Calls are mounting for the Australian government to enforce stricter obligations on Telstra, ensuring “timely and to standard” upgrades of its mobile services. This follows a two-week disruption that left several towns disconnected. The incident has sparked a debate on the adequacy of current regulations governing telecommunications in regional areas.
Nationals leader David Littleproud has been vocal in advocating for changes to the Universal Service Obligation (USO), which currently mandates Telstra to provide a “standard telephone service” within a reasonable timeframe. Littleproud argues that the USO, established during Telstra’s privatization, is outdated and needs to encompass modern mobile technology.
Technological Shifts and Regulatory Gaps
Littleproud highlighted the evolution of technology since the USO’s inception, noting, “The USO was put in place when Telstra was privatised, over landlines and payphones because that’s the only technology we had. Subsequent to that, we’ve seen technology shift … mobiles have now taken over.” He emphasized the need for the USO to extend to mobile infrastructure, a promise made by the Coalition during the last election.
The recent outage in Dalby, Queensland, affected more than 13,000 residents, disrupting mobile calls, internet, and essential services like EFTPOS and ATMs. Telstra attributed the disruption to upgrades on a local tower, advising customers to maintain backup connections such as NBN, satellite, or landline.
Impact on Regional Communities
David Littleproud criticized Telstra’s response as “substandard,” citing similar issues in other regional areas like St George and Goondiwindi. He called for government intervention, stressing that regional Australia often lacks the services taken for granted in urban centers.
According to Telstra, the upgrades are necessary due to a 30% annual increase in network demand. A spokesperson from Communications Minister Anika Wells’ office indicated that the government is considering including mobile coverage in its legislative framework through the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO).
“Through Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), the government is putting mobile coverage right at the core of the Universal Services Obligation,” the spokesperson stated.
Local Frustrations and Future Considerations
Residents and businesses in Dalby expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the impact on daily life. Anna Story from Dalby’s Chamber of Commerce pointed out the reliance on Telstra due to limited alternatives outside urban areas. “They need to change their advice for future outages,” she said, emphasizing the difference between expected and actual service disruptions.
The outage also posed safety concerns, particularly for medical staff and businesses. Tina Burnett shared her personal experience, highlighting the stress caused by being unable to contact her husband, who was responsible for urgent medical decisions for his hospitalized father-in-law.
Located four hours west of Brisbane, Dalby serves as an agricultural and industrial hub in the Western Downs. The town’s reliance on Telstra underscores the broader issue of telecommunications infrastructure in regional Australia.
Looking Ahead: Legislative Changes
The government’s commitment to reforming the USO to include mobile coverage is seen as a significant step forward. A statement from former communications minister Michelle Rowland indicated plans to introduce legislation this year, with implementation expected by late 2027. The statement also mentioned that basic mobile data would be considered as technology and capacity evolve.
As regional communities await these changes, the recent disruptions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by areas outside major cities. The push for timely upgrades and reliable service continues to be a priority for both residents and policymakers.
