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Conroy Agrees To CDMA Shutdown Plan |
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Written by Adam Gosling
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy,
Senator Stephen Conroy, has released details of measures that will
allow Telstra to switch off its CDMA network on April 28, 2008.
Sensitive to recent claims that a many suffering from anaphylactic
shock in rural New South Wales died after he was unable to summon help
with his Next G phone service, the Senator emphasised the importance of
getting the new network change over right. "Because people's
livelihoods and ultimately in some circumstances lives, can be at stake
if we get this wrong," he told the ABC.
"Telstra is working towards the deadline of 28 April to turn off the
CDMA network and consumers should act on the basis that it will be
switched off," Senator Conroy said. The final okay to switch off the
network will come after Telstra has met the undertakings outlined in
its plan to ensure equivalence of the two networks.
"Telstra has agreed that a major audit firm will independently verify
that it has met its commitments in relation to the 1800 888 888 hotline
and accreditation program," Senator Conroy said.
Senator Conroy asked the carrier to address a number of concerns
including the provision of appropriate and sufficient handsets as well
as alternative equipment being used for telemetry and CDMA local
wireless loop. He also asked Telstra to ensure it was providing
appropriate advice to customers.
Telstra quickly moved to establish a 1800 phone hotline as a contact
point for concerned users and a hit squad which could be dispatched to
rural locations to verify and presumably resolve outstanding coverage
issues.
"I want to congratulate Telstra for the work it has done to date, to
ensure these issues are addressed," Senator Conroy said. "Telstra is
operating the 1800 888 888 hotline that customers can call with handset
coverage issues, and receive a handset exchange in genuine cases of
non-equivalent coverage at no financial penalty."
"Telstra is implementing an accreditation program to equip sales staff
and stores with the information and equipment to enable consumers to
purchase handsets and accessories that are appropriate for their needs."
"Telstra is also working to ensure CDMA wireless local loop and
telemetry customers are given every opportunity to migrate to the new
network."
The Telstra rectification plan accepted by the Department of Broadband,
Communications and the Digital Economy is available on the Departmental
website, www.dbcde.gov.au
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