That ICPA Australia advocate to the Federal government and all stakeholders to address the continuing decline of mobile coverage in rural areas which affects small rural schools and rural school bus services.
Despite ICPA continually lobbying the federal government to provide adequate mobile voice and data services to rural areas, it has generally been noted around our area that since the 3G system has been turned off, coverage has decreased dramatically and data inaccessible despite extra boosters and aerials being purchased. This has created issues with school buses and children being unable to contact parents or emergency services, students unable to access data to complete assignments and teachers having to rely on an ageing landline for communication. Telstra has significantly reduced coverage and data capabilities whilst at the same time increasing plan costs. This has forced families to pay even more money to purchase Starlink which seems to be the only reliable option.
