The Australian Communications and Media Authority has registered a revised industry code dealing with credit management practices in the telecommunications industry.

The ACIF C541: Credit Management Industry Code deals specifically with credit management procedures within the
telecommunications industry. It sets out minimum standards of practice that suppliers must adhere to, ensuring industry consistency for both consumers and suppliers. The code places obligations on
telecommunication suppliers in regard to credit assessment, credit control tools, credit management and financial hardship.

The revised code includes the introduction of comprehensive financial hardship programs that are
designed to assist customers experiencing difficulties with paying their bills. Industry has committed to develop hardship programs that are flexible and able to meet the needs of customers who may need this
assistance.

Providers must also offer tools such as call barring, caps on expenditure, download limits and pre-paid services to help customers manage their spending to avoid going into debt.

Registration of the code allows ACMA to issue directions to individual carriers and carriage
service providers to comply with the code if necessary.

Carriers and carriage service providers have six months to implement a number of improved practices.

Consumers are able to take complaints about credit management issues to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, if they are not satisfied with the response of their provider.