The Albanese Government is progressing connectivity reforms to deliver better communications and digital access for Australians.
Draft legislation on Labor’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) has been released for consultation, alongside the Government’s response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review.
UOMO means outdoor coverage will be accessible almost anywhere Australians can see the sky.
It will require mobile carriers to provide reasonable access to mobile voice and text outdoors almost everywhere across Australia.
The reforms will benefit remote and regional communities by expanding connectivity and it is expected the changes will help add more than 5 million square km of basic outdoor mobile SMS and voice coverage across Australia.
Operators are expected to use a combination of their existing services and emerging direct to device (D2D) technology, provided through Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats), to expand baseline outdoor mobile coverage.
The Government is seeking views from industry, community stakeholders and the Australian public on the draft legislation by 19 October 2025.
“No Australian should be left behind, which is why the Albanese Government is making meaningful changes to ensure greater connectivity for everyone,” said Minister for Communications, Anika Wells.
“Whether you are facing a natural disaster, broken down on a highway, injured on the farm, or lost in the bush, under UOMO there will be outdoor mobile coverage nearly anywhere you look up and see the sky.”
The legislation is a key part of the Government’s response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review, with the implementation of UOMO an important step towards modernising Australia’s universal service arrangements to guarantee all Australians have access to essential telecommunications services.
The Government welcomes the Review which will assist in informing policies and programs to improve connectivity in rural, remote and regional areas.
It contributes to the Albanese Government’s commitment to reduce the digital divide, increase productivity, support economic growth and meet Australia’s growing demand for data and seamless connectivity.
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“We are modernising Australia’s communications infrastructure to ensure all Australians have access to essential telecommunications services when they need it,” the minister added.
“Reliable mobile services are a vital part of our lives now to ensure public safety, boost our economies and provide communities with connection and access to essential services.”
Work already being delivered includes the Government’s significant investment to upgrade the NBN and expand its fixed wireless footprint, alongside NBN Co’s announcement that it will use LEOSats from Project Kuiper to deliver high speed broadband to the bush.
The Government will also continue to invest in programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and Mobile Network Hardening Program to further expand mobile coverage, resilience and capacity.
In line with a recommendation from the Regional Telecommunications Review, the Government will consider how best to structure such programs in the future. This consideration is assisted by the Mobile Black Spot Program Evaluation, which has also been released.
“I would like to sincerely thank Alannah MacTiernan, and the rest of the Regional Telecommunications Review Committee, for their expertise and commitment and we will continue to work with stakeholders and industry moving forward.”
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
