News
3 November, 2024
Bad connections heard loud and clear
The views of regional, rural and remote Australians experiencing connectivity issues have been heard loud and clear with a record-breaking number of submissions received on the Australian Government’s Regional Telecommunications Review.
The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee has published all nonconfidential submissions today, which the Committee is currently working through to deliver on its recommendations to Government.
The Review – held once every three years – plays a key role in reducing the digital divide between cities and regional Australia, with feedback from the public in previous Reviews leading to policy initiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
The Review received a total of 3,404 submissions, including 306 written submissions – an increase of more than 400 per cent compared to 2021.
The easily accessible online survey option – utilised for the first time in a Review – drove most of the submissions received, with a total of 3,098 responses.
The Committee is now preparing its advice to the government, including recommendations that clearly reflect the needs of regional, rural and remote communities.
These actions will include measures to reduce the digital divide, improve literacy, connect communities during emergencies and disaster responses and action to meet the unique needs of First Nations communities, ahead of delivering a report and recommendations by December 31, 2024.
