TelSoc has pleasure in announcing its first online event for the year, to be held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, from 12.30 p.m. 

We were fortunate to have Carol Bennett present early in 2025 on ACCAN’s perspective on the Universal Service Scheme and how it should benefit consumers of telecommunications services in Australia. At that time, we invited Carol to return in 2026 to provide TelSoc members and colleagues with a broader briefing on ACCAN’s agenda and priorities.

Carol’s presentation will reflect on where we are now and where we need to be in a fast-evolving communications environment. It will explore the solutions required to ensure communications and digital services are accessible, affordable and available for all Australians.

Over the past year, ACCAN has taken public positions on a range of key issues, including NBN Co’s capital expenditure priorities and the promotion of higher-speed broadband services; spectrum pricing; and the balance between direct regulation and self-regulation within the sector. Carol has been asked to provide insights into ACCAN’s thinking on these issues, the year ahead, and the consumer-focused principles that inform its work.

As with all TelSoc lunchtime events, Carol’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A session in which TelSoc members and industry colleagues will be able to raise questions and issues.  Past experience suggests that these sessions can be incredibly interesting and informative.  Given Carol’s substantial and diverse experience, her presentation and participation in the Q&A will be well worth your time.

Registration process:

1. Click on the website TelSoc Online Event: One year in - Carol Bennett, ACCAN | Telsoc [3] . Click the “Book a Seat” button and click on “Book” in the pop-up window.
2. You will be asked to login (if you are not already).  If you are a TelSoc member, login in and your booking will be confirmed.  You will receive a confirmatory email.
3. If you are not a current financial member, you will be invited to join by creating a new account.  Please consider doing so.  The objectives of TelSoc and benefits of joining are set out elsewhere on the website at Membership | Telsoc [4].
4. If you are not a financial member and do not wish to join right now, or if you are having any difficulty registering, please send your name and email contact to jim.holmes@telsoc.org [5] and he will register you manually – provided he hears from you before 5 pm on 9 February 2026.