Joint media release
Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson
Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Dr Anne Webster MP
Today’s Senate inquiry into Labor’s flawed legislation to deliver universal outdoor mobile connectivity heard deep concerns about the government’s failure to invest in regional connectivity and mandate domestic mobile roaming.
While the intent of the bill is broadly supported, the government has failed to address how universal mobile coverage for text messages and voice calls can be delivered by December 2027.
Many questions remain about the availability of satellite-to-device technology including spectrum availability, device compatibility, affordability, reliability, and emergency call access.
Evidence given today confirmed the bill is riddled with uncertainty, placing a vague and uncertain obligation on mobile network operators to provide “reasonable access” to outdoor mobile connectivity on an “equitable basis”.
This builds the case for mandatory domestic mobile roaming, strongly backed by key stakeholders such as the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACANN), the National Rural Health Alliance, and the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association.
Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety, Sarah Henderson, said the government had abandoned regional Australians by axing the Mobile Black Spots Program and failing to take action on mandatory domestic mobile roaming.
“It is unconscionable that regional Australians are being prevented from roaming onto another carrier’s network into order to access mobile connectivity. Connectivity in the regions is not a luxury, but a critical service,” Senator Henderson said.
“Mobile roaming is available to overseas visitors, so why not Australians?”
“It is concerning that Telstra remains so opposed to mandatory mobile roaming which puts its commercial interests ahead of the national interest.”
“In contrast to the massive investment delivered by the former Coalition government, Labor has turned its back on the regions, axing the Mobile Black Spots program and slashing funding for regional connectivity programs.”
“Communications Minister Anika Wells is treating regional Australians as second class citizens,” Senator Henderson said.
Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Anne Webster, said mandatory domestic roaming is the answer for rural, regional, and remote Australians.
“The Albanese Labor Government has failed to deliver genuine connectivity solutions for Australians in the bush, and UOMO is not the complete answer in the short or even medium term,” Dr Webster said.
“UOMO will not provide call and internet connectivity for Australians who need it anytime soon, and ‘temporary’ domestic roaming is just not enough.”
“Connectivity is lifesaving and lifts our productivity in regional Australia. Surely telcos can deliver mandatory domestic roaming while ensuring universal coverage is affordable?”
“Mandatory domestic roaming is in the national interest – if it’s good enough for international visitors, it’s good enough for Australians,” Dr Webster said.