Media Release

Review of Access to Telecommunication Services

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today released the terms of reference for a review of access to telecommunication services for older Australians, people experiencing illness and those with disabilities.

The review, announced in 2010, will consider how best to support access to telecommunication services by people who need assistance and will examine ways to maximise the benefits from newer technologies, such as mobile devices and the internet.

The review will also look at how the National Relay Service (NRS) can best provide assistance to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.

“New technologies, such as the internet and smart phones, enable many people with disability to communicate with greater independence. The introduction of the National Broadband Network will be expected to support their independence even further,” Senator Conroy said.

The review, to be undertaken by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, aims to explore:

 
• whether national relay and outreach services could be improved in the light of new technologies
 
• what more can be done to assist NRS and non-NRS users
 
• how to build community, industry and government awareness of telecommunication access issues, and,
 
• how to communicate up-to-date information on telecommunication options and consumer rights.

“The findings of this important review will help inform the Australian Government about the best ways to help people needing assistance to access telecommunication services. I encourage everyone who has an interest in these issues to contribute,” Senator Conroy said.

Further information about the review, including how to make a submission or provide feedback in other ways may be found at www.dbcde.gov.au/disability

The closing date for submissions is 19 August.

Date:         21 July 2011
Contact:    Lyall Johnson 0408 258 457