The Australian Government will expand the existing universal services framework to include a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation.
The new obligation will require mobile operators to provide equitable access to baseline outdoor mobile coverage across Australia.
To meet the obligation, mobile operators will use their existing mobile coverage, as well as emerging direct to device (D2D) mobile enabled through Low Earth Orbiting technology
The UOMO will ensure up to 5 million sq km of new competitive outdoor mobile coverage across Australia.
The government will consult with industry on proposed legislation, with the obligation itself to commence as the market evolves, and Australia’s national mobile network operators start offering commercial D2D.
This is the first step towards modernising the longstanding universal services framework.
Find out more
- Read the Minister’s media release
- Find out more about Modernising universal telecommunications services
- Watch the video on direct to device and Low Earth Orbiting technology