Consumer Advice
Mobile phones are multi-purpose utility tools that we rely on daily to stay in touch, and to provide a growing range of tools from alarm clocks, fitness trackers, calendars, maps and even as a torch. Many of us use mobile phones to engage with the world, reading the news, books, as well as watching video or tv. We keep our photos on our phones and also use them to manage our banking, pay bills, and make purchases. It is imperative to be an informed mobile consumer and user.
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July 2, 2026
6G refers to the sixth generation of mobile technology, an evolution of the existing 5G technology. It is expected to become available from around 2030. Why do we need 6G? With the growing need for mobile data, mobile networks need to be continually improved to meet this increasing demand. There are over 30 million mobile services in...
Financial Hardship Options
August 21, 2025
If you’re facing financial hardship and need assistance with your telecommunications services, Australia’s telecommunications providers have support programs designed to help. Contact your mobile service provider to get specific help for your situation. All mobile service providers encourage customers facing financial hardship to contact their customer service teams as soon...
3G Closure Buyer’s Guide
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If you need to purchase a new handset due to the 3G networks closures, here is some important information to guide your purchasing decision. Certain mobile phone devices may not allow emergency calling once the 3G networks close down. Your mobile service provider has a number of options, and can...
3G Closure
September 18, 2023
All three mobile network operators have now closed their 3G networks. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G mobile network services as of January 2024. Telstra closed its 3G network in November 2024. Optus 3G closed in November 2024. Please contact your service provider if you are affected. Once...
Making privacy a priority
May 4, 2021
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) proudly supports Privacy Awareness Week. Being connected is an essential part of our everyday lives, enabling us to connect personally and professionally. As we engage with more connected devices while moving to the capabilities of 5G, it’s important to appreciate our personal information and...
Your child’s first mobile phone
December 16, 2020
Christmas is an exciting time when many children get their first mobile phone. Families either purchase a new phone or pass down older phones as they upgrade to new devices. If you are looking to give your child their first phone, before getting into the different makes, models, and contracts,...
Tips for buying a new mobile device
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How to buy the right mobile device for you or your family this holiday season. How do you determine the best mobile device and service option to suit your needs and budget? If your current phone isn’t cutting it, a new model has a feature that you just need to...
Beware of scams
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Scam calls are unsolicited communications all made with the same criminal intention – to get Australians to reveal personal details and information about themselves. Spam is an unlawful, unwanted email or text message advertising goods or services. If the spam you receive is also from a scammer or contains malware...
Mobile phone use while driving
March 25, 2020
The Australian Road Rules form the basis of State and Territory rules of the road for motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, passengers and others. They are ‘model laws’ that were initially created in 1999 under an agreement under which each Australian state and territory agreed that it would adopt the Rules...
Optimising mobile reception
March 3, 2020
Coverage and good reception are both very important to mobile users. It’s really important to check that you will have coverage where you need it before you purchase a mobile service. Talk to your mobile service provider and check the coverage map that they provide to see what kind of...
Manage your mobile spend
March 3, 2020
Here are some tips for managing how much you spend on your mobile: 1. Consider pre-paid If you are concerned about how much you will spend on your mobile, are not sure what exactly your needs are, and do not want to sign a long-term contract, consider the pre-paid option...
Lost or stolen Phone? What to Do and How IMEI Blocking Helps
February 4, 2020
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can take immediate steps to protect yourself. Blocking your device stops anyone else from using it, prevents unexpected charges, and makes the handset unusable across all Australian mobile networks. This helps keep your personal information safe and reduces the risk of misuse....
Questions about coverage?
February 3, 2020
While it’s important to choose the right mobile device and plan to suit your needs, quality reception and mobile network performance are also key issues for mobile users. Before buying a mobile service check the mobile service provider’s coverage maps and information to ensure that your smartphone, tablet or other...
Buy a genuine device
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While we all like a bargain and having the internet at our fingertips makes it easy to find some incredible ‘deals’, it’s important to make sure you are purchasing a genuine device that meets Australian standards and will work safely and reliably on Australia’s mobile networks. You may want to...
Find a mobile device with accessibility features
January 1, 2020
Smartphones come with many built-in accessibility features that are helpful for people living with disability and those who experience limitations in hearing, vision, dexterity or learning ability. There are also many mobile apps designed to assist people who have specific accessibility requirements. The Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) has been running since 2008...
Mobiles in schools
June 7, 2019
Mobile devices and technology in the classroom AMTA believes that State Education Departments, school principals and administrators, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, are best placed to determine appropriate policies for the use of smartphones and other mobile devices at school and in classrooms. We recognise the Office of the eSafety...
Financial hardship
June 7, 2019
If you are experiencing financial hardship (e.g. job loss, relationship breakdown, loss of a family member, illness or natural disaster) and want to continue to pay your mobile bill, it’s important to get in touch with your mobile service provider as soon as possible. Don’t ignore a bill as you may...
Check if a phone has been reported lost or stolen (IMEI status)
May 4, 2019
AMTA’s free IMEI checker empowers Australians to protect themselves from theft, scams and unusable devices. Use it to confirm whether a mobile phone has been blocked on Australian mobile networks. When to use this tool: You’ve lost your phone or it was stolen and you want to confirm it’s blocked. You’re...
Tips for truck and commercial drivers
May 3, 2019
Professional drivers often need to keep in contact while out on the road, including updates with operations staff or to speak with fellow drivers. And for long-haul truck drivers, talking with family and friends on the phone can be a welcome break from the long solitary days and nights on...
Road safety research
May 3, 2019
There is a large body of road safety research which shows mobile phones are one of the many distractions that drivers are faced with on a daily basis. The Australian mobile phone industry place significant weight on naturalistic studies that offer valuable insights into driving risks in real-world driving conditions....