Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025

Summary

This legislation requires telecommunications companies to provide mobile phone coverage in outdoor areas across Australia, even in remote or unprofitable locations where they might not otherwise build networks. It amends the Telecommunications Act 1997 and related laws to create a new universal service obligation focused specifically on outdoor mobile access rather than just fixed-line telephone services. The change matters because many Australians in regional and remote areas currently have no mobile signal outdoors, affecting their safety, ability to work, and access to emergency services — this law forces providers to close those coverage gaps regardless of cost.