This week AMTA Chair, Louise Sexton, and CEO, Chris Althaus, met with the Secretary of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Patricia Scott, to provide an update on AMTA programs, including outcomes in 2008 and plans for 2009.

Issues such as spectrum, consumer relations, the key role of industry codes and the evolution of Mobile Premium Services were all on the agenda.

Mr Althaus said: “The Secretary was very clear in reflecting the views of Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and the Department in relation to consumer issues. Hot on the heels of the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s latest campaign launch “connect.resolve”, it is clear that Minister Conroy has directed his Department not only to monitor progress with consumer issues, such as complaint handling and Mobile Premium Services advertising, but also to actively develop other options in addition to industry’s preferred code-based co-regulatory approach.”

Mr Althaus said the message was clear for all to see in the Minister’s response to a question on notice in the Senate on Mobile Premium Services this week when Senator Conroy noted:

“ I have asked my Department to commence exploring measures to work in parallel, and outside of, the new code to ensure consumers are protected and can use premium service with confidence. In consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, my Department is currently developing these measures for my consideration. I have warned industry that it needs to address the current issues with mobile premium services, including billing and complaint handling practices, quickly and effectively, or I will have little choice but to intervene and consider more direct regulation to ensure the interest of consumers are protected.”

View full transcript of the MPS question and Minister Conroy’s response here.