The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed today's announcement that the Federal Government has committed to introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO).
If enshrined by legislation, the world-first proposal means telecommunications companies will be legally bound to guarantee basic, outdoor voice and text mobile coverage across every corner of Australia.
NFF President David Jochinke, who will attend today's announcement at the NSW Rural Fire Service HQ, said the obligation would both create and safeguard a right for every Australian to access basic calls and text services from any location.
This announcement is made possible due to Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and the arrival of 'Direct to Device' technology.
"Mobile black spots are a huge source of frustration for people in the bush. Coverage gaps can compromise safety and make it harder to run a business," Mr Jochinke said.
"This new obligation will ensure that the safety of rural Australians, and their access to basic mobile services, cannot be put in the too-hard basket.
"This levels the playing field in a big way - making outdoor mobile coverage universally accessible – regardless of where you live, or which phone company you're with.
"Every Australian will feel safer knowing that with the right handset, they can call triple zero from anywhere they can see the sky."
The NFF has advocated for reliable and affordable mobile connectivity in the bush for decades, including as a founding member of the Rural, Regional and Remote Communications Coalition.
"Mobile has long been the next frontier in universal protections for telecommunications users, and we're thrilled to see it becoming a reality. By locking in this satellite coverage, it becomes something people in the regions can rely upon - rather than a fortuitous benefit that may come and go in the future.
"The NFF applauds the Australian Government for introducing this policy, and urges all sides of politics to support this agenda to guarantee the safety and productivity of rural Australia," Mr Jochinke said.
The obligation would secure new mobile coverage across an estimated 5 million square kilometres of land, including more than 37,000 kilometres of regional roads.
The NFF warned however that this could not be seen as an excuse to reduce investment in the terrestrial mobile network.
"Land based coverage from mobile towers will still be the gold standard for years to come.
"Satellite based connectivity is just one piece of the puzzle, and the need for continued co-investment in mobile towers by telco providers and government isn't going away.
"We've still got a long way to go before the bush is on a level playing field with the city when it comes to connectivity. It's why this election we are still seeking a commitment for a Regional Telecommunications Strategy and further funding for the On Farm Connectivity Program," Mr Jochinke concluded.
