Ensuring better mobile coverage for all Australians

Key points

• Parliament has passed laws requiring Telstra, Optus and TPG to provide basic SMS and voice mobile coverage almost everywhere Australians can see the sky. The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation is aimed at regional and remote communities.
• Coverage will rely on existing land-based towers and new low Earth orbit satellite technology. The obligation will start on 1 December 2027, subject to market developments.
• The laws also allow the Minister for Communications to set performance and reliability standards for carriers.