Telecommunications services are essential to the Australian community. This position statement outlines the support for a modern universal services framework ensuring all Australians have equitable access to essential telecommunications services – covering fixed voice, mobile and internet services. To meet the needs of consumers, the framework should incorporate the principles of connectivity, accessibility, reliability and...

This report is informed by a review of over 900 complaints to the Australian Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman about financial hardship received between April 2024 and March 2025. It makes three findings and provides three recommendations. It finds that telecommunications providers are contributing to financial hardship.

This report examines the impact of the 3G shutdown on public safety, business continuity, and essential services, particularly in rural and regional areas. It finds that for many users the shutdown led to a reduction in service availability and quality, exacerbating many of the challenges already faced by remote communities. The report recommends government intervention...

As the number of scams have grown over the past decade, Australian laws have not kept pace. This framework introduces strong protections for consumers across the economy and seeks to reduce the harms caused by scams. It sets out consistent and enforceable obligations for businesses in key sectors where scammers operate.

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.