AMTA Snapshot Edition 28

Countdown to AMTA’s Mobile Telecommunications Conference 06 Don’t miss AMTA’s Conference on September 20-21 in Sydney. Hear Carrier CEOs discuss the latest challenges and issues; learn about the latest trends in content; hear what consumers want in the latest ConsumerLab results; see how the global mobile peak body views the future – this and much more will be on offer at the Conference.

Calls for a rethink on SIM-less mobile emergency calls The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) should consider banning emergency calls made from mobile phones without SIM cards, AMTA CEO Chris Althaus told ABC TV. There were many bogus calls tying up emergency services and jeopardising the safety of genuine emergency calls, he said.

Comments in Parliament AMTA and the MCF met this week with South Australian Labor Federal MP Kate Ellis, who has expressed concerns in Parliament about mobile telecommunications infrastructure issues and perceived health concerns. Ms Ellis’ concerns have been echoed by another Labor MP, Roger Price.

Singling out and banning mobiles phones is not the answer It is vitally important that the States ensure that young drivers are educated about the range of driving distractions they face, AMTA CEO Chris Althaus said. He was commenting on Queensland’s decision to follow Victoria and ban the use of all mobiles by learner and first-year P-plate drivers.

SMS providing security from bank identity theft SMS is providing security for online payments and guarding against identity theft. According to a report in the Australian newspaper this week, the humble short message service is being used by a bank to provide security for online payments.

It’s time for str8tlk – kids’ website If you go to AMTA’s homepage you will see a new addition – Str8tlk. That’s txt for “Straight Talk”, which is aimed at 10 to 18-year-olds. It contains targeted information on subjects such as bullying, money, safety, recycling, technology and culture.

MobileMuster goes Crazy AMTA member Alcatel and Crazy John's retail stores have joined MobileMuster. Alcatel has set up 3 collection points so far in Sydney and Melbourne and plans to increase the collection points. Telstra Dealer - Crazy John’s stores have signed up to MobileMuster and will roll out collection tubes across their 90 plus stores Australia wide next week. Crazy Johns has also followed Telstra and Vodafone’s lead and has included MobileMuster in their Fathers Day Catalogue.

Telecommunications regulatory reporting review The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, this week announced a review of regulatory reporting requirements for the telecommunications industry. She said the review would consider opportunities to streamline reporting and remove redundant and unnecessary industry reporting requirements.