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ATUG’s Vision
To be regarded by business and government users of information and communications services (metro, regional and rural) as the best member based organisation in Australia, providing:
- an independent, end-user voice to Government, Industry, Regulators and Media on policy and service issues that affect end users of communications services in the Digital Economy
- well researched information and good networking opportunities for members
ATUG works for Strong and Effective Competition
ATUG works to ensure effective, globally competitive, sustainable communications markets in Australia and fairer markets for international mobile roaming services
ATUG supports the move to a National Broadband Network.
- The Long-term Interests of End Users must remain the focus of NBN policy and regulatory decisions of Government, Regulators and Industry in Self-Regulatory processes
Long-term interests of end users means:
- Promoting competition
- Ensuring any‑to‑any connectivity
- Encouraging economically efficient use of, and efficient investment in infrastructure
- Business needs for “fit for purpose” speeds, affordability, service performance, service security and reliability and rapid restoration must be factored into NBN planning.
- NBN-grade services should be ubiquitously available, with government support where necessary to achieve over 95% take-up and use.
- Migrating to the NBN should not cause any detriment to business operations.
- NBN should remain a wholesale only operator:
- End user organisations should be able to buy wholesale services
- ATUG expects a more competitive wholesale market to develop based on NBN services. But if higher-level wholesale services (needed for application services and sector innovation) are not developed by market players, NBN should be required to supply them.
- Customer experience must be consistent across the network elements that will comprise the National Broadband Network, whether these elements are owned by NBN Companies or other infrastructure owners.
- Options for affordable international connectivity will be key to retail pricing, take-up and use and should be encouraged
ATUG works for the interests of Digital Economy Stakeholders
Accelerating the transition to an effective Digital Economy will require connected, confident and competent businesses, government agencies and end users. Many issues will arise which may need Government policy response or Industry focus and Community engagement. ATUG will establish a cross-sector Digital Economy Stakeholder group to ensure that issues impeding the Digital Economy are addressed and that opportunities for innovation, digital content, new business and service models are maximised.
ATUG works for fair prices for International Mobile Roaming services
ATUG wants fair prices for International Roaming services – voice, SMS and data.
Current retail prices deter the use of services that businesses need for competitiveness, growth and innovation. Industry suggested “work arounds” are seen as very second rate strategies by end users who want full value and true mobile convenience when traveling.
Last updated 3-Sep-2010