Councils, industry and community organisations, and private residents have sent a record number of submissions to the federal government's Regional Telecommunications Review outlining their grievances with their connectivity. 

The Regional Telecommunications Review is conducted every three years to assess the digital divide between cities and regional Australia. 

This year, 3404 submissions were received by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee between 25 January and 31 July. 

Some of the hot topics raised included participation in the economic market, mobile connectivity in the event of an emergency, frustrations in dealing with telecommunications providers, and concerns about the 3G shutdown. 

In his submission, General Manager of  the Warren Shire Council Gary Woodman spoke of the importance of telecommunications in western NSW. 

"In these communities, reliable and up-to-date telecommunications and related technologies are not merely conveniences, they are essential lifelines that sustain various critical aspects of daily life and community wellbeing," Mr Woodman said. 

He cited telecommunications as vital to medical advancements, business viability, farming, and social interaction and mental wellness. 

Mr Woodman said potential business opportunities escape the Warren Shire due to unreliable mobile and internet coverage.  

"The lack of reliable mobile phone coverage and fast internet significantly hampers economic development in Warren Shire. 

"Potential businesses looking to invest in the area may be deterred by the inadequate telecommunications infrastructure," Mr Woodman said. 

He says the poor internet and mobile coverage is also affecting residents' access to telehealth and staying in contact with loved ones. 

"For example, elderly residents who rely on video calls to communicate with their distant relatives may find it challenging to maintain these connections, contributing to loneliness and social isolation.

Regional organisations including NSW Farmers, the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA), and the Regional, Rural, and Remote Communications Coalition also made submissions. 

The ICPA highlighted the difficulty in securing reliable internet connection to ensure that regional and remote children can access virtual learning. 

"Distance Education has moved significantly to a more online based, direct teaching model and if students are unable to access live lessons, they miss these critical learning and social opportunities as well as being marked absent," the ICPA stated in their submission. 

"Every student has the right to identify and be a part of their school and these students should be no exception.

NSW Farmers raised several issues with the mobile connectivity including concerns about what to do in an emergency. 

"During natural disasters such as bushfires, key mobile infrastructure such as towers can become unavailable due to loss of power. When this happens mobiles cannot make or receive emergency calls or access the internet," NSW Farmers stated in their submission. 

To enhance their connectivity, NSW Farmers says residents in rural and remote areas pay several thousand dollars for boosters that some think do not work, or are not worth the money spent.

 The NSW farmer's survey shows customers think connectivity enhancements are not always worth it. Photo: NSW Farmers Submission to the 2024 Regional Communications Review

Mr Woodman said he hopes the independent commission takes the residents' concerns seriously. 

"We urge the Independent Committee to prioritise the needs of rural areas like Warren Shire in their telecommunications review and to advocate for the necessary investments and improvements." 

"The future of Central West NSW depends on bridging the digital divide and providing its residents with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly connected world."

The results from the report will be released by 31 December.

"We are paying great attention to these submissions and to the feedback we have received in our community consultations across the country," Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Review Alannah MacTiernan said.