The role of the ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority was responsible for managing the National Relay Service (NRS) contracts and monitoring the performance of the NRS providers until 30 June 2012.
The Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency (TUSMA) now manages NRS contracts and monitors performance.
For further information regarding the NRS please see the TUSMA website or visit www.relayservice.com.au.
Performance reports
During the ACMA’s management of the NRS contracts, the following NRS Annual Performance Reports were published.
The ACMA has published the NRS Annual Performance Report for the following financial years:
- 2011-12 (PDF 523 kb or Word [.docx] 487 kb)
- 2010-11 (PDF 1.1 mb or Word [.docx] 385 kb)
- 2009-10 (PDF 1.2 mb or Word 1.7 mb)
- 2008-09 (PDF 530 kb or Word 2 mb)
- 2007-08 (PDF 916 kb or Word 1.2 mb)
- 2006-07 (PDF 970 kb or Word 1.1 mb)
Provision of disability equipment
People who are Deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired have a right under the Telecommunications (Equipment for the Disabled) Regulations 1998 to certain types of disability equipment, including a TTY, computer modem or a Cochlear Implant Telephone Adaptor device. This is not part of the NRS service. The Telecommunications Act 1997 provides for all people in Australia to have reasonable access to a standard telephone service, which includes supplying equipment required by people with a disability.
Telstra outlines its commitment to meet these legislative obligations in its Disability Action Plan. Telstra is currently the main provider of disability equipment. Telstra supplies a range of specialised telephone products for rental to eligible customers with a disability under its Disability Equipment Program, such as a TTY or computer modem. For further information, contact Telstra's disability equipment hotline number on free call 1800 068 424 or go to Telstra's website.
Optus also has a Disability Action Plan, which includes a disability equipment policy. Further information is available by contacting Optus Customer Service on 133 066 or free call TTY 1800 500 002 or go to Optus' website.
