Commpete has expressed approval of the Australian Communication and Media Authority's (ACMA) release of the 2025 Telecommunications Numbering Plan.
Commpete, an alliance advocating for competition in digital communications, supports the ACMA's decision to allow multiple service practices (MSPs) and the allocation of mobile numbers for new and legitimate services not previously recognised in the plan. This stance follows Commpete's consistent advocacy during the plan's consultation period for maintaining these arrangements, which they argue are beneficial to various sectors of the Australian economy.
The ACMA has faced pressure from major mobile network operators (MNOs) to prohibit the long-standing practice of MSPs and the use of mobile numbers. Commpete commended the ACMA for recognising the significant ecosystem of communication providers that drive competition and innovation. "Despite lobbying by the major mobile network operators (MNOs) to bar the long-standing MSP practice and use of mobile numbers, the ACMA has rightly acknowledged that there is an important eco-system of communications providers enabling competition and innovation," Commpete stated.
Commpete noted that the amended plan balances innovation, competition, and consumer choice, and they praised the ACMA's efforts to address issues related to scam activity, an initiative they strongly support. "Commpete believes that the amended plan strikes a careful balance, fostering innovation, competition, and choice for all end-users. We commend the ACMA's diligent management of this comprehensive process and its efforts to address the challenges in reducing scam activity—a goal Commpete strongly supports," they stated.
Despite this positive reception, Commpete voiced concerns about ongoing challenges, particularly regarding MNOs' actions to block and disrupt legitimate call traffic based on pattern analysis. This practice, Commpete argues, indiscriminately affects businesses and consumers, potentially undermining confidence in uninterrupted call connectivity.
Highlighting this issue, Commpete stated: "Despite this decision, challenges remain. MNOs continue to block and disrupt legitimate call traffic based on call traffic patterns. This is an indiscriminate process that impacts businesses and consumers resulting in a lack of confidence that their calls will reach their intended destination without interruptions."
To address these issues, Commpete is urging both the ACMA and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor these actions and work collaboratively with the industry to preserve the principles set forth in the new plan. "Commpete further encourages the ACMA and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor this situation and collaborate with the industry to uphold the principles embodied in the new plan," they remarked.
The organisation also acknowledged the ACMA's forward work program aimed at promoting competition and innovation while safeguarding consumers against scams, reflecting on the commitment to effective and consumer-focused telecommunications management.
