This week, many AMTA members would have received an invitation to participate in a review of the Information on Accessibility Features for Telephone Equipment Industry Code.

The Code (ACIF C625:2005) places obligations on equipment suppliers to provide information about the accessible features of handsets sold in Australia to carriage service providers and also make this information available to consumers on request.

The Code seeks to provide this information to assist sellers of mobile phones in guiding consumers to choose the most appropriate telecommunications equipment to meet their specific needs. The Code also seeks to ensure that consumers can approach equipment suppliers directly for information on equipment features that will meet that consumer’s communications needs.

The Code review, undertaken by Communications Alliance, seeks comments from interested parties on any issues with or gaps in the Code or Guideline; ideas for process improvements; comments on the clarity of the obligations; whether the Code and Guideline are satisfactorily meeting the needs of industry; and any expected impact of technology changes.

AMTA Accessibility Committee Chair, Bert Ciavarra, strongly encouraged AMTA members to participate in a review.

“Our industry is committed to promoting the accessibility of its products and services for people with disability. The Code review is a good opportunity for all members of the industry to get involved in enhancing access to products with accessible features,” he said.

“The Review provides a timely opportunity to take stock of where we’re at with the Code and Guideline, and make any necessary adjustments so that they better meet the needs of both Industry and consumers.”

A fact sheet with more information about the Code is available at www.commsalliance.com.au/documents/codes/C625

Submissions to the Code Review are due on FRIDAY, 13 JUNE 2008 and can be sent to Mike Johns, Project Manager, CECRP at m.johns@commsalliance.com.au

In the meantime, equipment supplier members are encouraged to complete the features matrix in the Guideline associated with the Code (ACIF G627:2005) for each of their handset models, and forward these to Carriage Service Providers.