Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2026

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 otherwise not bother. It amends the existing Telecommunications Act to set new universal service obligations, meaning providers must meet coverage standards rather than only serving areas where they can make money. The change matters because many Australians in regional and remote areas currently have poor or no mobile reception, affecting their safety, business opportunities, and ability to access emergency services — this forces providers to level the playing field and ensure everyone gets reasonable coverage regardless of where they live.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause