INQ233

Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy seek regular updates from Telstra on the implementation of the recommendations of its inquiry into the Warrnambool exchange fire.

Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) to work with the Triple Zero Awareness Work Group through Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA) Emergency Service Advisory Committee to review Triple Zero awareness messages with regard to telecommunications

Individuals without a mobile phone who are concerned about access to Triple Zero during a prolonged telecommunications outage could consider purchasing a low cost mobile phone with a charger to keep at home for use during such outages.

Community service providers consider in their business continuity planning how they could assist with facilitating access to telecommunications services for the public during mass outages.

Community service providers consider, in consultation with relevant government authorities, reviewing their current privacy practices concerning personal information about vulnerable persons to ensure they are able to appropriately share information during major disruptive incidents.

Providers of personal alert devices consider telecommunications outages in their service continuity plans and provide clear advice to their customers regarding their options during a telecommunications service outage.

Community service providers consider developing information and advice regarding telecommunications outages for clients managed remotely using telecommunication services, including personal alert devices.

Community service providers consider updating their business continuity plans to take into account the possibility of a major telecommunications outage involving both fixed and mobile voice and data services.

Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to review the content of the Government’s digital business website at www.digitalbusiness.gov.au and liaise with the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, which manages the www.

Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to work with the Trusted Information Sharing Network’s Communications Sector Group to develop general telecommunications continuity advice for businesses and individuals to assist in developing continuity plans.

When businesses review their business continuity plans they should take into account the prospect of a major telecommunications outage that affects both mobile and fixed voice and data services.

Telstra and other service providers to consider improving processes to assist customers with setting up temporary call diversions during future outages.

Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy will work with the Communications Sector Group within the Trusted Information Sharing Network to develop best practice guidance for owners of critical communications infrastructure regarding public messaging during a prolonged teleco

While noting the importance of voice communications, telecommunications providers should consider as part of their mass outage business continuity planning, options for the provision of interim mobile broadband services for the community e.g. local wireless broadband access hubs (i.e. Wi-Fi).

Governments and other stakeholders consider reviewing their existing emergency management arrangements to ensure public communications are clear and the public is kept informed of the incident response.