WHO IS COMMCOM?
How we assist suppliers to meet their TCP Code obligations
We are an independent compliance monitoring body established under the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code C628:2012 (now C628:2019). Our role is to oversee the TCP Code’s Compliance Framework, which requires suppliers who provide telecommunications services to consumers (as defined in the Code) to submit an annual attestation of compliance with the Code, to be subsequently assessed by us to ensure that suppliers are meeting their compliance obligations.
The TCP Code was created by the Australian telecommunications industry in consultation with regulators, consumer groups and other stakeholders. It contains a set of rules that aim to ensure the protection of consumer rights and to promote good customer service and fair outcomes for consumers. All Carriage Service Providers (CSPs), including all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Internet Access Providers (IAPs) in Australia are bound by the Code if they are providing carriage services to consumers (as defined by the Code).
We seek to assist CSPs with guidance on how to comply with the Code and to provide an overview of industry compliance. Communications Compliance strives to add value to CSPs’ compliance efforts by providing a competent interface outside the regulatory authorities and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO).
MEET THE BOARD.
DAVID EPSTEIN
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Mr. Epstein has been a senior executive with Optus and Macquarie Telecommunications and a Director of both the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) and the former Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).
He is Principal of public affairs consultancy, Vigot & Co, and is an Adjunct Professor within the Deakin Business School of Deakin University.
He has led group public affairs and communications functions at Qantas Airways and BHP Billiton, as well as legal, regulatory and corporate affairs at Optus (Singtel), and has been a senior adviser to three Australian Prime Ministers, culminating as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. He is also a non-executive director of Opera Australia, The Asia Society-Australia, the European Australian Business Council and Can Too Foundation.
VICTORIA RUBENSOHN AM
NON-EXECUTIVE DEPUTY CHAIR AND CONSUMER DIRECTOR
Ms. Rubensohn is the principal of Omni Media, a communications consultancy.
She is also Independent Reviewer for AdStandards Australia, a Director of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), a Consumer Member of the ADMA Code Authority, a Director of the Centre for Inclusive Design, an Advisory Board Member of Centre for Media Transition at UTS, a Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors, an Associate Member of the Resolution Institute, and a Member of the Advisory Council of the International Institute of Communications, Australian Chapter.
MICHAEL LEE
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR
Mr. Lee is the Chair of Communications Alliance.
He is a former Federal Minister for Communications, a former President of the NSW branch of the Australian Labor Party and member of the City of Sydney Council.
He is also a Director of Calvary Ministries.
VISU THANGAVELU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
Mr. Thangavelu held a wide range of responsibilities as a Project Manager at Communications Alliance, including Local and Mobile Number Portability, overseeing the development and subsequent revisions of the Mobile Premium Services Code, the development of an NBN Transfer process and the NBN Migration Management Guideline.
Prior to that, he held roles in network support and provisioning at Commander Communications. He is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
MANAGEMENT AND STAFF.
VISU THANGAVELU
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
Mr. Thangavelu held a wide range of responsibilities as a Project Manager at Communications Alliance, including Local and Mobile Number Portability, overseeing the development and subsequent revisions of the Mobile Premium Services Code, the development of an NBN Transfer process and the NBN Migration Management Guideline.
Prior to that, Visu held roles in network support and provisioning at Commander Communications.