Peak communications consumer body ACCAN welcomes the introduction of legislation to establish the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) to Parliament - a generational step toward improving connectivity, safety and choice for people across Australia.
The Bill will require national mobile carriers to provide baseline outdoor mobile voice and SMS coverage across almost the entire continent through a mix of traditional mobile tower links and emerging direct-to-handset satellite technology. The Government estimates up to five million square kilometres of additional outdoor coverage could be delivered under the new framework.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said the legislation is a long-awaited modernisation of Australia’s universal service arrangements.
“Reliable mobile connectivity has fast become essential for work, health, safety and social participation,” Ms Bennett said.
“With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and communities relying heavily on telecommunications during emergencies, this is a timely and necessary reform. Better baseline coverage will help keep communities safe and boost access in areas that have never had reliable mobile service.”
Ms Bennett noted that the legislation balances the ongoing role of terrestrial networks in regional, rural and remote Australia, alongside the opportunities presented by emerging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services.
“We must embrace next-generation technology while maintaining the backbone terrestrial infrastructure that communities continue to rely on, and this is the careful balance struck by the UOMO Bill .”
ACCAN looks forward to working with the Government, regulators, industry and consumer representatives on the detailed implementation of the UOMO. Robust performance standards, clear consumer information and adequate protections will be central to its success.
“Today’s introduction of UOMO legislation is an encouraging step toward a modern, fit-for-purpose telecommunications framework that reflects how Australians live, work and stay connected.”
“In conjunction with forthcoming reforms, particularly the Telecommunications (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill, consumers can look forward to a future of greater access and more rigorous protections from misconduct and mistreatment,” Ms Bennett said.
About us:
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communication consumer organisation. The operation of ACCAN is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
Contact details:
Alec Bennetts
Mobile: 0409 966 931
Email: [email protected]
