Communications company Telstra has welcomed the release of an independent report on ongoing telecommunication issues in regional Australia and is looking forward to working with the entire telco industry to improve connectivity in the bush.

The 2021 Report of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee 'A step change in demand' was brought to parliament earlier this month.

Regional stakeholders across the country have already expressed their appreciation that the report focused on long-term solutions to improve regional connectivity rather than a quick fix.

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As one of the primary providers in the Western Plains and regional Australia, Telstra was mentioned several times in the report and will likely be directly impacted by some of the review's 12 recommendations, if implemented.

One of the primary examples of this was the finding that there was a strong and pressing need for USO reform to address the substantial ongoing stress on current infrastructure due to ageing technology.

Telstra has been the official USO provider for voice and payphones in Australia for the last decade under the 'Telstra USO Performance Agreement', which will remain in effect until 2032.

However, Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said the review was an important contribution to the ongoing policy debate about regional connectivity.

"It includes some great recommendations that could help deliver better outcomes for regional and remote customers if all stakeholders come together and make a contribution," Mr Penn said.

Mr Penn highlighted several points raised in the report, including its focus on building up digital literacy and capability, the support for co-investment into new, flexible technology options, and an increased focus on Fixed Wireless technology, including affordable options for low income households.

While he did not provide any specific details on how the report would inform Telstra's future projects and policies, he said he looked forward to further consultation with those involved.

"We look forward to getting into the details of the review and engaging with our customers, stakeholders and the government about the best ways Telstra can support its aims," he said.

"This will include deciding how we invest the additional $75 million of funding we have specifically set aside to further enhance connectivity in regional Australia, as well as our $200 million co-investment fund that aims to improve regional connectivity over the next four years."

The funding listed above were both initiatives announced last year, with the $75 million being an allocation from Telstra's part-sale of its mobile towers business.

With this in mind, however, Mr Penn said regional connectivity would only truly improve if all the decision-makers were involved.

"Making a real and lasting difference for customers in regional and remote areas will require a contribution from all telcos including NBN with better coordination and alignment across industry and with different levels of government," he said.

"I am looking forward to the entire industry working together to step up to the task."