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ARTICLE · 17 APRIL 2017

Telcos behaving badly: Regulators dial up the pressure

Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
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Holding Redlich

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These enforcement actions highlight the importance of early cooperation with the regulators to avoid the worst outcomes.

AustraliaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Dan Pearce
Dan Pearce
Emily Booth
Emily Booth
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In March 2017, the Federal Court issued various sanctions against Sole Net and Sure Telecom and the ACMA directed Airlan to comply with an ombudsman's decision, and announced it had directed Total Group Pty Ltd and Direct Connect Pty Ltd to comply with the industry code.

The actions showcase the various regulators and arbitrators involved in the telecommunications industry and how they work together to bring about enforcement of the law and industry codes. We take stock of the types of conduct that led to these enforcement actions, and which highlight the importance of early cooperation with the relevant regulator to avoid the worst outcomes.

Unconscionable Conduct

Off the back of an action brought by the ACCC, with the cooperation of the ACMA and the ombudsman, SoleNet/Sure Telecom were found by the Federal Court to have engaged in unconscionable conduct in connection with the supply of telecommunications services.

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