The Australian Government has a framework in place to provide people across Australia with access to baseline fixed voice and broadband services.
The Universal Service Obligation (USO) is a longstanding safeguard that ensures all people in Australia can access fixed phone services and payphones regardless of where they live or work. As the statutory primary universal provider, Telstra is required to supply fixed voice services and payphones nationally on reasonable request. Telstra provides the majority of USO services over the National Broadband Network (NBN), however it continues to deliver USO services over copper and other networks in regional and remote areas.
Access to fixed broadband is supported by the Statutory Infrastructure Provider (SIP) regime, which provides that NBN Co and other similar providers connect premises to their networks and supply wholesale services that allow retail providers to provide broadband services with peak download and upload speeds of at least 25/5 megabits per second (Mbps).
Work is underway to consider future universal telecommunications services arrangements.
Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation
The Australian Government has announced it plans to introduce legislation to expand the existing Universal Services framework to include a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO). The new obligation will require mobile operators to provide reasonable and equitable access to baseline outdoor mobile coverage across Australia. Operators will leverage their existing mobile coverage as well as emerging direct to device (D2D) mobile enabled through Low Earth Orbiting Satellites (LEOSats).
The government will consult with industry on the UOMO ahead of legislation being introduced. The obligation itself will commence as the market evolves, and Australia's national mobile network operators start offering commercial D2D technology.
This is the first step towards modernising the longstanding universal services framework. The government expects to make further announcements about opportunities for reform following consideration of the recommendations of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review.
The role of D2D technology
The extension of the universal services framework to include mobile coverage is possible as recent technological advancements have enabled LEOSats to provide telephony as well as broadband services.
LEOSats can deliver D2D cellular network connectivity as they can be set up to work as mobile base stations that can connect directly with modern mobile devices on the ground, including in remote areas. In time D2D will be able to fill some of the gaps in phone coverage in remote and sparsely populated areas.
For further information, read the Minister's media release on UOMO.
Trials of voice services
The Australian Government is conducting trials of voice services to provide a clear, independent and transparent body of evidence to help inform whether low earth orbit satellites (LEOSats) are capable of delivering high quality voice services. The trials are collecting data on the performance of LEOSats at 50 regional and remote locations across Australia and will run through until mid-2025.
More detail is available on the Trials of voice services page.
Regional Telecommunications Review
The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee reported to Government in December 2024. It considered the potential of emerging technologies and Universal Services Obligations as part of its broader work. More information about the review, including the Committee's report, is available on the Regional Telecommunications Review website.
Consultation on Better delivery of universal services
In October 2023 the Minister for Communications consulted with stakeholders on the delivery of a modern and more fit-for-purpose Universal Service Obligation.
- Read the Minister's media release on modernising the USO.
- Consultation on: Better delivery of universal services.
- Read the summary of feedback from stakeholders in response to the consultation.
Funding of universal telecommunications services
As part of the consideration of fit-for-purpose arrangements for future universal telecommunications services delivery, consultation was undertaken on sustainable long-term funding of services in rural and remote areas, incorporating a review of the Regional Broadband Scheme (RBS).
Consultation page on Funding of universal telecommunications services (RBS Review). Read the summary of feedback from stakeholders in response to the consultation.
Improved data for consideration of universal services reform
In order to provide better data to support consideration of universal services reform, NBN Co and Telstra have provided detailed geographic information on the distribution of their services across Australia. The department has developed a map which will allow users to gain a good understanding of Telstra USO services in their area, along with NBN Co's platforms and mobile coverage.
The Australia wide map shows USO Telstra and NBN Co service data. The map displays current Telstra and NBN Co service technologies in use in different locations, with the exception of NBN Co Sky Muster Satellite technology, as this technology is available in all areas of Australia outside of fixed-line and fixed wireless technology.