Telco Industry Self-Regulation Failing
A coalition of consumer advocates is calling for direct government oversight due to the ineffectiveness of self-regulation in reducing consumer harm.
The Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code, created by the industry itself, has the force of law after review and approval by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). However, ACMA has only taken action on TCP Code violations three times in the last two years, with light punishments.
The punishment was light – the telcos were formally instructed to comply with the code.
Author's summary: Telco self-regulation is ineffective.