1800 numbers to be free under ACMA plans for mobile phones
PHONE users set to hang up on expensive "freecall" 1800 numbers made from mobiles.
MOBILE phone users will be able to hang up on expensive charges when calling 1800 and 1300 numbers under new changes announced by the communications regulator today.
ACMA said it planned to update the country's telephone numbering plan so that calls from mobiles to 1800 numbers will be free.
Its proposal would see the definition of 1800 as well as 13 and 1300 numbers changed to reflect pricing parity with fixed lines.
But phone users will be forced to wait at least a year until the changes come into effect in order to give phone companies and providers enough time to implement any fee changes.
Under existing rules mobile users can be charged as much as $1.78 a minute for such numbers, which are often used by utility providers and government agencies.
Young Australians in need are among the biggest winners from the changes with some crucial first-contact counselling services operating 1800 numbers.
The move comes amid pressure from campaign groups to drop the charges and people on low-incomes who often don't have access to landlines.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, which has campaigned for a fairer deal for mobile users, said it was often Australia's poorest and most vulnerable who were hit with steep charges.
Kids Helpline spokesman John Dalgleish told news.com.au that 70 per cent of their calls come from mobiles, with many kids reaching for help with issues like self injury and suicide.
"We believe that many young people in Australia have been disadvantaged in terms of being charged if they seek help or being deterred from contacting Kids Helpline because of the cost," he said.
"We applaud ACMA for the action they are taking in terms of directing telcos to provide free access to 1800 numbers.
"It will allow children and young people to access counselling services at their moments of greatest risk and distress."
Some consumers have reported calls costing as much as $50 to resolve an issue with their insurer and other providers.
Director of policy Elissa Freeman said increasing numbers of Australians relied on mobiles, with ACMA research indicating 14 per cent of consumers now use a mobile as their sole communications device.
"This is a very significant step forward towards fair calls for mobile users," Ms Freeman said.
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"With people moving away from fixed-line services to rely on mobiles, it makes perfect sense that this regulation keeps up with the way Australians are using their phones in 2011."
ACMA chairman Richard Bean said this package of measures represented an early response to specific issues raised with the ACMA, industry and consumer stakeholders.
- with the Herald Sun