Proposal to amend the Prepaid Determination

We are proposing to amend the Telecommunications (Service Provider – Identity Checks for Prepaid Mobile Carriage Services) Determination 2017 (Prepaid Determination). The update will allow telcos to use identify verification methods enabled under the Digital ID Act 2024 as an approved method to verify the identity of customers activating prepaid mobile services.

The Prepaid Determination does not currently recognise Digital ID verification methods as standard verification options. Telcos can only use Digital ID verification methods if they have an ACMA-approved compliance plan under Part 5 of the Prepaid Determination.

These changes will ensure alignment with the Digital ID Act and support early uptake of trusted digital identity solutions in line with government policy. It will also enable telcos to adopt Digital ID services without delay or the need for individual compliance plan approvals.

The proposed amendments to the Prepaid Determination introduce definitions aligned with the Digital ID Act, including: 

• accredited entity
• accredited service
• Digital ID.

 The changes introduce a new identity verification method to Schedule 1, allowing telcos to verify a customer’s identity using a Digital ID service.