Surprisingly Useful AI Article Enhancements
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched a year-long inquiry into regional mobile coverage and whether regulating wholesale access to mobile services could improve outcomes for consumers.
The inquiry will examine whether the ACCC should declare one or more wholesale mobile services, including domestic roaming and a radio access network service.
If a service were declared, it could mean a mobile network operator would be required to give other providers access to services using its infrastructure or network on terms regulated by the ACCC.
Regional Coverage In Focus
ACCC Commissioner, Anna Brakey, pointed to the particular needs of people in regional and remote areas as a driver for the inquiry.
“The ACCC recognises the importance of mobile coverage, provider choice and network reliability, particularly for people living, working and travelling in regional areas,” Brakey noted.
“The telecommunications sector is changing rapidly, with new technologies creating opportunities and challenges for mobile coverage and competition. At the same time there are growing calls for the ACCC to intervene to regulate wholesale mobile services, particularly in regional areas.”
Brakey stressed that the issues under consideration are complex and that the regulator has not pre-determined an outcome.
“These are complex and evolving issues. Consumers expect and need affordable, reliable and high-quality services. Businesses and investors need confidence to make efficient investments,” she added.
“We consider that now is the right time to examine these issues, recognising there are a range of views on the best way forward and that these matters warrant careful, considered assessment.”
What Prompted The Inquiry
The ACCC pointed to several factors informing its decision to proceed with the inquiry.
The regulator noted significant interest in access to mobile networks from regional and consumer groups, industry participants and through parliamentary processes and recent reviews.
The ACCC also took into account the proposed introduction of the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation in 2027 and the upcoming 2 GHz spectrum allocation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
New technologies, including satellite-based services and network-sharing arrangements, are also changing the way mobile services are delivered in Australia, further warranting examination.
“We continue to see significant interest in access to mobile networks, including from regional and consumer groups, industry participants, as well as through parliamentary processes and recent reviews,” Brakey observed.
“This inquiry will allow us to examine current market conditions and new technologies through a public, evidence-based and consultative process before deciding whether regulation is needed.”
Related: Best Business Laptops for work & school
Related: Best Gaming Laptops
Related: Best Portable Laptop
Scope Of The Inquiry
The inquiry will run for approximately 12 months and will consider a range of issues.
These include how mobile coverage and consumer needs are changing, particularly in regional and remote areas, as well as the current state of competition in the supply of mobile services and how the proposals may affect competition.
The ACCC will also examine whether consumers have meaningful choice between mobile providers, how regulation could affect investment in mobile networks and the role of new direct-to-device low Earth orbit satellite services and their potential impact on investment, competition and consumer outcomes.
“We look forward to consulting widely across the sector and have not formed a view on whether any mobile access service should be declared,” Brakey confirmed.
How Declaration Would Work
The inquiry is being conducted under Part 25 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
Under the legislative framework, the ACCC can declare a telecommunications service following a declaration inquiry if it is satisfied that doing so would promote the long-term interests of end users.
Once a service is declared, a service provider must provide access to the service upon request. Where commercial agreement cannot be reached, the ACCC may determine regulated price and non-price terms.
In practical terms, domestic roaming would mean consumers could use another provider’s network when they are outside their own provider’s coverage area. Declaring a radio access network service could allow providers to share mobile infrastructure, such as towers and radio equipment, while continuing to manage their own customers and services.
The ACCC will only make a declaration if it considers doing so would benefit end users over the long term.
Consultation Process
The ACCC has indicated it will shortly release a discussion paper setting out the issues for the inquiry.
The regulator will also hold forums in regional and remote Australia in the coming months to hear directly from communities about their experiences with mobile services and coverage.
Last Updated on August 8, 2026 by Nick Ross
