The TIO has long advocated for a modernised USO that considers the essential nature of mobile services, including in our submission to the 2024 Regional Telco Review. A modernised Universal Service Obligation (USO) should reflect how Australians are using and relying on telco services in practice.
Including mobile services as a baseline entitlement for Australians will better reflect community expectations around broader and more reliable access to mobile services.
As stated by Ombudsman Cynthia Gebert:
"Mobile services are crucial for everyday life - staying connected to loved ones, working or running your business, accessing government and support services, banking, emergency service updates. We just can't do without it."
"Ultimately however, what we want to see is a solution that encompasses landline, mobile and internet. It makes sense for us to look at how legislation can better support the reality of our reliance on these essential services."
