Telstra coughs up $1.5M for number transfer failure
Telstra suspended most of its local number porting operations from late March 2020 after COVID-19 hit offshore operations.
Telstra has been fined $1.5 million for failing to allow customers to keep their existing Australian phone number when changing telecommunication providers.
The infringement payment follows an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which found Telstra failed to provide consumers with a local number porting option after the COVID-19 outbreak last year.
Telstra suspended most of its local number porting operations from late March 2020 after experiencing COVID-19-related impacts on its offshore operations, the media authority said.
iTWire Wednesday, 05 May 2021 02:27 ACMA signs MOU with Australian Financial Crimes Exchange Featured
The telecommunications industry regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Australian Financial Crimes Exchange (AFCX) which enables the exchange of information about unauthorised mobile number porting when it’s used for scams, fraud and financial crime.
The ACMA says it uses the information from the AFCX - an independent organisation formed by the four major banks that operates as a not for profit to assist businesses combat financial-related crimes - to enforce new rules that require telcos to adequately verify a customer’s identity before transferring a phone number from another telco.
Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price edges higher despite record $1.5 million fine
Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price edges higher despite record $1.5 million fine
The Telstra Corporation (ASX: TLS) share price is edging higher despite the telco being hit with a record fine for breaching customer rights.
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Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are in the green today despite news the company will have to pay a record $1.5 million fine. This came after it was found to have breached the rights of its customers during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telstra Fined $1.5 Million From Regulator
Telstra has paid a $1.5 million penalty for failing to allow consumers to keep existing local phone numbers when changing telephone companies.
From March to July 2020, Telstra suspended the majority of its local number porting operations, saying the COVID-19 pandemic impacted offshore operations.
More than 42,000 services could not be moved from Telstra to other telcos or vice versa.
The infringement notice, related to “local number porting,” is the biggest issue raised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority to date.
The Australian Communications and Media Authorities (ACMA) found Telstra unilaterally cancelled transfer requests scheduled to occur and stopped accepted new requests.