Media Release

South Australians are encouraged to have their say about regional telecommunications

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, today encouraged South Australians to have their say about the adequacy of regional, rural and remote telecommunications.

“The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is holding public meetings in Whyalla and Naracoorte on Wednesday 12 March,” Senator Conroy said.

“I encourage South Australians with an interest in regional and rural telecommunications to attend these meetings to ensure their opinions on the adequacy of telecommunications are heard.”

The Committee has been holding public meetings since February and will continue to do so till June. The Committee is expected to develop a comprehensive report for the Australian Government to consider by August 2008.

“I also encourage those who are unable to attend one of the proposed public meetings in South Australia to call or write to the Committee, ” Senator Conroy said.

“I understand that the transition from CDMA to Next G has been raised at public meetings held so far,” Senator Conroy said.

“Telstra has a dedicated freecall hotline, 1800 888 888, that people can call to discuss what they need to do to make the transition to Next G, check their handsets and in some cases arrange to swap their handsets or equipment.”

“If consumers' problems are not resolved by contacting Telstra's hotline, they can contact my Department by phoning 1800 883 488.”

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee was established by the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to review the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia .

Information about these consultations and the Review is available from the website at www.rtirc.gov.au or by phone 1800 064 851 (free call).

ends

Date: 6 March 2008

Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457