122/05
19 October 2005

Government committed to mobiles in the Bush

The Government would welcome any commitment by Telstra, or any other telecommunications carrier, to rollout next generation mobile phone networks to the bush, provided customers were not left dangling on the end of the line, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, said today.

This followed speculative reports that Telstra is considering shutting down its CDMA mobile phone network which services rural, regional and remote Australia and replacing it with a 3G network.

“I would urge caution when dealing with speculation. As long as Telstra continues to deliver the same or better services to its customers, then the rollout of a next generation network would be welcome,” the Minister said.

“Anything that Telstra can do to improve the delivery of new and existing services will benefit customers. I look forward to hearing more following the completion of Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo’s strategic assessment of the company.

“In the meantime consumers in rural, regional and remote Australia can be assured that the Government will not let them be left behind. Telstra has also indicated that the company is committed to serving consumers in rural and regional Australia.

“The historic $3.1 billion Connect Australia will ensure country Australia has the best available telecommunications services both now and into the future. Connect Australia will rollout affordable broadband connections to people living in regional, rural and remote areas, extend mobile phone coverage, build new regional communications networks and set up vital telecommunications services for remote Indigenous communities.

“It includes $878 million for Broadband Connect to provide all Australians with affordable broadband services; $113 million for Clever Networks to fund broadband networks to improve health, education and other essential service; and $90 million for Backing Indigenous Ability which will, among other things, improve internet services for remote Indigenous communities.

“This $1.1 billion package is the biggest regional telecommunications assistance program in Australia’s history. Further to this, a perpetual $2 billion Communications Fund has been established to roll-out new telecommunications services in rural, regional and remote Australia.

“When Labor was in Government they had no commitments for new networks just a commitment to shut one down. The Coalition is driving the provision of new services and new networks, better coverage and more equity in telecommunications services with unprecedented funding commitments and strong regulation.”