Late last year the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy released draft terms of reference (Terms of Reference) for a comprehensive review of Australia's communication and media regulation (the Convergence Review). The Convergence Review will be undertaken by an independent committee appointed by the Minister.
In this context, convergence refers to previously separate devices (such as televisions, mobile phones and computers) and platforms such as (broadcast, telecommunications and broadband) now supporting many different services and applications. An example of convergence is Foxtel On Xbox (i.e., subscription television delivered over the Internet via a traditional gaming device) but there are many examples (such as video on demand services, IPTV and content services delivered to smart phones via 3G networks).
This update provides an overview of the latest issues of interest to ICT professionals both in Australia and Internationally. We hope that you will find this information useful.
Please feel free to forward this update to any of your colleagues or friends who may be interested.
To contact a member of our Information Communications & Technology team, please …
The Commonwealth Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has released an Exposure Draft of a proposed Contract Template Selection and Tailoring Guide, and has invited industry to comment.
The Government has released its much anticipated legislative reform package implementing dramatic changes to the telecommunications sector. The new laws impose tougher than expected restrictions on Telstra's ability to continue to operate in a vertically integrated fashion. At the minimum, and as expected, Telstra will be required to comply with a functional separation regime. However, this …
Seasoned telco veteran Mike Quigley has been appointed chairman and CEO of the Government's National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co).
Quigley has been tasked with implementing the Government's vision of ensuring that 'Australians can gain access to super fast broadband services from a thriving competitive industry' and muscled out heavyweights including …
Nine Network Australia Pty Limited (Nine) has lost its long running copyright case against IceTV Pty Limited (IceTV), alleging that IceTV had infringed Nine’s intellectual property rights by copying some of the information contained in Nine’s published television programme guides.
Nine commenced its case against IceTV in the Federal Court …
Reading Room