The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is calling on the Australian Government to enshrine eight core priorities in the development of the incoming Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO).
The UOMO, first announced by the government in February, promises to extend and safeguard access to basic mobile voice and SMS services across Australia, through Low Earth Orbit satellites and Satellite to Mobile technology. The obligation is expected to be implemented for outdoor SMS and voice by late 2027.
The NFF is strongly supportive of the world-first proposal, but has identified eight critical considerations for the Federal Government to ensure the UOMO delivers for rural communities.
NFF Telecommunications and Social Policy Committee Chair, Peter Thompson, said the UOMO is a real opportunity to improve the safety, livability, and productivity of rural Australia.
"The importance of the UOMO will be heightened for Australians in regional, rural and remote areas, who will rely on the obligation to secure mobile coverage in black spots or unreliable areas," Mr Thompson said.
"Farmers are looking for assurance that investment in terrestrial mobile coverage will continue, that a competitive market will be supported, and that quality service will be guaranteed.
"It is critical that we work together to get this right."
The NFF urges the Australian Government to address the following key considerations, to ensure the UOMO meets its intended goals.
- Network Resilience
- Quality and Performance
- Accessibility
- Affordability
- Accountability and Enforcement
- Competition
- Future Considerations
- Ongoing Review
A detailed explanation of each key consideration can be found here.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) endorsed the NFF's stance.
"Regional communications policy is rich in recommendations but short on actual reform," ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said.
"The UOMO offers a practical safety net that can help deliver meaningful improvements to economic, social, and health outcomes – particularly in Australia's hardest-to-serve regions.
"ACCAN works closely with the National Farmers' Federation to ensure that regional, rural and remote Australians have access to affordable, reliable, and accessible communications services.
"We strongly support the principles outlined by the National Farmers' Federation and look forward to working with the government and key stakeholders, including the NFF, to ensure the UOMO delivers the best possible outcomes for communities."
The NFF and members welcome the opportunity to work with the Australian Government to ensure the UOMO delivers reliable connectivity for all Australians.
