The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered updated industry rules to ensure information about the accessibility features of different phone models is readily available.
These rules support people with specific communications needs, such as people with vision and hearing impairments.
ACMA Authority member Fiona Cameron said accessibility features for phones vary greatly and the updated rules will help people make more informed decisions.
"Some phones have features designed to be used by people with specific accessibility requirements, others don't, and consumers need to know the difference," Ms Cameron said.
"The rules assist people to identify which phones best suit their requirements and help consumers with particular communications needs benefit from modern phones to the same extent as everyone else.
"Accessibility features such as screen readers or the ability to connect to hearing aids can make the world of difference to some people."
The rules, registered under an updated Accessibility Code developed by industry peak body Communications Alliance, require equipment suppliers to provide information about the accessibility features of customer equipment to telcos so they can inform their customers.
The new rules also reduce the administrative responsibility of phone equipment suppliers by better aligning domestic and international reporting requirements.
The updated rules will apply to phone equipment including portable, mobile, wireless and satellite phones sold in Australia.
Consumers can visit the Accessible Telecoms
