ACMA Initiative Reduces Listings of Unreliable Devices
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Quick Read
- ACMA’s program has led to a 69% decrease in dubious device listings.
- The initiative includes commitments from prominent online retailers such as eBay and Gumtree.
- Two-way radios and mobile phone repeaters are the most frequently encountered non-compliant devices.
- ACMA performed a five-week evaluation that uncovered the decline in listings.
- The initiative aims to improve the reliability of emergency call services.
The Program and Its Effects
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) indicated a significant drop in listings of unsafe mobile phones and various dubious radio devices. This follows the launch of a voluntary program aimed at online retailers amid heightened scrutiny of emergency call services.
Online Retailers Contribute to the Cause
ACMA’s program, revealed last December, includes commitments from major online retailers like eBay, Gumtree, Temu, and Shein to prevent the sale of non-compliant devices. A recent five-week evaluation conducted from April to May showed a 69% decline in these listings, from 1162 last year to just 361.
Emphasis on Compliance
The evaluation examined seven online platforms: Amazon Australia, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Kogan, Temu, and Shein. Five of these platforms still displayed some dubious device listings. Two-way radios were the most common, followed by unauthorized mobile phone repeaters and jamming devices.
Issues with Grey Market Mobiles
Although the evaluation did not uncover any non-compliant grey market mobile handsets, concerns linger, particularly following the Optus outage in September. These grey market mobiles have sparked discussions regarding the reliability of Samsung devices during emergencies, leading to calls for a centralized database of problematic devices.
Suggested Changes and Future Actions
ACMA intends to implement modifications to mobile testing regulations, ensuring more frequent compliance assessments in relation to emergency call access standards. This initiative seeks to fill gaps in the existing voluntary record-keeping system, which the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA) argues may enable non-compliant grey market handsets to evade scrutiny.
Conclusion
ACMA’s program has resulted in a considerable decline in the number of dubious devices listed by online retailers in Australia. By securing commitments from major platforms and conducting comprehensive evaluations, ACMA is working to enhance the reliability of emergency call services and tackle compliance issues associated with grey market mobiles.
Reader questions
Frequently asked questions
Fast answers to the questions readers ask most about ACMA Initiative Reduces Listings of Unreliable Devices.
What is the primary goal of ACMA's program?
The primary goal is to decrease the listings of non-compliant and illegal devices sold online, thereby enhancing the reliability of emergency call services.
Which online platforms participate in ACMA's initiative?
The program involves platforms like eBay, Gumtree, Temu, Shein, Amazon Australia, Facebook Marketplace, and Kogan.
What types of devices are predominantly found non-compliant?
Two-way radios and unauthorized mobile phone repeaters are the most frequently observed non-compliant devices.
What concerns exist regarding grey market mobiles?
Grey market mobiles raise concerns due to potential issues with emergency call reliability, especially underscored by the Optus outage incident.
How will ACMA's proposed changes influence device compliance testing?
ACMA’s proposed changes are aimed at ensuring more frequent testing of handsets for compliance with emergency call access standards.
