Media Release

Minister discusses CDMA shutdown with stakeholders and Telstra

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, met with Telstra and key consumer representative organisations today to discuss the next steps in the CDMA shutdown.

The attendees included representatives from farming, industry, small-to-medium enterprises, emergency services, disability, transport and other major sectors.

“The meeting gave peak organisations an opportunity to present their members' views to Telstra and the Government,” Senator Conroy said.

“I thank these organisations for contributing their time and expertise—we were able to address a number of concerns at today's meeting.”

“Telstra made a number of commitments to keep stakeholders informed of the steps they are taking to address customer concerns,” Senator Conroy said.

“Telstra confirmed that through their 1800 888 888 hotline process, customers' handsets are being checked and swapped in genuine cases, for no financial penalty.”

“I am also happy that Telstra will commission a customer satisfaction survey of Next G Wireless Link customers with the results to be reported to me,” Senator Conroy said.

Telstra advised that it would report to the Minister before the end of March.

“If I am satisfied that the identified issues have been rectified, the network could be switched off by 28 April 2008,” Senator Conroy said.

“Phone coverage is important to people right across the country. Communications are important to our emergency services, to rural doctors, truck drivers, farmers and small businesses, people with a disability and people who simply want to keep in touch with family.”

“I encourage any other stakeholders to provide submissions to NextG@dbcde.gov.au by no later than 11 March.”

Consumers who require assistance with Next G services and coverage are urged to contact Telstra on its Next G hotline 1800 888 888 (free call).

ends

11 February 2008

Contact: Kate Cornick 0401 794 710