Media Release

Government and Telstra announce measures to enable CDMA network closure

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today released details of measures that Telstra will take to allow the closure of its CDMA mobile network.

Release of Telstra's proposed rectification plan will provide further confidence for CDMA users migrating to the Next G network.

“Telstra is working towards the deadline of 28 April to turn off the CDMA network and consumers should act on the basis that it will be switched off,” Senator Conroy said. “This is subject to me a receiving a report that comprehensively addresses my concerns.”

“It has been agreed that Telstra will undertake a number of actions to ensure equivalence of coverage and retail service and enable the closure of the CDMA network. Telstra agreed to a number of these actions being independently verified,” Senator Conroy said.

On 18 January, Senator Conroy notified Telstra that he was not in a position to declare equivalence between the Next G and CDMA networks. A number of issues were identified that Telstra was asked to address, including:

• taking all reasonable steps to ensure Next G customers have appropriate handsets for their coverage needs
• providing appropriate advice to customers purchasing Next G handsets and accessories
• ensuring telemetry and CDMA Wireless Local Loop customers have access to necessary Next G equipment and are given an appropriate time to migrate and
• ensuring there is sufficient equipment available to enable all CDMA customers to migrate to the Next G network.

“I want to congratulate Telstra for the work it has done to date, to ensure these issues are addressed,” Senator Conroy said.

“Telstra is operating the 1800 888 888 hotline that customers can call with handset coverage issues, and receive a handset exchange in genuine cases of non-equivalent coverage at no financial penalty.”

“Telstra is implementing an accreditation program to equip sales staff and stores with the information and equipment to enable consumers to purchase handsets and accessories that are appropriate for their needs.”

“Telstra is also working to ensure CDMA wireless local loop and telemetry customers are given every opportunity to migrate to the new network.”

“Telstra has agreed that a major audit firm will independently verify that it has met its commitments in relation to the 1800 888 888 hotline and accreditation program,” Senator Conroy said.

“There will be independent verification that Next G telemetry modems and modules are available and an independent survey of Next G Wireless Link customers will be conducted.”

“In addition to this, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has agreed to verify Telstra's engineering data, demonstrating that it has addressed a small number of coverage issues that were identified in its report, which is available on my Department's website.”

Telstra's rectification plan is available on the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy's website, www.dbcde.gov.au

ends

Date: Monday 25 February 2008

Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457