Call for submissions on the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia

Public submissions are being invited to the independent review of the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia.

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, chaired by Dr Bill Glasson, will look at progress made since the 2002 Regional Telecommunications Inquiry (Estens) report.

“This review will assess whether there are still areas in regional, rural and remote Australia that need priority attention to achieve adequate and equitable access to telecommunications services,” said Dr Glasson.

“The fast pace of technology change also means that what is considered adequate today, may no longer be adequate within just a few years.”

“It is important that today’s telecommunications services and infrastructure are sufficiently flexible and scalable to support the delivery of services needed in the future.”

“The Committee’s ability to provide sound advice to the Government on areas needing attention will depend on it hearing the views of a broad range of stakeholders.”

“We will be consulting publicly with people in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia.”

“The Committee invites individuals, businesses, community and industry organisations, education, health and government service providers, carriers and others to submit their views by Wednesday, 31 October 2007.”

The Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 (the Act) was amended in 2005 to establish the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee and the $2 billion Communications Fund. The Australian Government announced the members of the first Committee and commencement of the review on 13 August 2007. Committee members are Dr Bill Glasson (Chair), Alexandra Gartmann, Mark Needham, Councillor Bruce Scott and Josephine Stone.

Further information about the Review and copies of the discussion paper are available from the website at www.rtirc.gov.au or by phone 1800 064 851 (free call).

Authorised by Dr William J Glasson, C/- Terrace Eye Centre, 135 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000.