 |
|
|
|
   |
ATUG’s Vision
To be regarded by business users of information and communications (metro, regional and rural) as the best
members’ organisation in Australia to provide:
| an independent, end-user voice to Government, Industry, Regulators and Media on policy and service issues that affect business end users of communications services, |
|
| well researched information and good networking opportunities for members |
ATUG Prefers Competition
ATUG works to ensure effective, globally competitive, sustainable communications markets develop in Australia
because of the benefits to end users – choice, quality, prices, and innovation.
Core features of effectively competitive communications markets are technology neutrality, affordable fit for purpose services, any-to-any connectivity, inter-operability, accurate customer information, quick transfer processes, accurate billing and well coordinated service support.
ATUG supports targeted regulation where competition is not working
Where markets are not effectively competitive, ATUG supports targeted regulatory intervention. The
telecommunications specific provisions of the Trade Practices Act are currently still important. The effects test in Part
XIB (Telecommunications Industry) and the “long-term interests of end-users” objective in Part XIC
(Telecommunications Access Regime) are key underpinnings to effective regulatory action.
ATUG supports the development of the National Broadband Network
| Policy Objectives - the Long-term Interests of End Users and an effectively competitive services market place | |
| Affordability is the key to take-up. Regulation must support the cost effective building of the NBN as well as recognise that effective competition is the strongest tool for delivering affordable prices. An entry level “safetynet” package should also be developed | |
| End User Choice – network design is central to competition and choice. Only designs that promote competition should be accepted. When infrastructure competition is not possible, services competition based on open access and service equivalence at a wholesale level must be ensured | |
| Wholesale Service Equivalence and effective services competition can only be assured by establishing: ·clear separation between wholesale and retail units and ·a new pro active, pro competition independent oversight body, NBN Australia, with the task of implementing the Open Access and Equivalence Frameworks |
|
| Customer Experience in the NBN environment must be carefully managed to ensure a successful transition and good end user outcomes. Service quality and security standards must be established at a level to reflect the key role of the NBN in the lives of all Australians | |
| Ubiquity – all Australians must be connected to the NBN. Ubiquity is not only about network availability but also about affordability and accessibility. When all Australians are connected to the NBN, the real potential of this for productivity, growth and innovation will be open to end users in every sector of the economy and community, and in all regions of Australia |
ATUG works for cost based prices for International Mobile Roaming services
ATUG wants cost based prices for International Roaming services – voice, SMS and data.
Current retail prices do not reflect true costs and deter the use of services that businesses need for competitiveness,
growth and innovation. End users have no power to negotiate prices with suppliers. A global economy needs global
communications services at reasonable prices. Industry suggested “work arounds” are seen as very second rate
strategies by end users who want full value and true mobile convenience when traveling.
ATUG works on issues to drive better value for members
| Telco contracts should support benchmarking; | |
| Broadband speeds should be more accurately described to customers, | |
| Broadband switching delays should be reduced, | |
| Mobile call drop-out rebates should be re-instated; | |
| Mobile calls should be billed per second |
ATUG works for increased end user confidence in the Online Economy
ATUG members are concerned at the higher costs and reputational risks to businesses from increased incidents and
threats from malicious and criminal use of the online environment. ATUG supports continued effort by government,
and regulators but calls for a stronger action by industry to address security issues, and to ensure the robustness,
survivability and security of communications networks especially in an NBN environment. ATUG will work with industry
and government to raise awareness among its members, and with SME and home based business users of measures
that are available to them to deal with these threats.
Last updated 12-Mar-2010