The Federal Coalition is calling for submissions to a Senate inquiry examining Labor’s flawed mobile connectivity bill which is big on promises but short on delivery.
Henry Pike MP says the Senate inquiry into the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 is an important opportunity for residents to have their say.
It’s vital our community is heard which is why I am calling for local submissions to the Senate inquiry.” Mr Pike said.
“Since being elected, improving mobile coverage across the Redlands has been a key priority. In communities like ours, reliable mobile connectivity can mean the difference between safety and isolation.”
Over the past 3 years thousands of Redland residents have contributed to mapping mobile blackspots across the region.
“Based on the blackspot real world data provided by Redlands residents I have been able to secure more than 43 mobile upgrades to date,” said Mr Pike. “However, significant gaps remain, particularly during severe weather events as locals experienced during TC Alfred.”
Mr Pike says Labor’s proposed legislation raises serious unanswered questions which demand proper scrutiny.
“Local residents, businesses and emergency services rely on strong and dependable connectivity every day, yet this proposed legislation leaves too many practical questions unanswered.”
The bill places a vague and uncertain obligation on telecommunications carriers to provide “reasonable access” to outdoor mobile connectivity on an “equitable basis”, without clearly defining how those obligations will be delivered.
The Redlands community deserves confidence that any major reform to mobile connectivity would actually deliver better coverage.
“Reliable mobile connectivity is essential for Australians wherever they live, but I am concerned Labor’s proposed laws raise more questions than answers,” Mr Pike said.
"Given Labor’s record of communications failures which include the deadly triple zero outage and the botched 3G shutdown, Australians are entitled to demand this reform be thoroughly examined and amended if necessary”
"There are no guarantees this so-called universal outdoor mobile obligation (UOMO) will be affordable, available everywhere including from vehicles or ready to commence next year as Labor promised."
“The Redlands deserves better and I will keep pushing the Government on this issue until they deliver”
Submissions should be made by 8 April 2026 at Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 – Parliament of Australia