TELSTRA’S CDMA CLOSURE DATE YET TO BE CONFIRMED

Senator Fiona Nash today said information from Telstra to CDMA phone users warning them of the closure of the mobile network in January next year were “extremely presumptuous”, saying the Coalition Government will not allow any switch over until the Next G network provides equal, if not better coverage and services. “It has come to my attention that Telstra has been alerting their customers via letters and text messages that the telco ‘intends to close the CDMA network on 28 January 2008’. This may well be their intention, but if the Next G services are not found to be up to scratch, then this will not be allowed to happen,” Senator Nash said. “The Federal Coalition Government will not allow Telstra to switch off the CDMA network until the Next G services are fully operational and providing mobile phone users in the bush with at least the same level of coverage they are currently receiving with their CDMA phone. “The Federal Coalition Government has issued a draft licence condition which will mean Telstra can not shut down the CDMA network until the Communications Minister, Senator Helen Coonan, is satisfied the Next G network provides the same if not better coverage and services for customers.” The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is currently conducting an audit process comparing the two networks. The first stage which involved monitoring CDMA services has been completed. The second phase of the audit process measuring the Next G network will commence once Telstra announces it has fully deployed the new network. “Until the results from the audit are known, it is impossible to say when the CDMA network will eventually be shut off. The Coalition Government has set up The Next G Customer Support Unit which has been established for consumers to report any problems they are experiencing with Next G services. This feedback will then be passed immediately on to Telstra.” Mobile phone users can contact the Next G Customer Support Unit Hotline on freecall 1800 883 488. Alternatively, people can phone Senator Nash’s office, also a freecall on 1300 734 681. Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

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