The Albanese Government has passed landmark laws that will expand basic mobile coverage across Australia and ensure no one is left behind when it comes to connectivity.
The law, which has now passed Parliament, implements the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), which will require national mobile carriers Telstra, Optus and TPG to provide access to SMS and voice coverage for Australians, almost everywhere you can see the sky.
This significant reform will be transformative for Australians, particularly those in regional and remote communities - delivering better connectivity to some of the country's hardest to reach places.
The changes will keep Australians more connected, making them safer, and ensuring they are able to call for help in times of emergency.
The improved coverage will be made possible by a combination of existing land-based towers and new Low Earth Orbit Satellite technology, which allows for mobile signals to connect Direct to Device.
For the first time, the law allows the Minister for Communications to determine standards, benchmarks and rules mobile service operators must meet to ensure they deliver quality and reliable services to Australians.
The UOMO will start on 1 December 2027, subject to market developments, with the Government working closely with industry and stakeholders on the rollout.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"The Albanese Government is serious when we say we're leaving no Australian behind when it comes to connectivity.
"The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation is a transformative reform, recognising that mobile phones are now a vital part of our lives, no matter where we live.
"This is an important update to the universal services framework that makes sure our laws better reflect the way Australians communicate today.
"The new laws also enable the government to set minimum performance and reliability standards for mobile carriers to ensure they are delivering the services that Australians need and deserve.
"Together with our continued investment in communications infrastructure and resilience, this law will make a real difference to the lives of regional and rural Australians - keeping them safer and more connected than ever."
