Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has welcomed Coalition-led changes to Labor’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) legislation, saying the amendments will provide stronger protections for regional Australians who depend on reliable mobile connectivity.

The Coalition secured three amendments to the legislation, strengthening arrangements for disaster communications, improving accountability for telecommunications providers and increasing scrutiny of mobile network performance.

The Coalition’s three amendments deliver:

• Legislated temporary disaster roaming: While a voluntary scheme has already commenced, the delivery of temporary disaster roaming will now be included in the UOMO legislation, providing greater certainty for regional and disaster-prone communities.
• Mandatory mobile network performance and reliability standards: The government will be required to establish minimum performance and reliability standards for terrestrial mobile networks, taking into account the ACCC’s mobile services inquiry.
• Mobile domestic roaming: This amendment makes clear the Minister must request, in writing, that the ACCC consider the benefits to consumers, and the impacts on investment and competition, of declaring a domestic mobile roaming service as part of its mobile services inquiry.

Mr Tehan said the amendments reflected the practical concerns of regional communities that cannot afford communication failures during emergencies.

“For communities across Wannon, mobile coverage is not a convenience, it is an essential service,” Mr Tehan said.

“Whether it is a farmer in the paddock, a small business owner, a family travelling on regional roads or a community facing bushfire risk, people need confidence that their phones will work when they need them most.”

Under the Coalition’s amendments, temporary disaster roaming will now form part of the legislation, providing greater certainty for communities affected by natural disasters.

The Government will also be required to establish minimum performance and reliability standards for terrestrial mobile networks, informed by the ACCC’s mobile services inquiry.

A further amendment requires the Minister to formally request the ACCC examine the benefits to consumers, and the impacts on investment and competition, of declaring a domestic mobile roaming service.

Mr Tehan said while the Coalition had improved the legislation, significant concerns remained about Labor’s approach to regional communications.

“These amendments deliver important safeguards, but they do not address the broader problems with Labor’s policy,” he said.

“Labor has cut funding for regional communications while asking Australians to place their faith in a satellite-based solution that is still facing serious questions around technology readiness, handset compatibility and spectrum availability.”

Mr Tehan said many regional Australians remained frustrated after the troubled 3G shutdown and repeated Triple Zero disruptions.

“People have every right to expect better,” he said.

“Regional families, farmers and businesses need reliable and affordable coverage, particularly during bushfires, floods and other emergencies.

“Temporary disaster roaming is a sensible safeguard, but it is not a substitute for investment in mobile infrastructure. If there is no tower available, there is no network to roam onto.

“People across Western Victoria deserve communications services that are dependable, especially in an emergency, and they deserve a government that will deliver practical outcomes rather than more promises.”

ENDS

Media contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au