“That ICPA Qld lobbies the relevant State Ministers to ensure the provision of reliable electricity supply and/or appropriate, supported backup power solutions to enable continuous and dependable telephone connectivity for rural and remote residents.”
Reliable telecommunications in rural and remote areas are fundamentally dependent on consistent electricity supply. As services transition away from legacy systems such as the CAN Radio Network, there is increasing reliance on technologies that require continuous power to operate.
In many rural and remote areas, electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent outages and a heavy dependence on generators or solar systems. Without appropriate and accessible backup power, telephone services can fail entirely, creating significant risks for emergency communication and access to medical assistance. While telecommunications providers state that power supply is not their responsibility, the reality is that without electricity, modern communication systems cannot function. This creates a critical service gap that disproportionately impacts rural and remote communities.
There is also significant variation in the availability and suitability of backup power solutions across different regions. A one-size-fits-all approach will not meet the diverse needs and operating conditions of rural and remote users. Any transition must consider the practical realities of each location, including infrastructure limitations, environmental conditions and access to support.
A further concern is the time required to restore communication services following a power loss. If an immediate and reliable backup is not in place, delays in reconnecting services may prevent timely access to emergency services. In critical situations, the inability to make a 000 call without delay could have life-threatening consequences.
Not all households have the capacity, financial means or access to install and maintain reliable backup power systems and in many cases, there are no alternative communication options. Loss of power can mean simultaneous loss of telephone services, leaving residents completely isolated. For those relying on generators, additional challenges exist, including fuel access, transport constraints and rising costs in regional and remote areas.
A coordinated government response is required to ensure reliable electricity supply and equitable access to appropriate, supported backup power solutions. Without this, rural and remote communities face reduced service reliability, increased costs and unacceptable risks to safety and wellbeing during power outages.
