AMTA Snapshot Edition 90

“A week is a long time in politics” – What an understatement! The ebb and flow of political fortunes has been extreme in the past days new leaders, resignations, recriminations and congratulations. AMTA has conveyed appropriate messages to both sides and is already planning our initial interactions with the new government. After a decade in opposition the ALP will be concentrating on logistics and staff while continuing to work under the new and impressive discipline established by Mr Rudd during the campaign.

Top councils rewarded for mobile phone recycling efforts Brisbane City Council, Lake Macquarie Council and Campbelltown City Council have been announced the top councils in encouraging and boosting mobile phone recycling at the inaugural MobileMuster Local Government Awards.

Young drivers not getting the message This week the insurance group, AAMI, released its Young Drivers Index – and independent research report of 2380 drivers in all states (excluding WA). The release was notable for two reasons, firstly the theme included the level of distraction to young drivers arising from a range of technologies such as mobile devices and secondly the release included an acknowledged re-print of AMTA’s tips on safe mobile use and driving.

MCF attends ALGA Conference With nearly 700 Council Mayors, elected Councillors and CEOs attending, this week’s ALGA (Australian Local Government Association), National General Assembly in Darwin provided a significant opportunity for the mobile telecommunications industry to showcase its credentials.

AMTA supports reform targetting business red tape Legislative overlap and the sheer quantity of regulation relating to the telecommunications industry makes it difficult for suppliers and their customers to be fully aware of their obligations and rights, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Associations says on the issue regulation and red tape.

Global Mobile Usage on the rise Mobile usage has continued to grow strongly according to a recent global study. The research group Informa Telecoms and Media estimates global mobile connections have reached 3.3 billion – one for every 2 people in the world. This estimate reflects a growth of 18% from the 2006 result of 2.8 billion.

Kevin Rudd’s XI v Sri Lanka As the 2007/08 summer gets underway the issue of cricket is once again on AMTA’s “to-do” list. This year the Prime Minister’s XI will see the Aussies take on one day specialists, Sri Lanka.