Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to draw attention to today's Productivity Commission report into the future of Australia's telecommunications universal service obligation.

In the short time I have here, I wish to highlight the report's recommendation to ensure that everyone has guaranteed future access to a wireless-generated voice service. Very shortly our reliance on the old Telstra copper network will disappear. That also means the existing universal service obligation will be obsolete. The answer is to replace that agreement, recognising the technological reality and need for an available, accessible and affordable mobile phone network for all. While NBN fixed-line or fixed-wireless areas will likely have a secure voice service over the internet or mobile network, the commission found that 90,000 premises inside the NBN satellite footprint would be left behind. Many of these people reside in regional New South Wales, and a number in my electorate.

The commission recommends a re-evaluation and prioritisation of our government's Mobile Black Spot Program, to help to build towers and to fill coverage gaps where there is no mobile service. Mobile telcos currently go where they will get the best return for investment. In my view, government funding should not be used to help them achieve commercial outcomes. Right now, they have no obligation, and they do not seem to have any interest in looking after small communities with little or no mobile coverage.

Government policy needs to encourage mobile providers to build in areas of need, and the Productivity Commission has given us a clear path for that. (Time expired)