AMTA Snapshot Edition 168

Mobile telecommunications? key role in delivering low-carbon future A new report has outlined the clear potential for mobile telecommunications technology to play a leading role in tackling climate change by driving carbon reductions across a range of industry sectors, AMTA Chief Executive Chris Althaus said. However, the future of the mobile sector?s contribution will depend on the allocation of new radiofrequency spectrum infrastructure for mobile telecommunications given that a low carbon future will use mobile data solutions, including mobile broadband and the deployment of machine-to-machine (M2M)applications.

ACRBR answers neurosurgeons? mobile phone safety claims The Australian Centre for Radiofrequency Bioeffects Research (ACRBR) has published a paper which it says is designed to give accurate public information on mobile phone safety following the wide publicity given to two leading Australian neurosurgeons, whose media claims ?may have misled audiences about this issue?.

Government audit of mobile phone tower emissions A recent Federal Health Department audit of three mobile phone base station sites in Victoria and Tasmania has found base station radio frequency (RF) emissions are well within Australia?s safety standards.

Mobile phones teach youths to focus on speed, not accuracy A new study suggests young heavy mobile phone users have poorer memory, slower reaction times and make more mistakes, the Herald Sun reported this week

Jetstar introduces world-first SMS check-in technology Australia?s low fares airline Jetstar will use world first technology to introduce boarding passes via mobile phone text message (SMS) and 24 hour pre-enrolment check-in prior to the end of 2009 as part of a major innovation investment to revolutionize air travel for Jetstar customers.

Teens quit networking but comms stay strong Teenagers are turning their back on social networks including Facebook, according to an official report, which also found that Britons are more likely to cut spending on their holidays and nights out than on their mobile phones or television subscriptions, the Independent newspaper reports.

Sexting craze on rise among children A growing number of British teenagers are swapping sexually explicit images of themselves on mobile phones leaving them open to bullying and victimization by their peers, police and a children's charity told Reuters in the UK this week.

Neighbourhood Energy penalised for calls made to numbers on the Do Not Call Register Neighbourhood Energy Pty Ltd (Neighbourhood Energy) has paid a penalty of $22,000 after the Australian Communications and Media Authority conducted an investigation that found one of the company?s outsourced Australian call centres made telemarketing calls to numbers listed on the Do Not Call Register (the register).

Satellite phone subsidies for improved emergency communications Regional health and emergency service organisations and Australians in areas outside handheld mobile phone coverage now have better access to the Satellite Phone Subsidy.