A REGIONAL Telecommunications Review Report has found significant issues with the maintenance and repair of networks.
The report found 14 key recommendations which called for consistent government funding for improvements, better telecommunications literacy for customers in regional areas, improvements to emergency network resilience, and minimum performance and reliability standards.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the issue of service coverage is a major concern for the residents of Barker.
“Mobile phone service is an example of where we need further investment – not just from Government but the telcos need to come to the table in a much bigger way,” Mr Pasin said.
“There are currently almost 400 community-identified mobile blackspots in Barker. This is a very clear indication to our telecommunications companies that more needs to be done to improve mobile service.”
“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t speak to a constituent who complains to me about having to pay for a mobile phone service they are unable to use for much of the time. I can confidently say it’s the number one issue raised with me by constituents.”
Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said that the review will hopefully lead to better cooperation between stakeholders to make improvements.
“This Review is an important contribution to the policy debate about regional connectivity,” Mr Penn said.
“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.
“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. I am looking forward to the entire industry working together to step up to the task.”
