Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) decision to launch a major inquiry into regional mobile coverage, saying it is an important opportunity to finally deliver better telecommunications for regional communities.
The inquiry will examine whether mandatory domestic mobile roaming should be introduced, allowing mobile customers who lose coverage with their own provider to automatically connect to another available network.
Mr Tehan said the announcement was welcome for communities across Wannon, where unreliable mobile coverage continues to affect public safety, businesses and everyday life.
“Reliable mobile coverage is not a luxury, it’s an essential service,” Mr Tehan said.
“Across Wannon, I regularly hear from farmers, families, businesses and visitors who simply cannot rely on having a mobile signal when they need one.
“We have some of the busiest freight routes in regional Victoria that incorporate thousands of kilometres of regional roads and highways. People should not have to worry about whether they’ll have mobile reception if they break down or are involved in an accident and need to call Triple Zero.
“Regional Australians also need to have confidence that they can stay connected during natural disasters such as bushfires which are not uncommon in my electorate. Mandatory domestic mobile roaming has the potential to make a real difference by allowing people to connect to whichever network is available when their own provider has no coverage.”
The ACCC inquiry will investigate:
- whether mandatory domestic mobile roaming would improve coverage and consumer outcomes;
- how mobile coverage and consumer needs are changing in regional and remote Australia;
- whether consumers have genuine choice between mobile providers;
- the impact of mandatory roaming on competition and investment;
- appropriate pricing arrangements between network operators; and
- the role of emerging direct-to-device low Earth orbit satellite services.
Mr Tehan said improving telecommunications was consistently raised during his Listening Posts across Wannon.
“Whether I’m hearing from farmers near Simpson, businesses in Hamilton and Warrnambool, families in the Grampians or communities along the Great Ocean Road, the message is the same – regional Australians deserve the same reliable communications as those living in our major cities.
“The Coalition has long advocated for stronger investment in regional telecommunications and I’m pleased the ACCC is taking a fresh look at mandatory domestic mobile roaming.”
Mr Tehan encouraged Wannon residents, businesses, farmers and community organisations who have experienced poor mobile coverage to participate in the ACCC’s public consultation.
“If you’ve experienced mobile black spots, dropped calls or poor coverage, I encourage you to share your experiences with the ACCC. Hearing directly from regional Australians will help ensure this inquiry reflects the realities of living and working in communities like ours.
“Details on how to make a submission will be available on the ACCC’s website https://www.accc.gov.au/inquiries-and-consultations as the consultation opens.
“I also encourage residents to contact my office with examples of mobile black spots across Wannon so I can continue advocating for improved telecommunications on behalf of our communities.”
ENDS
Media contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au