Illegal Phones May Soon Ring Up Fines
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday February 11, 2003
SELLING phones, faxes and modems that do not meet Australian technical standards could soon cost retailers and individuals a $13,200 fine.
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) said about 25 per cent of telecommunications equipment now in use did not meet the standards, risking consumers' safety and the network.
``The supply of unlabelled or non-compliant customer equipment and customer cabling has the potential to cause considerable detriment ... in the form of poor service delivery, product failure and a lack of product safety, including a risk to personal safety," the ACA said.
But the watchdog's hands were tied. A loophole in laws made it illegal to import and manufacture non-compliant equipment, but not sell it.
The ACA has suggested a ban on selling, re-selling and hiring communications equipment that does not meet Australian standards - often cheaper products made overseas. Comments are due by February 28.
© 2003 Illawarra Mercury