The National Farmers' Federation has welcomed new federal laws which will require mobile carriers to make outdoor mobile phone coverage available across the country
The federal government has introduced the framework for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) legislation, which will require national mobile carriers Telstra, Optus and TPG to provide access to SMS and voice coverage for Australians nationwide.
It is expected the changes will help add up to 5 million square kilometres of basic outdoor mobile SMS and voice coverage across the country, which will reduce rural connectivity issues for farmers and keep them safer by ensuring they are able to call for help in times of emergency.
This will be made possible by a combination of existing terrestrial towers and new Low Earth Orbit Satellite technology, which allows for mobile signals to connect Direct to Device rather than relying on land-based infrastructure like mobile towers.
The UOMO will start by December 1, 2027, subject to market developments, with the federal government working closely with industry to monitor the rollout of new Direct to Device technology.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the introduction of this legislation, calling it a landmark step toward fixing the communications blackspots that hold farmers and regional Australia back.
NFF president Hamish McIntyre says it has the potential to redraw the mobile coverage map.
“For too long, farmers and people in the bush have been on the wrong side of the digital divide,” he says.
“This legislation sets a new benchmark to enshrine outdoor mobile coverage as a universal right no matter where you live or work.
“For farmers, mobile connectivity isn’t a luxury, it is essential for safety, their businesses, connecting families and staying safe in emergencies.”
McIntyre adds the NFF looks forward to working with its members and the federal government to ensure the UOMO delivers for those who need it most.
“This legislation is a good first step, but we have to make sure the details deliver on the promise of universal connectivity for all Australians,” he says.
“Every Australian must have access to this guarantee – no matter which phone company they’re with, or how much they pay. This is a world-first policy. If we get it right, Australia becomes the gold standard for regional communications.”