officer, Anne Hurley. Because peoples lives may be at stake, its absolutely critical that VoIP and Internet telephony service providers follow the steps laid out in the fact sheet. In doing so, they will make emergency calls over the Internet a much safer option for their customers.
Emergency call centres in Australia normally refer to the incoming calling number and the registered address of the phone service when transferring callers to the appropriate emergency service. However the service address of a VoIP caller may not accurately reflect the location of the caller. Therefore call centres need a trigger to alert them that a call is coming in over the Internet and that they must verbally confirm the physical source of the call.
This trigger can be in the form of certain codes and call identifiers that alert the operator a caller is using a VoIP or Internet telephony service. It is the obligation of service providers to ensure that calls on their network carry those special codes and identifiers.
Service providers also need to advise the Integrated Public Number Database of certain information about their services that can further assist the 000/106 call centres in connecting calls correctly.
The fact sheet, entitled Access to emergency services for users of VoIP and Internet Telephony, can be viewed and downloaded from the ACIF website (www.acif.org.au)
Also on the ACIF website from today is a new Technology and Services Notice Board, designed to update VoIP providers on the latest happenings in their sector worldwide.
The Notice Board will not only contain the latest news on ACIFs VoIP activities, but also developments in Australian and international standards as well as issues relating to VoIP quality of service and interconnection arrangements.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to facilitate communications self-regulation in the interests of both industry and consumers.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment through self-regulatory processes, technical codes and standards.

New measure to help people who can't pay phone bills

2005-05-24T14:41:00Z

Households in difficulty with their phone bills can look forward to more sympathetic treatment from telecommunications companies.
A new guideline just released by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) provides a range of alternatives to heavy handed debt enforcement where people are in genuine financial hardship caused by their telecommunications bills.
The ACIF guideline sets out a number of processes that should be followed by communications service providers to assist customers who are experiencing difficulties paying their accounts. ACIF urges companies to develop internal policies and processes based on the guideline.
High phone bills are often cited as a cause of household financial difficulties, explained ACIF chief executive officer, Anne Hurley. Sometimes it will be a one-off crisis but in other cases it might be an ongoing issue. In either circumstance it is in the interests of both the customer and the provider to find an amicable solution.
Using the processes outlined in the new ACIF Guidelines, both parties would discuss options for retaining some level of telecommunications service while managing future spending within affordable limits. For instance, it might be agreed to switch to a pre-paid service, introduce call barring or provide some other form of restricted access.
Any financial arrangement should ensure that the customer not go further into debt, that the terms are reasonable for both parties and that the service provider consider suspending further debt collection while the agreement was being discussed and implemented.
The guideline also encourages companies to establish relationships with financial counselling services to help them develop hardship policies for dealing with debt stricken customers.
A copy of the new guideline is available on the ACIF website.
About ACIF
ACIF is a member-funded organisation established in 1997 to facilitate communications self-regulation in the interests of both industry and consumers.
ACIF provides a neutral forum in which all participants and end-users in the Australian communications industry can work together to foster an efficient, competitive environment through self-regulatory processes, technical codes and standards.