AMTA urges government to prioritise mobile network reforms

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association has issued a call for prioritised government action to support the mobile sector through a comprehensive policy agenda.

In a statement, the Association urged all political parties and crossbench members to focus on policy settings that acknowledge the mobile industry as a foundation of Australia's digital economy and socio-economic growth.

AMTA's wishlist includes efficient spectrum allocation and renewal, harmonised infrastructure deployment processes, and greater investment in networks, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of Australia's mobile infrastructure.

The Association said these initiatives should be situated within a broader national framework, highlighting the significance of digital connectivity for the country's productivity and future competitiveness.

"These policy initiatives should be framed by an overarching digital economy strategy which recognises the role of the mobile sector as a key enabler of the digital economy. AMTA encourages the incoming government to recognise the role of mobile telecommunications and digital infrastructure, together with the industries it enables, as a key driver of productivity for Australia," the statement read.

The first key area identified is the creation of a refreshed digital economy strategy. The Association described digital technology as "indispensable to the daily lives of Australians and [a] cornerstone for Australia's future socio-economic prosperity."

According to AMTA, a competitive and sustainable mobile sector is vital for the ongoing growth of Australia's digital economy, as the platform underpins the delivery of digital applications and technologies that transform productivity across industries.

The Association recommended, "A whole of government plan that recognises the interdependencies of mobile networks, digital infrastructure, technology, innovation, energy, skills and cyber that will harness the transformative power of digital technology and its contribution to the broader economy."

AMTA also called for a coordinated National Mobile Tech Strategy involving collaboration across jurisdictions "to maximise the benefits of 5G as well as planning for 6G to ensure the productivity benefits of digital applications and technologies are leveraged across the economy."

Spectrum access and allocation policy was highlighted as a second challenge. The Association described spectrum as "the unseen but critical enabler of mobile connectivity and a key determinant of the financial sustainability of the sector," noting that costs and pricing have a direct impact on future investment and the capacity to meet rising demand.

AMTA called for implementation of a strategic spectrum policy plan to provide investment certainty and industry sustainability. "Implement a strategic spectrum policy plan including access, pricing and allocation of spectrum to provide the mobile sector with certainty for long-term, capital intensive, investment," the recommendations stated. The Association also stressed the need for renewal pricing and planning in alignment with international standards: "Adopt spectrum planning that makes available large contiguous bandwidth to aid efficient deployment of mobile technology to meet mobile data demand. This should align to global standards so that industry can leverage global economies of scale in the procurement of network infrastructure and devices."

Infrastructure deployment and planning was a third focus, with AMTA pointing to inconsistent regulations across states, territories, and hundreds of councils as an impediment to efficient rollout of new sites. The Association argued that modernisation of the Telecommunications Act 1997 is needed, particularly to expedite the delivery of services in rural and remote areas while balancing environmental concerns.

"Adopt a streamlined and nationally consistent planning regime for mobile deployment through whole of government policy settings that promote, not stifle, investment. Modernise the Telecommunications Act 1997 to allow for exemptions from planning approval for new mobile towers in rural and remote areas of Australia, so that improved service can be delivered sooner and cost effectively," the Association's statement said.

AMTA also recommended accelerating planning approval for federally-funded mobile blackspot towers and adopting its own Model Framework for state and territory reform, which it said identifies best practices for consistent planning.

Strengthening resilience against natural disasters comprised the fourth pillar of the policy wishlist. AMTA noted recent events such as Cyclone Alfred as evidence that enhanced government engagement is essential. The Association called for closer work with energy providers to prioritise power resilience for telecommunications networks, emphasising the critical link between network uptime and emergency response.

AMTA said, "Increase engagement with energy providers to prioritise power resilience for telecommunications networks during natural disasters and recognise the critical link between network resilience and power resilience. Work with relevant emergency services organisations on consumer education for individuals and communities on disaster preparedness and emergency communications measures. Engage further with industry on the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) obligations, including requirements for the specified capability and likely timeframes."

The Association's recommendations are directed towards ensuring Australia's mobile sector can continue to support the increasing demands and expectations of the economy and population, while underpinning broader goals for national digital transformation and disaster preparedness.