The Regional Telecommunications Review happens every three years and it's an important opportunity for regional, remote and rural communities to have their say on issues around connectivity.

 The Review, which takes place every three years, sees the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee examine the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.

They say the submissions and face-to-face consultations to date have provided feedback on a range of matters including the suitability of telecommunications during emergency situations, how emerging technologies could improve connectivity; and ways telecommunications can support regional development.

Completing a short online survey provides a way for regional, rural and remote Australians to easily provide feedback on how they are experiencing telecommunications in their own communities.

According to the Chairperson of the Review, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, the committee is looking to hear ideas about how things can be improved for regions like the Western Plains.

“Access to telecommunications services is critical for regional residents and businesses across so many aspects of everyday life – and we want to understand the lived experience of these services so that future policy actions are well-targeted and backed up by evidence," she said.

“With technology changing rapidly we also want your ideas about how things can be improved and what would make the most difference for you and your community."

Narromine Shire Council Mayor, Craig Davies said it is quite simple - lack of connectivity can mean the difference between life or death.

"Connectivity is a safety issue. I know of an incident near Narromine where a person was injured and had to wait 24 hours before he was found as he had no connectivity," Mr Davies said. "There's no excuse for it."

"On the highway between Narromine and Dubbo, which is 37 kilometres long, there is no service for half of that distance. Over 5000 vehicles a day would use that road and there's always accidents. It's just not good enough."

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee say the input of local communities is an essential part of their review.

 “We really encourage Australians in the bush to have their say via a submission or completing the survey in coming months, while we continue our face-to-face consultations across the country," Ms McTiernan said.

Previous Reviews have seen a number of major initiatives announced and delivered, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.

To have your say visit this site.

The online survey closes on 31 July 2024