The ACCC is currently running an inquiry into the infrastructure used in the supply of mobile telecommunications and other radiocommunications services in regional areas. The inquiry is also exploring the feasibility of providing mobile roaming during natural disasters or other emergencies.

In ACCAN’s submission to the inquiry we explained that community expectations regarding mobile services have changed in recent years. We provided three recent case studies from consumers who have contacted ACCAN about mobile coverage and reliability issues in their regions. We also referenced findings from ACCAN’s April 2022 nationally representative survey that relate to reliability and service quality, the essentiality of different communications services, and the expectations consumers have of communications resilience during emergency situations.

Given these experiences and expectations of consumers across Australia, and in regional areas more specifically, it is important that this inquiry considers whether current communications infrastructure and regulatory settings are meeting contemporary consumer needs and helping keep people in regional Australia connected.

Download: ACCAN submission ACCC mobile infrastructure inquiry.pdf266.84 KB

Download: ACCAN submission ACCC mobile infrastructure inquiry.docx3.55 MB