The Albanese Government welcomes the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2024 report which sets out recommendations to further improve connectivity for regional, rural and remote communities.
Undertaken every three years, the review is an opportunity for people living and working outside major cities to share their experiences, views and expectations regarding connectivity and telecommunications services.
The community response to the 2024 review is unprecedented - a four-fold increase in participation on the 2021 review - demonstrating the importance placed on connectivity and digital inclusion in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The Committee conducted online consultations and 20 in-person sessions across Australia from Thursday Island to Geraldton, Katherine and Benalla.
In total, more than 4,000 stakeholders took part and more than 3,000 survey responses were received.
The Committee also engaged with industry throughout the process to address issues raised during consultations and potential reform options were workshopped.
The report's 14 recommendations address enhanced mobile coverage and affordability, universal service, First Nations inclusion and digital literacy. The role of LEO satellite technology for service delivery is also considered.
The Committee noted how recent technology developments have resulted in new and emerging services that could be considered as part of a modernised Universal Service Obligation (USO).
The recommendation to modernise the USO is an important step towards ensuring all Australians have access to modern, reliable, voice-capable broadband services no matter where they live or work.
The Albanese Government will review the recommendations and respond in due course.
The Albanese Government has acted on advice from previous RTIRC reports in the design of programs and initiatives including the On-Farm Connectivity Program, the Mobile Black Spot Program, National Audit of Mobile Coverage and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan.
The 2024 review was led by Committee Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan working alongside Committee members Kristy Sparrow, the Hon Fiona Nash, Dr Jessa Rogers and Ian Kelly.
