Access to dependable telecommunications is not a luxury but a necessity. The report found that while many regional centres now enjoy urban-level connectivity, smaller and more remote communities still face ongoing struggles with service quality, reliability and affordability. It sets out recommendations to improve connectivity for regional, rural and remote communities.

The Regional Telecommunications Review is an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area. The 2021 review examined the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.

This review illustrated that there are compelling factors for significant additional capital investment in telecommunications infrastructure to maximise the economic opportunities and economy-wide benefits that are available for the people in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Telecommunications services are vital to participate in modern society. Business, education, health, social and safety activities all rely on connecting with others, and those without functional and reliable telecommunications services risk being left out. The Committee has released this issues paper, which provides an outline of key interest areas and invites submissions.

The Committee has been asked to review the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional Australia. The evidence presented to the Committee was compelling that telecommunications has and will continue to shape the lives and improve the economic opportunities of people in regional Australia. In its recommendations, the Committee emphasises the fact that regional Australia has...