ACMA Reaches Agreement with Leading Online Retailers to Stop “Questionable” Mobile Sales
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ACMA’s Latest Strategy to Prevent Unsafe Mobile Sales
Quick Overview
- ACMA initiates a voluntary program to curb unsafe mobile sales.
- Program focuses on illegal devices, including grey market phones.
- Notable participants like eBay and Gumtree have engaged in the effort.
- Emphasis on improving emergency call reliability in Australia.
- Discussion surrounding public access to a register of compliant devices.
ACMA’s Effort Against Unsafe Devices
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has rolled out a voluntary program designed to halt the distribution of unsafe mobile phones and illegal radio gear on online platforms. This action follows rising concerns regarding the reliability of emergency call services, especially after recent incidents linked to failures in triple zero calls.
Details of the Safety Commitment
The safety commitment encompasses a wide array of radio communication devices, such as CB radios, illegal jamming devices, mobile phone boosters, and cellular signal repeaters. It notably addresses grey market mobile phones, which have recently faced scrutiny for their failure to provide dependable emergency services in specific scenarios.
Industry Response and Engagement
Several prominent online retailers, including eBay, Gumtree, Temu, and Shein, have already pledged their support for the program. They are responsible for identifying and eliminating illegal or unsafe devices from their offerings. ACMA’s vice chair, Adam Suckling, underscored that safeguarding public safety from such devices is a collective obligation.
Concerns Regarding Emergency Call Reliability
The push for this program gained traction after Telstra and Optus barred 71 Samsung handset models known for emergency call reliability problems. These handsets frequently failed to ‘camp on’ to alternate networks during outages, obstructing their capability to make emergency calls. While many of the affected models can receive updates, some remain incapable of functioning on Australian networks.
Discourse on Compliance Registers
The program stands in contrast to the Australian Telecommunications Alliance’s (ATA) proposal, which supports a public register of compliant devices. While ACMA’s commitment is voluntary, the ATA has urged for a publicly accessible list to allow consumers to effortlessly verify device compliance.
Conclusion
The ACMA’s new program represents a proactive measure towards limiting the sale of unsafe mobile devices in Australia. By collaborating with leading online retailers, ACMA intends to bolster the reliability of emergency services and shield consumers from potentially hazardous technology. The ongoing discussion regarding public access to device compliance information underscores the difficulties in achieving a balance between transparency and safety in the technology sector.