The Federal Government's commitment to introduce a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) is a welcome sign that at least some calls are getting through, GrainGrowers said today.
The proposed government reform would ensure outdoor mobile coverage to an extra five million square kilometres of Australia, bringing reception across every corner of Australia.
GrainGrowers Advocacy and Rural Affairs Manager Sean Cole said fixing some of Australia's worst reception black spots through low earth orbit satellites and direct-to-device technology would be a welcome win for rural and regional Australia.
"During the recent Senate committee hearings, I made the point that there was an urgent need to speed up the direct to handset technology to make 000 calls anywhere in Australia, even when you are outside the range of towers."
"Around 78 per cent of calls to triple zero originate from a mobile phone in Australia. The proposal would ensure that 100 per cent of those calls get through.''
"Pleasingly these issues would be addressed through the proposal put forward by the government. It is now up to the other parties to step up and show a similar commitment to fix the wide range of issues identified in recent discussions and debate."
Mr Cole said telecommunications accessibility in regional, rural and remote grain growing areas has widespread economic and productivity implications covering workforce, farm safety, commerce, and innovation.
"Our policy is that efficient and effective bush telecommunications provide a high productivity multiplier and widespread whole of economy returns while ensuring grain regions are not left behind in an increasingly digital economy."
"Today's announcement is a welcome step, and we look forward to widespread support for the approach and the implementation of these changes," Mr Cole said.
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