Stranded on a remote property in outback New South Wales, a farmer with a broken-down vehicle and no reception might once have faced a perilous situation. But under a world-first telecommunications reform announced today by the Albanese Labor Government, that same farmer will soon be able to call for help using their regular mobile phone, thanks to a new universal outdoor mobile coverage initiative.
The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will mandate mobile carriers to provide access to mobile voice and SMS services in nearly all outdoor locations across the country. This initiative will expand competitive outdoor mobile coverage by up to five million square kilometres, including over 37,000 kilometres of regional roads.
“Building our mobile future with the latest technology is a vital element of Labor’s plan to make Australia the most connected continent by 2030,” said Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
Australians will benefit from improved mobile connectivity in national parks, hiking trails, and remote agricultural areas—anywhere with a clear line of sight to the sky. The Government’s key policy objectives include:
- Expanding Triple Zero access nationwide;
- Addressing mobile black spots by increasing outdoor voice and SMS coverage;
- Enhancing mobile signal availability during disasters and power outages.
This landmark reform is made possible by recent advances in Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and the emergence of Direct to Device (D2D) technology, which allows mobile signals to be transmitted directly from space to handheld devices.
The Government will introduce legislation in 2025 to incorporate mobile coverage into Australia’s universal service framework for the first time. Implementation of outdoor SMS and voice services is expected by late 2027, with some Australians gaining access even sooner. While basic mobile data services are not yet included, they will be considered as technology evolves and capacity expands.
To ensure successful implementation, the Government will work closely with stakeholders and the telecommunications industry, incorporating flexibility where needed in areas such as supply and spectrum allocation. It will also collaborate with industry players to explore incentives and remove barriers to promote public interest objectives and competitive outcomes.
Recognising the importance of consumer awareness, the Government will partner with the University of Technology Sydney to enhance handset testing, ensuring Australians are informed about device compatibility and expected service levels.
The policy has been shaped by input from the LEOSat working group, advice from the Australian Communications and Media Authority on radiocommunications spectrum, the findings of the Regional Telecommunications Review, and extensive consultation with regional and remote communities.
The Government is also committed to strengthening existing co-investment programs, including the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Mobile Network Hardening Program, to further expand terrestrial mobile coverage and enhance network resilience.
Further reforms to the universal service framework will be announced following the Government’s consideration of recommendations from the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review.
“The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will improve public safety, increase resilience during natural disasters, and provide an extra layer of coverage in areas previously thought too difficult or costly to reach,” Minister Rowland said.
“The experience will be different to land mobile networks, but the benefits are transformative, particularly for a large continent such as ours.”
With global industry set to launch D2D messaging this year, the Government is taking proactive steps to integrate this technology into an updated and expanded Universal Service Obligation – ensuring Australians have free and reliable access to emergency services, wherever they are.
