Interested parties wanting to make submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's review of Telstra's proposal to charge for directory assistance must do so by 18 July.
The ACCC has 30 days from 2 July to review Telstra's proposal after the company's notification to Communications and Arts Minister, Senator Alston, that it wished to charge 50c for 013 calls in certain circumstances.
The Minister may disallow the proposal, but only after receiving an ACCC recommendation, The ACCC must make its recommendation by 1 August. The ACCC has prepared an issues paper which details Telstra's proposal and seeks to focus on key issues which interested parties may wish to address. The ACCC is canvassing the views of consumer, rural, industry and business groups.
"The tight deadline means the consultation process will be intense," ACCC Commissioner responsible for consumer protection issues in telecommunications, Mr David Lieberman, said today. Mr Lieberman will be heading a committee consisting of the ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels and Mr Rod Shogren, Commissioner responsible for telecommunications, which will be considering this matter.
"The ACCC will hold discussions with interested parties in Melbourne, Sydney, Dubbo, Adelaide, Perth and Townsville, commencing Monday 14 July and and seeks written submissions by the 18 July deadline. This deadline cannot be extended."
Further information Mr David Lieberman, ACCC Commissioner, (06) 264 1412 or (0416) 264 333 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (06) 264 2808
The ACCC has 30 days from 2 July to review Telstra's proposal after the company's notification to Communications and Arts Minister, Senator Alston, that it wished to charge 50c for 013 calls in certain circumstances.
The Minister may disallow the proposal, but only after receiving an ACCC recommendation, The ACCC must make its recommendation by 1 August. The ACCC has prepared an issues paper which details Telstra's proposal and seeks to focus on key issues which interested parties may wish to address. The ACCC is canvassing the views of consumer, rural, industry and business groups.
"The tight deadline means the consultation process will be intense," ACCC Commissioner responsible for consumer protection issues in telecommunications, Mr David Lieberman, said today. Mr Lieberman will be heading a committee consisting of the ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels and Mr Rod Shogren, Commissioner responsible for telecommunications, which will be considering this matter.
"The ACCC will hold discussions with interested parties in Melbourne, Sydney, Dubbo, Adelaide, Perth and Townsville, commencing Monday 14 July and and seeks written submissions by the 18 July deadline. This deadline cannot be extended."
Further information Mr David Lieberman, ACCC Commissioner, (06) 264 1412 or (0416) 264 333 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (06) 264 2808