ATA calls on the federal government to publish an official roster of triple zero “compliant” devices.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Brief Overview
- ATA calls on the government to make public a list of devices that can make dependable emergency calls.
- Presently, compliance is optional and may miss several devices with problems.
- Telecom providers are creating a private database for in-house purposes.
- Recent failures in devices tied to deaths are sparking public and governmental alarm.
The Demand for a Public Device Registry
The Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA) is urging the federal government to set up a public registry of mobile phones that can securely make emergency calls, referred to as “triple zero” calls. This demand comes after a deadly outage on the Optus network led to a parliamentary investigation.
The Justification for a Public Registry
The ATA contends that the existing device compliance framework is inadequate. The Telecommunications Labelling Notice is voluntary, requiring manufacturers to self-report compliance without obligatory public sharing. The suggested public registry would serve as a dependable reference for both consumers and regulators to confirm device compliance and safety.
Ongoing Initiatives by Telecoms
In response to persistent rejection from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), telecommunications companies have begun to develop their own database. This internal system aims to monitor devices known to have emergency call issues, assisting telcos in fulfilling regulatory requirements. However, this database will not be accessible to the public.
Issues with Device Compliance
The challenge of testing for compliance is currently significant. With more than 40,000 different phone models in Australia, the existing systems only assess a small percentage. This implies that numerous devices that may have problems could escape regulatory oversight, particularly those entering through grey markets.
Government and Regulatory Reactions
The ACMA has tightened testing regulations for devices, especially concerning their ability to switch networks in emergencies. Nonetheless, public scrutiny and recent incidents have intensified demands for more thorough measures.
Recent Events and Public Anxiety
Recent news has connected defective handsets with several fatalities, raising public alarm. For example, certain older Samsung devices have been flagged as problematic, leading carriers to block these models if they are not updated or exchanged within a specified timeframe.
Conclusion
The ATA’s request for a public device registry underscores significant shortcomings in the current compliance framework. While telcos develop internal solutions, the urgency for a publicly available registry is highlighted by recent failures and deaths. The ongoing parliamentary inquiry and governmental actions will likely influence future regulatory directions.
