Australian Communications and Media Authority - Convergence and Change

Convergence and Change

Communications "convergence" is the merging of the previously distinct services by which information is communicated - telephone, television (free-to-air and subscription) radio and newspapers - over digital platforms. Therefore, not only does the ACMA address a wide and disparate range of responsibilities, it does so against a backdrop of rapid and disruptive change.

Many of the controls on the production and distribution of content and the provision of telecommunications services through licensing or other subsidiary arrangements, or by standards and codes (whether co-regulatory or self-regulatory) are subject to revision and adaptation to the digital economy. Moreover, there are new platforms, applications, business models, value chains and forms of social interaction available with more to come in what is a dynamic, innovative environment. Other challenges for regulators include cross-jurisdictional issues and the need for engagement and collaboration with stakeholders locally, regionally and internationally. The ACMA response to these pressures is to remain constantly relevant by delivering on its mandated outcomes and its statutory obligations, and by transforming itself into a resilient, e-facing, learning organisation, responsive to the numerous pressures for change that confront it.

The ACMA has developed a 'converged communications regulator' framework which seeks to bring to the global discussion a 'common ground' which can capture the fundamental tasks any regulator in a convergent environment will engage with to deliver outcomes in the public interest. The four cornerstone parts to the framework, each divided into two sub-streams, are outlined below along with the main functions of the ACMA under each task.

Bridging to the future - active engagement with the currents of change and proactive development of responses through thought leadership and regulatory development:

• reviewing industry standards and codes of practice
• developing more flexible licensing
• updating spectrum management tools for spectrum sharing technologies
• research and analysis to provide evidence-informed regulatory development

Transforming the agency - adapting the organisation to the changing world of convergence by ensuring a structural fit with convergence and a focus on agency innovation:

• creating resilience through transformational capacity/capability training
• evidence-based reporting on industry performance, service offerings, consumer benefits, levels of adoption and use
• development and administration of spam intelligence database
• researching best practice regulatory review and reform
• developing and implementing an evidence-based approach to tracking industry performance during digital TV transition

Major program delivery - undertaking major development work or program implementation through resource and program management with fully effective corporate governance:

• development and implementation of a national cybersafety education program
• administering the Do Not Call Register
• administering contracts for phone services for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment
• developing and implementing a corporate governance framework and ICT strategic plan

Effective regulation - doing the 'day job' of the regulatory agency with effective and efficient regulatory administration and operations coupled with extensive stakeholder engagement:

• regulating telecommunications and broadcasting services, internet content and datacasting services
• managing access to the radiofrequency spectrum bands through radiocommunications licensing
• resolving competing demands for spectrum through broadcasting licence arrangements and price-based allocation methods
• regulating use of the radio-frequency spectrum and helping in minimising radio communications interference
• regulating compliance with the relevant legislation, licence conditions, codes of practice, standards, service guarantees and other safeguards
• promoting and facilitating industry self-regulatory and co-regulatory solutions
• representing Australia's interests internationally (see International Telecommunications Union)
• informing industry and consumers about communications regulation.