With Telstra’s fasthold on mobile infrastructure in Western NSW essentially giving them a monopoly when it comes to phones and internet, the trial for active sharing of telecommunications brings an opportunity for reintroducing options for locals. 

NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to trial active sharing of telecommunications infrastructure in regional and rural communities, which would allow alternate providers to access the local mobile towers, regardless of which provider owns them. 

The decision could not only improve connectivity for locals, but the increased competition between companies will likely see residents getting more bang for their buck.



Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said $50 million will be invested into Stage 1 of the Mobile Coverage Project. 

“The one tower; one carrier model has created a patchwork across the regions, limiting coverage. Rural and regional communities are forced to pay more for their mobile plans through lack of choice,” Mr Toole said. 

“Network sharing just makes sense, as it reduces the need to build additional mobile towers across the landscape, reduces costs for telecommunications providers and ensures everyone can access their mobile phone no matter their provider.” 

Various providers are currently in the design phase of the plan, including Optus, Telstra, TPG Telecom, BAI Communications, Field Solutions Group, Infrastructure Logic, NEC and Pivotel Mobile. 

Each company will be invited to submit funding requests to roll out their network sharing solutions in the second half of 2022. 

Walgett Shire Council Mayor Jane Keir is sceptical of the plan, with ageing infrastructure barely supporting what a singular provider offers in her local area. 

“What is happening is if you want to watch Netflix all day, you’re entitled to do that but you’re using it at the expense of other people in the area’s access to the internet,” Cr Keir said. 

Cr Keir also raised the concern of what maintenance of the infrastructure could look like if there were less financial incentive for the owning company. It’s an issue that already plagues people who use alternative landline providers to who owns the existing infrastructure in the area. 

In the Come-By-Chance area, a family and business-owners who have had their landline down for over a month are struggling to get anyone to their home for repairs.

While Telstra has the Universal Service Obligation (USO) that obliges them to provide and maintain the landline service, the family’s contract with another service provider has created confusion as to who’s responsibility the fix is. 

“It’s not written anywhere, but I imagine Telstra will be disinclined to fix anything if they’re not providing the service…It might be simple thinking from me but if you’re using the Telstra Network with another service provider, surely you’re going to be at the bottom of the list to be fixed,” Cr Keir said. 

Despite this, a Telstra spokesperson said that the company is onboard with the mobile network sharing project. 

“We’re looking forward to taking part in the design phase and continuing discussions with the NSW Government and other providers as part of this project,” the spokesperson said. 

The Regional Digital Connectivity program is part of the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, dedicated to transformational infrastructure investment across regional NSW.