Have your say on changes to improve rollout of vital telecommunications infrastructure

The Albanese Government is making it easier for Australians to stay connected when they need it most. In order to do that, the Government is seeking feedback on proposed reforms by streamlining the rollout of vital telecommunications infrastructure and enhancing its resilience.
 
A consultation paper released today outlines proposed amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and the Telecommunications Code of Practice 2021 designed to improve the efficiency with which telecommunications networks can be deployed to meet Australians’ growing connectivity needs.
 
The last substantial updates to these regulations were made in 2018 and 2021 respectively, with the years since seeing greater demand for both fixed line and mobile telecommunications services across Australia – including in peri-urban, regional and remote areas.
 
Further changes are now required to ensure carriers can upgrade existing networks and install new infrastructure where it is needed, more quickly. The changes will improve connectivity by making modest increases to facilities, such as antennas and satellite dishes, whilst improving visual amenity and encouraging co-location.  
 
The proposed amendments seek to balance the interests of communities, landowners and licensed carriers in meeting this increased demand and community expectation for stronger connectivity and more resilient telecommunication infrastructure.
 
They also seek to improve network resilience through greater use of renewable energy solutions – particularly solar power – that can mitigate the risk of outages during natural disasters. These proposed changes will allow telcos, to deploy power systems like solar power backup, increasing the likelihood of infrastructure being able to operate throughout natural disasters.
 
Feedback on the proposed changes will inform decisions on amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and the Telecommunications Code of Practice 2021.
 
Australians are encouraged to have their say by 5pm AEDT on Monday, 2 December 2024 by emailing: powersandimmunities@communications.gov.au

To view the proposed amendments, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“Every Australian deserves access to reliable and affordable connectivity. It’s no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity particularly in 2024 – and we know demand is ever-increasing.
 
“We want to enable carriers to rollout reliable, resilient telecommunication infrastructure whenever and wherever is it needed so that Australians can always stay connected.
 
“That’s what these proposed changes set to achieve – however we need your feedback to ensure the Government strikes the right balance.
 
“I strongly encourage industry and communities to have their say on how we can continue working together to improve connectivity for all Australians by Monday, 2 December.”