The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 establishes a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) requiring major mobile network operators to deliver baseline outdoor voice and SMS coverage equitably across Australia, including regional and remote areas. It authorises ministerial powers to set standards, rules and benchmarks and designates Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom as default providers from 1 December 2027.
The Bill amends the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to extend the Universal Service Obligation to mobile services. It defines “designated mobile telecommunications services” (voice and SMS), creates a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation requiring baseline outdoor coverage Australia-wide, and sets a default commencement date of 1 December 2027 (adjustable by ministerial instrument).
The Minister for Communications gains powers to make legislative instruments setting standards, benchmarks and rules for service quality, reliability, fault rectification, pricing and customer information, enforceable by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The Bill also allows the Minister to designate additional providers, subdivide obligations by service or area, and exclude specified zones (e.g. the Australian Radio Quiet Zone) from the UOMO. Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom are automatically appointed as Primary Universal Outdoor Mobile Providers on commencement.
Further, the Bill includes transitional notification duties for providers stepping down from UOMO obligations, minor consequential amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Telecommunications Act 1997, and authorises use of the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account to fund contracts or grants supporting UOMO objectives.
Mobile connectivity is essential for public safety and health, particularly for emergency calls to Triple Zero. Expanding baseline outdoor voice and SMS coverage to all Australians will save lives by reducing response times in accidents and natural disasters [Judgment].
Nationally, only about one third of the Australian landmass currently has mobile coverage, leaving remote travelers and communities isolated [Judgment]. Requiring Telstra, Optus and TPG to fill these coverage gaps using a mix of terrestrial networks and Direct to Device satellite technology promises vital connectivity where commercial returns alone are insufficient.
Embedding the obligation in law with flexible ministerial powers to set standards, rules and benchmarks ensures accountability and promotes continuous investment and technological innovation, balancing universal service goals with the evolving market.
Mandating nationwide outdoor coverage by a fixed date under unproven Direct to Device satellite technology may lead to impractical obligations, unforeseen cost overruns and missed deadlines, given the current pace of infrastructure deployment and device availability [Judgment].
Heavy regulatory oversight and broad ministerial discretion risk creating compliance uncertainty, raising costs that are likely passed on to consumers through higher mobile bills. Alternative market-based incentives or targeted subsidies could achieve similar coverage more efficiently without imposing inflexible statutory mandates [Judgment].
2025-11-27
House of Representatives
Before House of Representatives
Unspecified
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Infrastructure, Science / Technology, Consumer Protection