Two new research projects funded through ACCAN's 2025 Independent Grants Program will explore the big issues affecting communications consumers — from competition in the digital economy to access in remote regional communities.
Flags and Fibre: Australia's communication policy in practice as experienced by a regional community: A research team led by Dr Claire Konkes of the University of Tasmania will investigate community experiences of communications and digital services on the remote and historic Tasman Peninsula, which houses Port Arthur. The research team will work with the local council to map community perceptions and experiences of poor access and connectivity and communications policy and politics as it relates to the area. Using the area as a case study, it will produce recommendations to support improved communications policy in regional Australia.
Consumer Protection in Digital Competition Regimes: At the other end of the country, a research team led by Dr Ann Wallin at the University of Queensland will investigate competition and digital services. The UQ team will comprehensively review existing digital competition regimes globally, to assess their effectiveness in protecting consumer interests in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders as Australia reforms its own competition laws to promote consumer welfare in the digital marketplace.
The two successful projects were selected from a strong field of applicants from across the country by an independent panel of three communications experts.
"Our Independent Grants Program helps build the evidence base to support fair and reliable communications for all Australians," said ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett.
"This year's successful projects will offer valuable insights into how communications services can better meet the needs of people in regional areas and those navigating digital platforms. We thank the independent panel for their expertise and look forward to working with the research teams as they begin this important work."
About us:
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia's peak communication consumer organisation. The operation of ACCAN is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
