Phones and the internet: your rights in Australia

Telecommunications connectivity plays a crucial role in the lives of refugees and new migrants as the settlement process involves building an identity within a new community in Australia while maintaining contact with family, culture, and community overseas. Furthermore, communications are becoming increasingly essential in facilitating access to essential services, and in enabling social inclusion. A report, Taking Advantage of Disadvantage: Case studies of refugee and new migrant experiences in the communications market1, was published in 2011 by Footscray Community Legal Centre (FCLC) and the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). It documented some of the common challenges facing refugees and new migrants trying to access telecommunications services in Australia