FED: ACA to review Telstra s plan for services to the bush

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-1998
FED: ACA to review Telstra s plan for services to the bush

CANBERRA, Dec 21 AAP - Telstra may be forced to give temporary satellite phones to people
in remote areas who have been waiting more than six months for a phone connection under plans
to improve phone services in the bush.

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) today announced a review of Telstra's
Universal Service Plan, the requirement that standard services and payphones be reasonably
accessible to everyone.

The ACA review will evaluate the current plan and identify areas for improvement.

In particular it will consider the best and most cost-effective way to vary the plan from
July 1999 to require provision of an interim satellite phone in remote areas where a customer
has been waiting more than six months for a connection.

"The review will also give particular attention to the existing arrangements for people
with disabilities under the USP, along with Telstra's commitment to payphone services and
connection and fault repair times, particularly for people in remote areas," ACA chairman Tony
Shaw said in a statement.

The review is expected to be completed by March 31 with the closing date for public comment
on the ACA's review issues paper January 29.

AAP fh/ss/br

KEYWORD: TELSTRA PLAN

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