Have your say: proposed reforms to improve infrastructure rollout

As part of its efforts to make it easier for Australians to stay connected when they need it most, the federal government is seeking feedback on proposed reforms to streamline the rollout of vital telecommunications infrastructure and enhance its resilience.

A new consultation paper 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.

According to the government, further changes are now required to ensure carriers can upgrade existing networks and install new infrastructure where it is needed, more quickly. The changes should improve connectivity by making modest increases to facilities, such as antennas and satellite dishes, whilst improving visual amenity and encouraging co-location.

The government says the proposed amendments seek to balance the interests of communities, landowners and licensed carriers in meeting the 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.

Feedback from the public will inform the government’s decisions on the amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and the Telecommunications Code of Practice 2021. Australians are encouraged to view the proposed amendments and have their say by 5 pm AEDT on 2 December 2024 by emailing powersandimmunities@communications.gov.au.

“Every Australian deserves access to reliable and affordable connectivity,” said Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland. “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 roll out reliable, resilient telecommunication infrastructure whenever and wherever is it needed so that Australians can always stay connected. That’s what these proposed changes set [out] 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.”

Image credit: iStock.com/SasinParaksa