The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman has released their proposed changes to the Terms of Reference to clarify the TIO’s role in delivering a fair and accessible communications market for Australia.
The proposed changes are limited to responding to recent legislative change, implementing recommendations from the 2022 Independent Review and correcting drafting issues.
The Importance of WISP’s and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
Fixed wireless internet service providers (WISPs) play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity in local Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas and as such WISPs also are providing local service to consumers in these areas.
WISP’s are active local businesses within the community they serve, and providing local support to consumers is important to the success of the WISP’s profitability and sustainability in the area they cover. Most WISP’s will work to ensure customers complaints are resolved quickly and fairly.
It is important however to have an independent organisation such as the TIO (Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman) that can act as an independent external dispute resolution service for individual consumers, occupiers and owners of property, small businesses and not-for-profits who have been unable to resolve their complaint with a phone or internet service provider.
Recently the TIO requested submissions for the update of their Terms of Reference. More details on the changes can be viewed here.
WISPAU has submitted a response to the issues paper and looks forward to working with the TIO with a goal of a better connected Australia.
WISPAU will continue to work with its WISP members to ensure that members providing services to customers, do so in expectations of the TIO.
To read the full response, please click here.
