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By Lachlann Paterson

Not long ago, telephones were only used for making calls, the news was delivered in a paper, computers were used for typing and computation, and photos were kept in an album.

But the communications, media and broadcasting environment has changed. Digital technologies mean that businesses can compete across converging markets, using a range of delivery platforms. Third-generation mobile technologies mean that consumers can be offered telephone, online and broadcasting type services on one network and using one piece of equipment.

For example, there are now mobile phones that can be used to receive television broadcasts, download and play music, and browse the Internet, as well as make phone calls.

The convergence of technologies has been a challenge for Australia's communications regulatory authorities, the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) and the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA). Generally speaking, the ACA has been responsible for regulating telecommunications and radiocommunications (this includes spectrum management) and the ABA has been responsible for regulating the broadcasting industry, including content.

The dynamic nature of the communications industry has led to a blurring of distinction, and crossover, between the roles and responsibilities of the two agencies.

The Government looked at several options on how to counter these challenges and, after public consultation, it decided to establish a new communications and media regulator. This new regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) was formed on 1 July 2005 by merging the ABA and the ACA.

ACMA will be responsible for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, radiocommunications, and online content. Previously, the communication and broadcasting environment maintained two separate regulators, both dealing with similar issues but focusing on different sectors of the communications industry. This was not providing a cohesive and workable administrative framework for the industry's future needs.

ACMA will ensure a coordinated regulatory response to converging technologies and services and to the long-term management of spectrum.

The Government will now focus on the administrative merger of the two organisations.

Just where the technical evolution we are now experiencing will take us, nobody knows. However, the formation of ACMA is a step towards making sure Australian businesses and society will be well placed to enjoy all the benefits the technology has to offer.

Further information on ACMA including the ABA/ACA merger discussion paper can be found at www.dcita.gov.au/broad n

• Document ID: 31077 |
• Last modified: 6 February 2008, 11:53am