AMTA Snapshot Edition 163

New Code to tackle mobile premium services complaints The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) expects the industry?s strong response to consumer complaints about mobile premium services will assist in delivering a better and more satisfying experience for customers of services such as ringtones, music, games, competitions and sports scores.

The Mobile Carriers Forum has launched a new online presentation ?Mobile Networks in the Environment?. Comprising a digital design of urban and rural landscapes and utilising visualisation techniques, the MCF has created the 7 minute presentation that seeks to provide an overview of how mobile networks operate and meet the needs of consumers.

Cross-industry chargers promote waste reduction Standardised mobile phone chargers would promote for efficient use of resources and reduce the amount of potential waste materials, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association told Radio Australia this week.

AMTA seeks to correct Zoos South Australia?s coltan claims AMTA has responded to a report in today?s Adelaide Advertiser, which claims that mobile phones are ?killing apes? because of the use of a precious metal used in some mobile handsets.

The ACMA warns that threatening SMS message is hoax spam The Australian Communications and Media Authority has received complaints of SMS messages which contain death threats if the recipient ignores the message.

Hitman scam strikes again A fresh surge in the nasty ?hitman? scam has brought a new warning from Western Australian Consumer Protection and the Police.

Medical monitoring, mobile phone industries joining forces The Wall Street Journal reports that medical device makers are forging a new partnership with the cell-phone industry to allow doctors to remotely monitor their patients' heart rhythms, body temperature and breathing rates, with the goal of saving billions in hospitalization costs.

Privacy Commissioner calls for more recognition of good privacy practices The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has called for more recognition for businesses, community organisations and government agencies for their privacy initiatives, and has urged them to nominate for the Australian Privacy Awards.

NBN Industry Connection #2 The Government?s Discussion Paper ?National Broadband Network: Regulatory Reform for 21st Century Broadband? signals legislative reforms to facilitate the rollout of the NBN. It is critical the industry grasps this opportunity to ensure the NBN delivers the capabilities, services and outcomes required to drive innovation, efficiency and an enhanced lifestyle for Australia.

Priority National Broadband Network investment for regional Australia The Rudd Government today announced the first round of regional locations for the $250 million priority rollout of the National Broadband Network.

Smartphones, social networks to boost mobile advertising Advertising on mobile phones should really take off within two to three years, driven by new applications on smartphones and the growing popularity of social networks such as Facebook, Reuters reports this week.

Importation of e- waste dangerous to the environment The importation of obsolete electrical and electronic equipment (E-waste) from the industrialised countries has worsened E-waste control and management in Ghana and most African countries, the GSMA Environment Insider reports this week.