WAFarmers has welcomed the ACCC’s decision not to declare mobile domestic roaming across Australia.
Over the submission period, WAFarmers outlined that domestic roaming could stifle investment in telecommunications across rural and regional Western Australia.
However, WAFarmers General Policy Executive Officer Grady Powell encouraged all telcos to continue investing and expanding their networks in the bush.
“Across the regions, the number one issue raised is digital connectivity,” he said.
“Telecommunications have now become a necessity for rural businesses, and WAFarmers encourages all retailers to continue and expand their investment in rural and regional infrastructure.”
Over the submission period, Telstra outlined its intentions to expand its 3G and 4G networks. Now the final decision has been laid down by the ACCC, WAFarmers urges Telstra to implement its roll out.
“The ACCC decision now paves the way for Telstra to roll out its intended plans of an expanded network across regional Australia,” Mr Powell said.
“WAFarmers urges Telstra and other telcos to act swiftly and infrastructure improvements to improve rural connectivity.”
WAFarmers agreed with the ACCC that now is a good time to review the Facilities Access Code. This may create an environment where an increase in co-location or infrastructure sharing may occur.
“Although there is currently no regulatory road block preventing co-location from occurring, reviewing the code and seeing whether changes may incentivise co-location with the aim of improving access and connectivity across the regions can only be a positive measure,” Mr Powell said.
Now the uncertainty surrounding domestic roaming has been resolved, WAFarmers urges the Telcos to act collaboratively and expand their rural and regional mobile networks to create a digital environment where Western Australian agriculture can reach its full potential.
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
