A new industry code of practice that sets minimum standards for the accuracy of charging and billing systems used by telecommunications carriers and service providers has been registered by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
The code applies to carriers and service providers of telephone services on both the fixed and mobile networks.
"The code aims to give consumers confidence that call charging and billing systems are accurate," ACA Chairman, Tony Shaw, said.
"It should also assist network operators to manage and control the overall accuracy of increasingly complex charging and billing systems used in an open market place".
The Call Charging and Billing Accuracy Industry Code requires each carrier and service provider to generate a representative program of test calls to demonstrate that their charging and billing systems meet the required levels of accuracy.
The code replaces an existing code, which was registered by the ACA in January 1999.
While the requirements of the code remain largely unchanged, the compliance reporting arrangements have been simplified.
"This new code is an improvement on the original version because compliance reporting obligations on network operators have been more clearly defined. As a result, I expect industry to be more aware of the code's requirements and comply with them," Tony Shaw said.
The code was submitted to the ACA by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF), the peak telecommunications industry body responsible for code development.
Industry codes of practice are an integral part of the telecommunications regulatory regime, which emphasises industry initiated self-regulation. The ACA has now registered eleven codes dealing with various consumer and operational matters. All are available from the ACA website and the ACIF website.
Item provided courtesy of the ACMA
