Snapshot Edition 31

Mind your mobile and protect confidential information The storage of personal and confidential data on mobile phones requires users to be mindful of security and to take steps to protect their information, AMTA CEO Chris Althaus said this week. He was interviewed by Channel 7 and the ABC about claims of personal data theft in the United States. Mr Alhaus said new smart phones have capacity to hold a lot of personal information and it was important for people to ensure the security of such information.

AMTA submission on mobile phone trial on aircraft AMTA supports consumers having access to mobile telephony and data services while undertaking air travel while recognising the need for all safety and technical issues to be taken into account, AMTA says in a submission to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

AMTA puts forward proposals on Anti-Money Laundering Bill AMTA has recently provided submissions to both the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) in response to the proposed Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML-CTF) Bill 2006.

Mind Your Mobile media coverage AMTA’s Mind Your Mobile program has been featured in a new magazine, “On Alert” – a community safety and crime prevention magazine for residents in south-west Sydney. The magazine is funded by the Australian Government, the Attorney-General’s Department and the National Crime Prevention Program.

Worldwide connections pass 2.5 billion - 3G predicted to reach 285 million by December According to Wireless Intelligence, this week marked a significant milestone for the mobile phone industry – the total number of cellular connections in the world is now 2.5 billion. This figure contains impressive growth in the 3G market, with Cellular News reporting 285 million 3G subscriptions are predicted to be in service by the end of 2006.

Changes to code on life threatening and unwelcome calls The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered an industry code that clarifies how life threatening and unwelcome calls are handled by carriage service providers.

Catch up on mobile TV at AMTA Conference on September 20-21 If you miss your favourite TV show, you won’t have to worry with the introduction of “catch-up” TV on your mobile phone. Jack Ford, the Managing Director of Sony Pictures Television, is a speaker and panellist at the AMTA Mobile Telecommunications Conference ’06 on September 20-21, and he will give details of the this exciting development. Mr Ford said that catch-up TV and watching full-length movies are part of the future for mobile services.

AFL legend helps round up mobiles this weekend Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford will show the precision passing that makes him one of the game’s best ever when he lines up this weekend at Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne to target mobile phone recycling.

Policy/Research Officer AMTA has an opening for a full-time Policy/Research Officer based in Canberra. We are looking for a self starter who can work in a small enthusiastic team.