“That ICPA Qld lobbies Telstra to ensure that any replacement for the CAN Radio Network provides a reliable, fit-for-purpose telecommunications service with an appropriate and supported power solution, ensuring rural and remote customers maintain continuous access to essential communication services.”
The closure of the CAN Radio Network is proceeding without a clearly demonstrated, like-for-like or better replacement that meets the needs of rural and remote users. A key concern is the lack of a practical and supported power solution for replacement technologies, with proposed services relying on mains power or customer-managed systems.
In many rural and remote areas, there are no alternative telecommunications options, such as mobile coverage, and communities are heavily reliant on a single service for communication. At the same time, power supply is often unreliable, with both scheduled and unscheduled outages occurring, and many properties dependent on generators or solar systems. Maintaining continuous power under these conditions is complex and costly.
Telstra has stated that power supply is not their responsibility. However, without reliable power, telecommunications services cannot function. In these regions, phone services are a critical safety lifeline, not a convenience. Replacing a service that has historically operated independently of mains power with one that relies on consistent power supply does not provide an equivalent level of service, as it introduces gaps in operation during outages.
The CAN Radio Network has historically provided resilience and continuity of service, including operation during power outages through supported backup arrangements. This has enabled consistent access to emergency communication and essential services. Consideration should be given to incorporating similar, supported power solutions such as solar or other fit-for-purpose alternatives into new technologies to ensure they deliver reliable, continuous service in remote conditions.
The current approach shifts both responsibility and cost onto customers, creating inequity and increasing the risk of service loss. Without reliable service and supported power solutions, rural and remote users face reduced connectivity, increased costs and potential gaps in emergency communication.
To ensure equitable access, replacement services must deliver reliable coverage in remote conditions, include a fit-for-purpose power solution and provide a level of service equal to or better than the existing network.
