The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed an 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 had attended the 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.
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.