Government Announces Universal Outdoor Mobile Coverage Reform
The Labor Government has unveiled a world-first reform to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage across Australia. The initiative, known as the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), mandates mobile carriers to offer mobile voice and SMS services almost everywhere in the country.
The UOMO reform aims to expand mobile coverage up to 5 million square kilometres, including over 37,000 kilometres of regional roads. This will ensure that Australians have access to mobile services in national parks, hiking trails, farms, and other outdoor areas where they can see the sky.
Key objectives of the UOMO include:
Expanding access to Triple Zero emergency services nationwide.
Addressing existing mobile black spots to improve outdoor voice and SMS coverage.
Enhancing the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.
This ambitious reform is made possible by advancements in Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and Direct to Device (D2D) technology, which allow signals from space to reach mobile devices directly. The government plans to introduce legislation in 2025, with the implementation of outdoor SMS and voice services expected by late 2027. Many Australians are likely to gain access before then.
The government will collaborate with stakeholders and industry to ensure the legislation is effective and adaptable, considering factors such as supply and spectrum availability. Additionally, the government will work with the University of Technology Sydney to expand handset testing, ensuring consumers are informed about device compatibility and experience.
This initiative is part of the government's broader commitment to modernising Australia's telecommunications infrastructure, including a $3 billion investment to complete the fibre NBN. The government will also continue to evolve its co-investment programs, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and Mobile Network Hardening Program, to further expand terrestrial mobile coverage, resilience, and capacity.
