Comms bodies to merge

The move, announced this morning, will see the industry's self-regulatory body, the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF), join forces with the Service Providers Association (SPAN).

The combined entity will be called the "Communications Alliance" and be headed up by current ACIF chief executive officer Anne Hurley, who will retain the same title.

The merger still has to be put to the two groups' membership for final approval, with the two groups transitioning to a new structure by 1 September this year if the vote is positive.

In a joint e-mailed statement the two organisations claimed the Communications Alliance would commit to continue "the essential industry responsibilities and functions" delivered by the separate entities.

SPAN chairman John Kranenburg said the new organisation would build on the two groups' work over the past decade.