REDLANDS residents are being urged to have their say on proposed changes to Australia’s mobile connectivity laws, with federal MP Henry Pike calling for submissions to a Senate inquiry into the legislation.
The Federal Coalition has opened the push as part of scrutiny into the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025, which it argues raises concerns about delivery and effectiveness.
Mr Pike said the inquiry presented a key opportunity for the community to weigh in.
“It’s vital our community is heard which is why I am calling for local submissions to the Senate inquiry.” Mr Pike said.
“Since being elected, improving mobile coverage across the Redlands has been a key priority. In communities like ours, reliable mobile connectivity can mean the difference between safety and isolation.”
The call follows years of reported mobile blackspots across the Redlands, with residents contributing data to help identify coverage gaps.
“Based on the blackspot real world data provided by Redlands residents I have been able to secure more than 43 mobile upgrades to date,” said Mr Pike. “However, significant gaps remain, particularly during severe weather events as locals experienced during TC Alfred.”
Mr Pike said the proposed legislation, introduced by Labor, required closer examination to ensure it would deliver meaningful improvements.
“Local residents, businesses and emergency services rely on strong and dependable connectivity every day, yet this proposed legislation leaves too many practical questions unanswered.”
Under the bill, telecommunications carriers would be required to provide “reasonable access” to outdoor mobile connectivity on an “equitable basis”, but critics argue the lack of detail creates uncertainty around how the obligation would be implemented.
The Redlands MP said the community needed confidence the reforms would translate into real-world outcomes.
“Reliable mobile connectivity is essential for Australians wherever they live, but I am concerned Labor’s proposed laws raise more questions than answers,” Mr Pike said.
“Given Labor’s record of communications failures which include the deadly triple zero outage and the botched 3G shutdown, Australians are entitled to demand this reform be thoroughly examined and amended if necessary.”
He also questioned whether the proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) would meet expectations.
“There are no guarantees this so-called universal outdoor mobile obligation (UOMO) will be affordable, available everywhere including from vehicles or ready to commence next year as Labor promised.”
“The Redlands deserves better and I will keep pushing the Government on this issue until they deliver”
Submissions to the Senate inquiry close on April 8, 2026.
