That ICPA (Aust) advocate to Telstra, The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and all other relevant bodies to ensure that telecommunications in rural and remote towns are improved to at least the standard that was available through the 3G network, prior to the rollout of the 4G and 5 G network.
Since the rollout of the 3G network in 2006, mobile phones have become a part of our everyday lives in regional Australia, with the amount of coverage increasing and filling in the black spots over the years to include most rural and regional towns. Many rural and remote customers installed equipment (e.g. Celfi repeaters) to enable them better access to this network, to the benefit of their businesses and their communities. The 3G network had become a relied upon method for telecommunications, a way of staying in touch and staying safe. However, since the shut-off of the Telstra and Optus 3G network in October 2024, and the switch over to 4G and 5G networks, most rural and regional customers have seen a decrease in the level of access to reliable mobile connectivity.
On one members’ property (which is only 20km west of Aramac) they could get Telstra 3G mobile phone service in one spot on the veranda, and it was very patchy in the paddock. So, they purchased boosters for their house and cars, as the mobile phones became an essential part of their business and for on farm safety. These worked well until the roll out of 4G and then disconnected 3G - they now have NO mobile service despite the equipment being suitable. They, like so many others in rural and remote Australia now pay $85+/month for Starlink so that they can have reliable telecommunications, and STILL must pay the $60+/ month per phone plan through their Telco for a mobile phone that they can only use in town.
For those families with children on Distance Education this is just another added expense to access reliable communications.
It means an increase in risk or vulnerable communities, travellers, workers and farmers through the inability to phone for help in an emergency. Additionally, many medical applications (eg diabetic management, cochlear hearing aids) require reliable connectivity to be functional and perform as required. Banking also requires access to a mobile phone for 2 factor authentication.
The lack of reliable networks is stifling productivity, development education and employment opportunities. It is taking us back to the days before 3G, practically back to the dark ages of telecommunications! It is unacceptable that in 2026 we are seeing such significant disparity in mobile phone coverage and reliability of telecommunication services in regional, rural and remote areas. Telecommunication services are essential services, we rely on phone and internet services for work, safety, banking and education.
