Today the Senate's Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee is holding a public hearing on the shutdown of the 3G mobile network. Below is the opening statement by National Farmers' Federation Deputy CEO, Charlie Thomas:
The NFF thanks the Committee for the opportunity to appear today.
Since its introduction in 2006, the 3G network has been a steadfast lifeline for many consumers across the country, but arguably for none more so than those living in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, resilient and quality connectivity. Reliable mobile connectivity underpins modern agriculture, enabling efficient farm management, market access and daily business operations. For many with no bricks and mortar alternative down the road, it also provides essential access to health care, emergency services, education, social interaction and wellbeing outcomes.
Many in the bush still consider the 3G network an essential component of reliable connectivity, a component which triggers a sigh of relief when it pops up on their phone during an emergency or natural disaster. The final alternative to no signal at all.
While we acknowledge the opportunity the shutdown presents to improve connectivity across the country, farmers and communities are understandably apprehensive about what a world without the 3G network means for them. An anxiety made worse by anecdotal reports of degrading and changing mobile service in some areas and a general lack of confidence in existing complaint processes.
These communities are forced to trust providers with their ability to communicate, to conduct business, and to access essential and emergency services. With existing primary connectivity barriers, it is these communities that will invariably suffer the lion's share of any adverse consequences through the transition.
The NFF has critical expectations of providers to ensure a seamless transition and protect the fundamental needs of regional, rural and remote communities.
These expectations include that:
- Connectivity must be equivalent or improved.
- Providers must prioritise accountability and transparency through the transition.
- Proactive, robust and considered efforts are made to inform consumers and avoid adverse consequences.
- Post-network shutdown issues are addressed quickly and effectively. To achieve that, we expect communication efforts and services beyond business-as-usual.
As it stands today, we are not satisfied that each of our requirements for this transition have been met - noting though that we still have a couple of months until this transition takes effect with the major regional networks. We remain closely engaged with the network operators to monitor their progress and will continue to hold them to account for equivalent or improved coverage on behalf of our members.
Our primary concerns
- Anecdotal reports that service is diminishing or shifting in the lead up to the shutdown.
- Whether the shutdown will lead to poorer connectivity outcomes.
- Unforeseen impacts on devices, such as ag tech and handsets.
- Customers' ability to raise concerns and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
