Creates a new Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999. The UOMO requires designated providers to make certain mobile services (initially voice calls and SMS) "reasonably available" outdoors across Australia on an "equitable basis". (proposed new Division 2A, esp. ss.12F–12T)
Names three default primary providers who start with the obligation: Telstra, Optus Mobile and TPG (the three national MNOs). The Minister may add or change providers by legislative instrument and may assign different obligations to different providers or areas. (proposed ss.12J–12L, 12G)
Leaves the detailed rules to the Minister by allowing standards, minimum performance benchmarks and rules to be made by disallowable legislative instruments. These can cover technical standards, areas to be covered, pricing and terms of supply, and what counts as "reasonably available" or "equitable". (proposed ss.12Q–12T)
Provides a default start date for the UOMO (1 December 2027) but lets the Minister bring it forward or postpone it (postponement limited to three 12‑month periods). (proposed s.12M)
Adds broader ministerial powers (Part 5A) to set standards, benchmarks and rules for mobile telecommunications services (MTS) generally — so regulation can be applied to carriers and carriage service providers before and outside the specific UOMO obligations. (proposed ss.125B–125E)
Allows the Minister to delegate these new powers to ACMA and to senior departmental staff; ACMA must follow the Minister’s written directions when exercising delegated powers. (replacement s.73 and new s.73A / proposed s.125F)
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Deep Dive
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What this bill would change
The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 amends the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to insert a new Division 2A establishing the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation. Part 1 of the single schedule adds definitions for designated mobile telecommunications services limited to voice calls and SMS, primary universal outdoor mobile providers, outdoor mobile coverage areas and the general Australian outdoor mobile coverage area that encompasses all of Australia including Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It imposes on designated providers the obligation to ensure mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, with the default commencement date of 1 December 2027. The Minister gains powers under proposed sections 12G, 12J, 12Q, 12R, 12S and 12T to determine by legislative instrument the circumstances when the obligation does not apply, to designate additional providers, to set standards including on terms and conditions of supply, to establish minimum performance benchmarks and to make rules for compliance. Part 2 inserts new Part 5A into the Act creating parallel powers for the Minister to determine standards, benchmarks and rules for all mobile telecommunications services supplied by carriers and carriage service providers, even before the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation default day. Consequential amendments are made to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Telecommunications Act 1997 to support these changes. The Bill repeals and replaces section 73 of the Act to expand delegation of ministerial powers to the Australian Communications and Media Authority and senior departmental staff.
Official source available
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Amends the: Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to establish a regulatory framework for a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation to ensure that baseline mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis; and Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and Telecommunications Act 1997 to make consequential amendments.
Parliamentary progress
Progress
House of Representatives
Introduced and read a first time
27 Nov 2025
Second reading moved
27 Nov 2025
Second reading debate
02 Mar 2026
Second reading debate
11 Mar 2026
Notes
Documents and transcripts
Text of bill
First reading
Explanatory memoranda
Explanatory memorandum
Transcript of speeches
All second reading speeches
Minister's second reading speech
Proposed amendments
House of representatives
2nd reading amendment
MCINTOSH, Melissa, MP
Detail - Crossbench
HAINES, Helen, MP
Schedules of amendments
No documents at present
Bills digest
Bills Digest
Notes
Considered by scrutiny committee (04/02/2026): Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills; Scrutiny Digest 2 of 2026
Referred to Committee (05/03/2026): Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Report due 14/05/2026
Funds for UOMO measures will come from the existing Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account (PITSSA), which mixes government appropriations and levy receipts (Telecommunications Industry Levy). (amendment to funding provisions)
Who this affects
Primary mobile network operators (PUOMPs): initially Telstra, Optus Mobile and TPG. They will face obligations to extend or arrange outdoor voice/SMS coverage to areas determined under the UOMO. (proposed ss.12J–12L)
Other carriers and carriage service providers (CSPs): may be subject to broader mobile standards and rules under Part 5A (proposed ss.125B–125E).
LEOSat/D2D providers (satellite operators and their handset technologies): likely suppliers of much of the new coverage; PUOMPs will rely on them commercially but the Bill does not make LEOSat operators subject to UOMO obligations.
MVNOs and retail service resellers: not designated PUOMPs; their customers may be affected by retail decisions (price, product design) but the Bill does not require wholesale access changes.
Consumers in regional, rural and remote areas and First Nations communities: the statutory objective is to make voice and SMS reasonably available outdoors on an equitable basis, but outcomes will depend on standards, pricing and technology choices.
Why it matters (official purpose, then practical trade‑offs)
Official purpose stated: to make baseline mobile voice and SMS coverage reasonably available outdoors across Australia, using a technology‑neutral approach (including low earth orbit satellites and direct‑to‑device satellite delivery). The Minister is given flexible powers to set where, how and by whom that baseline is delivered. (EM and proposed Division 2A)
Practical trade‑offs and implementation issues:
Funding and who pays: the Bill relies on PITSSA (a mix of budget appropriations and the industry levy). If costs exceed existing PITSSA allocations, the industry levy or budget funding will need to rise — the Bill does not include a public cost estimate. (EM and amendments to funding provisions)
Price risk and bargaining asymmetry: the Minister can set standards that include retail terms (including price) for PUOMPs (proposed s.12Q). PUOMPs will likely depend on foreign LEOSat operators for capacity; if upstream wholesale prices are high, PUOMPs may be forced into unfavourable commercial positions or need subsidies. The Bill does not make LEOSat operators subject to the UOMO. (proposed s.12Q; stakeholder submissions)
Ambiguity and enforcement: key phrases — "reasonably available" and "on an equitable basis" — are not clearly defined in the Bill and are left to Ministerial instruments. That creates legal and compliance uncertainty for providers and for consumers seeking enforceable rights. (proposed s.12F and related powers)
Technical and spectrum constraints: D2D and LEOSat delivery use limited spectrum and current D2D options mostly support SMS rather than reliable voice; the Bill excludes indoor, in‑vehicle and underground coverage by definition, limiting practical coverage. Changes to spectrum policy or technology will be required for some services. (definition of "outdoors" at proposed s.5/8D and EM)
Emergency calls and resilience: current D2D services mainly support SMS, whereas Australia’s Triple‑Zero emergency service requires voice. The Bill does not itself create a text‑to‑000 mechanism; it relies on existing emergency call rules but practical compatibility and resilience (roaming, camp‑on arrangements, redundancy) will depend on later standards and commercial arrangements. (EM; stakeholder submissions)
Competition and market effects: the UOMO imposes obligations on three large MNOs (by default) and gives the Minister power to assign coverage areas and different obligations to different providers. That concentrates regulatory cost on those firms, could affect wholesale bargaining and downstream retail pricing, and may leave MVNOs outside the direct scope of obligations. (proposed ss.12J–12L; Part 5A)
Delegation and ministerial discretion: the Bill gives broad rule‑making power to the Minister via disallowable instruments and allows extensive delegation to ACMA and Department staff; instruments can contain detailed operational requirements and catch‑all provisions. That speeds regulatory responsiveness but increases executive discretion and reliance on future instrument design.
Who decides, who pays, and what behaviour will change (plain statements)
Who decides: the Minister makes detailed coverage, standards and pricing decisions using disallowable legislative instruments; ACMA and senior departmental staff may exercise delegated powers but must follow the Minister’s written directions. (proposed ss.12G, 12Q–12T; replacement s.73 / new s.73A; proposed ss.125B–125F)
Who pays: initial funding is drawn from PITSSA (Telecommunications Industry Levy and appropriations). If PITSSA funds are insufficient, the industry levy or Commonwealth budget funding must increase or PUOMPs will need to absorb costs. (amendments to funding provisions; EM)
Behaviour changes required: designated PUOMPs must provide or arrange outdoor voice and SMS coverage as defined by the Minister; they may need to procure LEOSat/D2D capacity, modify retail terms (possibly under ministerial standards), and comply with newly prescribed performance benchmarks and rules. Consumers in affected areas may need new, compatible handsets or plans to access D2D/LEOSat services.
Bottom line (analyst’s lens, restrained)
Mechanically this Bill creates a flexible, minister‑driven regulatory regime to require national mobile providers to supply basic outdoor voice and SMS across Australia, and it creates standing powers to set standards and rules across the mobile sector. The measure shifts much of the detailed design and enforcement into future ministerial instruments.
That flexibility lets the government adjust as satellite and D2D markets evolve, but it also concentrates discretion in the executive, leaves core terms ("reasonably available", "equitable") open to instrument‑level definition, and exposes PUOMPs to upstream commercial risk from a small set of LEOSat suppliers. Funding and price transmission are unresolved and could mean levy increases, budget support or commercial strain on the designated providers.
Main concepts
The central concept is the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation defined in proposed subsection 12F(1) as the obligation to ensure that mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis. Designated mobile telecommunications services are confined to voice calls and short messaging service under proposed subsection 8BB(1), although the Minister may add further kinds by legislative instrument after consultation. Primary universal outdoor mobile providers are the three national mobile network operators, Telstra Limited, Optus Mobile Pty Limited and TPG Telecom Limited, under proposed section 12L, with the Minister able to designate others under proposed section 12J. Outdoor mobile coverage exists where an end-user outdoors at a location can use the service, excluding buildings, vehicles, aircraft, vessels and areas underground or underwater. The general Australian outdoor mobile coverage area covers the entire country. Reasonably available is framed around technical limitations and consumer choices such as handset compatibility, while equitable basis addresses access across regions without explicit affordability requirements in the primary obligation. Low earth orbit satellite and direct-to-device technologies are identified as the intended delivery mechanisms. The framework is deliberately flexible, allowing the Minister to split obligations, apply them differently to providers or areas, set standards on a broad range of matters including price-related terms, establish performance benchmarks and issue rules. Part 2 extends similar standard-making, benchmarking and rule-making powers to all mobile telecommunications services defined as carriage services usable while moving continuously with customer equipment not in physical contact with the network and supplied to the public.
Who it affects
The three primary universal outdoor mobile providers, Telstra, Optus and TPG, face direct obligations to deliver voice and SMS coverage outdoors across Australia from the commencement date, relying on partnerships with low earth orbit satellite operators such as SpaceX Starlink for Telstra and Optus. Other carriers and carriage service providers will be subject to any standards, benchmarks and rules made under the new Part 5A for mobile telecommunications services generally. Consumers in regional, rural and remote areas stand to gain baseline outdoor voice and SMS access where terrestrial networks have not been commercially viable, although those without compatible handsets or plans may still face practical barriers. Low-income and First Nations communities may experience affordability pressures if low earth orbit satellite services carry higher costs than terrestrial mobile. Mobile virtual network operators are not designated as primary providers and may face indirect effects through wholesale arrangements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority receives expanded delegation and potential sub-delegation roles in administering standards. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts gains delegation powers at SES Band 2 level. Funding flows through the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account, drawing on both government appropriations and the telecommunications industry levy paid by the broader sector. Emergency service organisations may see increased demand for text-to-000 capabilities once direct-to-device services are active. Local governments in areas such as the Northern Territory, where only about 30 percent of landmass currently has mobile coverage, will have an interest in implementation outcomes.
What people will want to know
People will want to know exactly when outdoor voice and SMS coverage becomes available in their location and whether the service will work inside buildings or vehicles. The obligation applies only outdoors and excludes indoor, in-vehicle and data services at commencement, although the Minister can adjust definitions by legislative instrument. Consumers will ask whether they need a new satellite-compatible handset and what the cost of compatible plans will be, given current premium pricing for low earth orbit satellite devices and warnings that roaming on such technology may exceed standard mobile rates. Questions will arise about access to Triple Zero, as current direct-to-device services support only SMS while emergency calls require voice, and the Bill relies on existing Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Determination 2019 rules rather than creating new text-to-000 obligations. People in regional areas will seek clarity on whether coverage will be truly equitable or whether exemptions for technical or cost reasons will leave persistent black spots. Individuals will want to know how complaints will be handled, whether through the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman or new benchmarks, and what remedies exist if a provider fails to meet standards. Taxpayers and industry participants will ask how much additional funding from the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account will be required and whether the telecommunications industry levy will rise. Businesses operating in remote areas will want details on whether the obligation extends to data or indoor coverage in future determinations. Users will also ask whether the Minister can postpone the 1 December 2027 start date and how many times such postponement is permitted.
Status and what happens next
The Bill was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives on 27 November 2025, with the second reading moved on the same day. Second reading debate occurred on 2 March 2026 and 11 March 2026. The Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills considered the Bill on 4 February 2026 and published Scrutiny Digest 2 of 2026. The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee received a referral on 5 March 2026 with a reporting date of 14 May 2026. At the time of the Parliamentary Library Bills Digest, the Senate Selection of Bills Committee had deferred its consideration. No proposed amendments beyond two second reading amendments from crossbench members have been lodged. The Bill awaits committee reports, resumption of debate, possible further amendments and votes in both houses before transmission for Royal Assent. If passed without alteration to commencement provisions, the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation framework activates the day after Royal Assent while the substantive obligation on providers defaults to 1 December 2027, subject to ministerial power to advance or postpone that date by up to three 12-month periods.
Powers, duties and rights created
The Bill creates a duty on primary universal outdoor mobile providers under proposed section 12K to ensure each kind of designated mobile telecommunications service is reasonably available outdoors throughout Australia. The Minister holds extensive powers to determine by legislative instrument which carriers or carriage service providers qualify as primary universal outdoor mobile providers, to specify different obligations for different providers or areas, to identify circumstances when the obligation does not apply, and to decide matters that must or must not be considered when assessing reasonable availability. Proposed subsection 12Q(1) empowers the Minister to set standards covering technical quality, terms and conditions including price, and any other matter concerning accessibility. Proposed sections 12R and 12S allow determination of minimum performance benchmarks for compliance with those standards and additional benchmarks for supply of designated services. Proposed section 12T permits the Minister to make rules on supply of designated services. Parallel powers under proposed sections 125B, 125C, 125D and 125E extend to all mobile telecommunications services outside the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation. The Minister may delegate these functions to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which may subdelegate to senior staff, and to senior departmental officers, subject to written directions. No new private rights of action for consumers are created; existing consumer protection mechanisms under the Act and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman continue to apply. The framework preserves ministerial capacity to respond to technological change without further primary legislation.
Money, penalties and enforcement
The Bill states it will not have direct financial impacts because funding for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will draw from the existing Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account, which receives both government appropriations and revenue from the telecommunications industry levy. No cost estimates or new appropriation figures appear in the Explanatory Memorandum. No specific civil penalties, criminal offences or infringement notice regimes are inserted by the Bill for breach of the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation or the new standards and rules. Compliance will rely on existing enforcement tools available to the Australian Communications and Media Authority under the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, together with any performance benchmarks that may be linked to funding eligibility or licence conditions. The Minister may incorporate price-related standards that could indirectly affect retail charges, yet the Bill contains no mechanism to compel low earth orbit satellite operators to offer wholesale services on particular terms. Industry participants have noted the absence of a cost-benefit analysis or explicit subsidy arrangements to cover potential gaps between regulated retail prices and upstream satellite costs. Enforcement of any future standards made under Part 5A will similarly depend on the Australian Communications and Media Authority's existing powers rather than new sanctions created by this legislation.
Pressure points and controversies
Stakeholder submissions and parliamentary commentary highlight several legal and policy trade-offs. The undefined phrase reasonably available creates uncertainty about the scope of the obligation and the breadth of permissible exemptions, with consumer groups arguing that open-ended language risks inconsistent application and weak enforceability. Reliance on low earth orbit satellite and direct-to-device technology raises questions of affordability, as current devices and roaming charges exceed standard mobile pricing and may disproportionately affect regional and low-income users. The absence of explicit affordability criteria or targeted subsidies in the primary obligation contrasts with the Minister's power to set price-related standards, leaving open whether such standards will be exercised. Exclusion of indoor coverage, in-vehicle use, data services and enhanced Triple Zero functionality at commencement has drawn criticism from farming organisations and territory local governments seeking broader utility for health, education and emergency purposes. The concentration of obligations on three national mobile network operators, without mandatory wholesale access requirements for mobile virtual network operators, may limit competition and consumer choice in regional markets. Foreign ownership of major low earth orbit satellite providers introduces sovereign risk considerations around service continuity and data routing. The flexible legislative instrument framework allows rapid adaptation to technology but provides limited statutory checks on ministerial discretion, prompting calls for mandatory consultation and regulatory advice before determinations. Funding arrangements through the telecommunications industry levy risk passing costs to all consumers without transparent allocation of any shortfall between providers and government. The decision to defer detailed standards until after passage creates a gap between legislative commitment and operational certainty for both providers and users.
What changes if it passes
Passage would embed the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation as a statutory requirement alongside the existing Universal Service Obligation for standard telephone services and payphones. Primary universal outdoor mobile providers would become legally responsible for making voice and SMS services reasonably available outdoors nationwide from the operative date, shifting from commercial rollout decisions to regulated universal coverage using satellite augmentation. The Minister would gain immediate capacity to issue standards, benchmarks and rules for all mobile telecommunications services, enabling pre-2027 regulatory action on quality, performance and consumer protections. Funding mechanisms would be confirmed through the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account, potentially requiring adjustments to the telecommunications industry levy or additional budget allocations once implementation costs are quantified. Consumers in currently unserved outdoor locations would acquire a formal expectation of baseline voice and SMS access, although practical realisation would depend on subsequent ministerial instruments and provider network deployment. The telecommunications regulatory framework would move further toward technology-neutral universal service concepts, reducing emphasis on legacy fixed-line infrastructure. Providers would face new compliance planning obligations and possible price regulation, while low earth orbit satellite operators would experience increased commercial demand without direct regulatory obligations under the Bill. Parliamentary oversight would continue through disallowance of legislative instruments and future reviews of the obligation's effectiveness.
Social post angles
Satellite voice and SMS for every outdoor location in Australia: the Bill creates a legal duty on the three major carriers to deliver baseline mobile coverage using low earth orbit technology from late 2027. Regional Australians gain formal rights to outdoor voice and text access, yet the legislation leaves indoor coverage, data speeds and emergency call enhancements for later ministerial decisions. Three carriers named as primary providers while smaller operators and virtual networks watch from the sidelines: the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation framework concentrates responsibility on Telstra, Optus and TPG. Cost questions remain open as the Bill relies on existing levy funds without publishing estimates or subsidy rules for premium satellite services. Flexibility to update standards by disallowable instrument lets the Minister respond to maturing direct-to-device technology, but also defers certainty for consumers and carriers until after passage. Emergency services access depends on existing voice rules while current satellite SMS cannot directly reach Triple Zero, prompting calls for text-to-000 development before rollout. The legislation modernises the outdated Universal Service Obligation by shifting focus from landlines to mobile, yet retains the same funding account and provider levy model. Parliamentary committees will examine the Bill until May 2026, giving stakeholders a final window to shape standards on affordability, benchmarks and coverage definitions before the default 2027 start date.
The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 (the Bill) amends the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 (the Act) to establish the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO).
Part 1 of Bill outlines the UOMO. When commenced, this will initially require Telstra, Optus Mobile and TPG Telecom to ensure that mobile coverage (voice and text services) is ‘reasonably available’ outdoors to all people in Australia on an ‘equitable basis’.
The additional mobile coverage is intended to be provided by low earth orbit satellite (LEOSat) and direct-to-device (D2D) technologies.
A flexible framework is provided for the Minister to determine coverage areas, obligations, providers, standards, benchmarks and rules in relation to the UOMO.
The Bill will facilitate funding for the UOMO from the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account, which contains a mix of government appropriations and telecommunications industry levy funds.
Part 2 of the Bill will insert broad new powers to make standards, rules and benchmarks for carriers and carriage service providers in relation to mobile telecommunication services. These provisions were not part of the exposure draft legislation released for consultation in September 2025 and were added in response to recommendations from consumer stakeholders.
At the time of writing the Senate Selection of Bills Committee has deferred its consideration of the Bill to its next meeting.
Introductory Info
Date of introduction: 27 November 2025
House introduced in: House of Representatives
Portfolio: Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Commencement: The Bill will take effect the day after Royal Assent, but the default start date of the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will be 1 December 2027.
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 (the Bill) is to amend the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 (the Act) to establish the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO). The UOMO designates Telstra Limited (Telstra), Optus Mobile Pty Limited (Optus) and TPG Telecom Limited (TPG) as primary universal outdoor mobile providers (PUOMPs), that will be required to ensure that mobile coverage (voice and text services) is reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis. The designated mobile telecommunications services (DMTS) to be provided in the UOMO will be SMS and voice services. The Bill will make minor consequential amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Telecommunications Act 1997 to facilitate the UOMO.
The Bill will also amend the Act to provide that Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine standards and benchmarks and make rules to be complied with by carriers and carriage service providers (CSPs) in relation to mobile telecommunication services (MTS).
Structure of the Bill
The Bill consists of 1 schedule, comprising of 2 parts:
Part 1 amends the existing public interest telecommunications services provisions of the Act to incorporate the UOMO, and gives the Minister for Communications (the Minister) new powers to set standards, make rules and benchmarks with regards to the UOMO
Part 2 gives the Minister new powers to make standards, rules and benchmarks that need to be complied with by CSPs in relation to MTS outside of the UOMO.
Background
Key terminology
Direct-to-device (D2D) technology provides direct connectivity between a mobile phone and a satellite network. It is also referred to as satellite direct-to-mobile service, direct to handset, direct to cell or direct to satellite (p. 2).
Low earth orbit satellites (LEOSat) are small, fast-moving satellites positioned at an altitude between 500 to 2,000 km above the Earth’s surface, used in communications markets and other applications (p. 1).
Shifting preferences in telecommunications
According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), there has been a steady decline in usage of landline phones by Australian adults, from 54% in 2017 to 15% in 2024. Over the same period, the usage of mobile phones for calls has increased from 95% to 98%. In regional areas this proportion was even higher, with 99% of respondents using a mobile phone for calls in 2024. ACMA explains that increasing availability and affordability of mobile devices and technologies has resulted in this shift in consumer preferences (p. 8).
Telecommunications in regional Australia
Telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote (RRR) communities have frequently been a priority area. The Parliament established the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) under the Act in 2005 (p. 3). The RTIRC is established every 3 years and examines the suitability of telecommunications services in RRR Australia. The most recent RTIRC review completed in December 2024, highlighted dissatisfaction with mobile services among respondents from RRR areas of Australia, citing issues with reliability, call dropouts and slow data speeds (p. 56).
The issues with mobile connectivity in RRR Australia can be largely explained by population density patterns. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in its 2023 report:
Given the high cost of investing in mobile infrastructure in regional and remote areas, there are areas where the population density is too low for a business case for the mobile network operators to invest in their networks to address these coverage and congestion issues on a commercial basis. (p. 7)
The current Universal Service Obligation
The Universal Service Obligation (USO) is a legislative requirement under Part 2, Division 2 of the Act. It is the obligation that standard telephone services (STS) and payphones ‘are reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business’ (section 9(1)). Telstra has been determined as the ‘primary universal service provider’ responsible for the service obligations under the USO (section 12D).
The USO was incorporated into a 20-year contract between Telstra and the Commonwealth in 2012 (ceasing in 2032). The Telstra USO Performance Agreement is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (the Department). Telstra receives a fixed and unindexed annual payment of $253 million for STS and $44 million for payphones (GST-inclusive). These payments are funded through the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account (PITSSA) which contains a mix of budget funding, and funds collected from the telecommunications industry levy (TIL).
The relevancy of the USO has been scrutinised in multiple reviews. The 2015 RTIRC review found the USO arrangements were outdated and increasingly irrelevant (pp xii-xiii). In response, the Turnbull Government directed the Productivity Commission (PC) to examine the USO’s arrangements in an evolving telecommunications market. The PC completed the inquiry in 2017 and recommended the USO should be wound up in 2020 as it was ‘anachronistic and costly’ (p. 2).
In October 2023, the Government consulted with stakeholders on the delivery of a modern universal telecommunication service framework. There was broad agreement among submissions that the current USO was no longer fit-for-purpose, with some repeating longstanding concerns about the stress that is being placed on legacy networks due to their aging and deteriorating technology (p. 8). There was strong support among a large proportion of stakeholders for moving to a more technology-neutral approach where voice services could be best delivered over a mixture of technologies. LEOSat technology was viewed as a promising alternative for voice and broadband services particularly in RRR communities (p. 9).
The 2024 RTIRC review found that the USO required modernisation and recommended it should be technology-neutral (p. 8). In response to the 2024 review, the Government announced the UOMO in February 2025 which would ‘… require mobile carriers to provide access to mobile voice and SMS almost everywhere across Australia’. Draft legislation was released for consultation on 18 September 2025.
Policy position of non-government parties/independents
The proposed UOMO has faced criticism from the Coalition and the Australian Greens including in relation to timing, coverage and cost. On 25 February 2025, the Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh, characterised the UOMO announcement as a ‘desperate headline… on the eve of the election’:
The government claims this will provide mobile coverage, almost everywhere, but has failed to detail which areas will miss out or the cost. [LEOSat] and [D2D] offers exciting new technology but they are not yet fully tested, trialled or readily available in Australia.
In response to the UOMO draft legislation, the Shadow Minister for Communications and the Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Dr Anne Webster, stated that the Coalition was ‘shocked’ the Government had ‘… committed no funding to improving regional connectivity … and kicked the UOMO can down the road to 2028’. Dr Webster stated ‘… the only “universal” thing about it is it is full of black holes - funding black holes, commitment black holes and continuing connectivity black holes’. In a press release on 29 September 2025, Dr Webster stated:
The draft UOMO legislation relies too heavily on satellite solutions, ignoring the need for on-ground redundancy.
…
An updated USO must mandate network resilience, including cross-carrier roaming for triple zero calls and mandatory upkeep of taxpayer-funded towers from the Mobile Black Spot Program.
In a statement to Crikey, Australian Greens communications spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticised the UOMO announcement for a ‘lack of transparency … about the costs and risk analysis’.
Stakeholder comments
Public submissions responding to the draft legislation consultation process were largely supportive of the proposed UOMO, though several industry and consumer submissions raised concerns regarding the detail and implementation of the UOMO (discussed further below). Consumer stakeholders recommended that enforceable standards, rules and benchmarks be developed prior to the UOMO commencement. Industry stakeholders suggested a flexible approach be taken to the UOMO due to the infancy of LEOSat markets.
Key issues and provisions
Part 1,Universal outdoor mobile obligation
Key definitions
Proposed subsection 12F(1) of the Act (at item 16 of the Bill) defines the UOMO as ‘the obligation to ensure that mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis’. This includes an obligation to supply ‘each kind of designated mobile telecommunications service (DMTS) such that the service is reasonably available outdoors throughout Australia’ (proposed subsection 12F(2)).
DMTS is defined at proposed subsection 8BB(1) (item 11) as a mobile telecommunications service that enables an end-user to communicate with other end-users by means of voice calls or short messaging service (SMS). The Minister may determine other kinds of DMTS by legislative instrument, following consultation and consideration of technical and market considerations, and potential impact on consumers.
The UOMO will be imposed on primary universal outdoor mobile providers (PUOMPs) (proposed section 12K). The default PUOMPs will be Telstra, Optus and TPG (proposed section 12L), however the Minister may also determine, by legislative instrument, that a specified carrier or CSP is a PUOMP (proposed section 12J) (discussed further below).
Under proposed section 12H, mobile coverage would be considered available ‘to the extent to which each kind of [DMTS] is available outdoors at that location’. A DMTS would be consider available outdoors at a location ‘if the service is supplied such that an end-user who is outdoors at that location can use the service’.
Under proposed subsections 12F(3) and (4) the Minister could also determine, via legislative instrument, the circumstances when the UOMO does not apply and matters which must, or must not, be considered in determining if mobile coverage or a DMTS is ‘reasonably available outdoors’.
Reasonably available
The Explanatory Memorandum (EM) describes ‘reasonably’ available coverage in the UOMO as dealing with situations where it may not be possible for a provider to provide coverage due to reasons such as technical limitations or consumers deciding not to purchase a compatible handset or plan. As such, the UOMO is to ensure that DMTS can be used outdoors at locations where it is reasonable to expect them to be able to be used (p. 20).
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and NSW Farmers both raised concerns with mobile coverage being ‘reasonably available’ under the UOMO in their consultation submissions. ACCAN notes:
… ‘reasonably available’ is not a defined term in the draft legislation … This open-ended language creates significant uncertainty regarding what constitutes ‘reasonable’ mobile coverage. It creates opportunity for providers to circumvent their obligation and disputes over compliance could arise. Service providers may interpret ‘reasonably available’ too narrowly, leading to inconsistent application across different regions. A service provider may also argue that its ability to make the service reasonably available was impacted by an event that was within its control (as opposed to one beyond their control). Additionally, the lack of clear benchmarks could leave consumers without enforceable rights to challenge subpar service. (p. 7)
In particular, ACCAN was concerned with the Minister’s capacity to exempt specific locations or circumstances from UOMO requirements in proposed subsections 12F(3) and (4) and subsections 8D(3) and (4):
As there is a risk that exemptions could be applied too broadly, inadvertently undermining the policy's goal of equitable access, we propose that this power be guided by explicit criteria in the legislation, for example, whether they relate to geographic barriers, cost issues, or technological limitations. (p. 7)
Equitable basis
In their consultation submissions, the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) and ACCAN noted that ‘equitable basis’ is not clearly defined, nor is affordability included as a requirement in the UOMO.
AMTA warned that ‘[r]oaming on LEOsat technology in remote parts of Australia is likely to be more costly than standard voice and text services’ (p. 4).
ACCAN recommended the UOMO include providing affordable options for low-income and vulnerable consumers. It warned that LEOSat technology is currently unaffordable to most in RRR and First Nations communities and could exacerbate existing inequities:
… LEOSat technology will predominantly be utilised by consumers living in RRR Australia, where the median average incomes range from $33,800 to $51,999. Furthermore, First Nations communities are already disproportionately affected by the digital ability gap and have a higher reliance on mobile-only connectivity, facing even greater risks of digital exclusion if targeted subsidies are not introduced...
Compounding these affordability challenges is the current lack of low-cost, LEOSat-compatible devices. Currently, most available options are premium smartphones, which places further financial pressure on consumers in RRR and low-income communities. Without the introduction of more affordable devices or targeted subsidies, the high upfront cost of compatible hardware risks deepening existing digital inequities and limiting the potential benefits of LEOSat technology for those who need it most. (pp 11-12)
Proposed subsection 12Q(1) provides the Minister can, via legislative instrument, determine standards which PUOMPS must comply with in relation to DMTS supplied or proposed to be supplied in fulfilment of the UOMO, including ‘the terms and conditions (whether or not relating to price or a method of ascertaining price) of the supply of a [DMTS]’. The EM suggests this provision could be used to ensure PUOMPs provide ‘equitable access to and support vulnerable groups for example by offering a product targeted to low income groups’ (p. 26).
The NFF recommended that the Minister use this power to ‘ensure that affordability is embedded as a core component of the UOMO from the outset’ and that ‘UOMO-compliant mobile services are available at transparent, fair, and regionally consistent prices’ (p. 12):
If the UOMO is to be truly universal, it must be accessible not only in terms of coverage, but also in terms of cost. In [RRR] areas, where market competition is often limited or non-existent, reliance on market forces alone will not guarantee fair or affordable pricing. Without safeguards, there is a real risk that consumers in these areas will be priced out of essential mobile services, undermining the very purpose of the UOMO (p. 12).
Outdoor mobile coverage
Proposed section 8D defines an outdoor mobile coverage area as geographical area within Australia or any area of land, regardless of size and the general Australian outdoor mobile coverage area (GAOMCA) as the area consisting of Australia. The definition of ‘Australia’ in section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 applies (see subsection 5(1) of the Act), so that Australia includes Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Proposed subsections 8D(3) and (4) provide that the Minister can, by legislative instrument, determine an area as not being part of an outdoor mobile coverage area or the GAOMCA.
The Bill’s definition of outdoors excludes buildings, vehicles, aircrafts, vessels or areas that are underground or underwater (see the definition to be inserted into subsection 5(2) by item 7). According to the EM, this reflects current limitations in D2D technology, as mobile SMS supplied over D2D platforms is not consistent nor reliable when the user is in a building or vehicle (p. 15).
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) noted that while current D2D LEOSat technologies require the end-user’s device to have direct line-of-sight to the satellite to function, they anticipated these technologies may one day improve to the point where it would not be unreasonable for the UOMO to apply when an end-user is driving. The TIO recommended the Bill provide scope for the Minister to alter the exclusion of in-vehicle coverage from the UOMO (p. 6).
According to the Local Government Association of Northern Territory (LGANT), only about 30% of the NT’s landmass has mobile coverage (p. 1). The LGANT recommends that the UOMO’s scope is expanded to ‘include indoor coverage and mobile data or commit to developing enforceable standards for these in the future’ so NT communities can support health, education and economic participation (p. 3).
Links to Triple Zero and emergency services
GrainGrowers, NSW Farmers and the NFF raised the lack of explicit references to Triple Zero access and emergency services as part of the UOMO and recommended that it should be embedded as a core capability.
The EM recognises that the Bill does not explicitly reference Triple Zero and emergency services as a requirement for the UOMO. It clarifies there is already a longstanding requirement for providers of public MTS to provide equitable access to Triple Zero via rules set out in the Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Determination 2019 made under Part 8 of the Act. Any voice services carried by public MTS are captured, meaning voice services provided under the UOMO will support access to Triple Zero (p. 4).
However, as ACCAN noted, LEOSat-based D2D technologies currently support only SMS functionality and in Australia, emergency services can only be directly contacted via voice calls. ACCAN considered it was essential the Government establish a text-to-000 service while D2D services remain limited to SMS (p. 12).
AMTA recommends consideration of emergency ‘camp-on’ arrangements (p. 10) under which mobile phones can connect to another available network for the purposes of calling Triple Zero if the mobile phone is unable to detect the user’s home network:
This should include consideration of the ability for “camp-on” arrangements to apply, especially in circumstances where there may only be one LEOsat provider offering commercial services. It should also consider the ability of [mobile network operators] to meet the various Triple Zero information obligations that may now rely in part on third party supply arrangements.
Consideration should also be given to setting appropriate customer expectations around the availability of emergency calling, given the service limitations of the D2D service ... (p. 7)
Similarly, the NSW Telco Authority recommended the Bill include a requirement for PUOMPs to enable mobile roaming to customers of other networks if their PUOMP does not cover that area (pp 1-2).
Market impacts
Costs and funding
The Bill’s EM states that it will not have financial impacts as it will use funds in the PITSSA to support the UOMO (p. 7), mirroring how the existing USO is funded (see proposed paragraph 13(1)(ba)). The lack of any cost estimates has been a shared criticism from the Opposition and the Greens. For example, Ms McIntosh stated in February 2025 ‘[t]he government has failed to declare how much the Mobile Obligation commitment will cost and who will have to pay for it.’
A departmental analysis report on LEOSats in 2024 noted that they have significant infrastructure and upfront capital costs and require advanced network management systems. As LEOSat signals cover a smaller area due to their low altitude, more LEOSats are required to provide continuous coverage, and require more frequent replacement than geostationary satellites (p. 13). According to a 2023 report from Nova Systems, at the time of the report, neither Starlink nor OneWeb (major LEOSat operators) were profitable businesses, making their reliance on continual financing more susceptible to external market shocks (p. 126).
AMTA said the following regarding costs and pricing:
… the obligations to expand mobile coverage Australia wide … will likely require significant new investment in infrastructure, spectrum, technology and operational support systems. However, no cost benefit analysis has been undertaken to assess the costs to [PUOMPs] of meeting the obligations. Further, no consideration has been given to the price implications of these costs on services and consumers and whether government funding is likely to be required to help PUOMPs meet affordability expectations. (p. 4)
ACCAN also noted that the UOMO framework will impose additional obligations on PUOMPS along with possible additional compliance costs. It recommended the EM provide detailed clarification on the implications of the UOMO for service pricing and potential government subsidies, given the high costs of LEOSat-based D2D services (p. 8).
Additional funds from the PITSSA may be needed to support UOMO arrangements whether through an increase in the TIL, budget funding, or a combination of the two. Telstra’s consultation submission questioned the funding arrangements of the UOMO:
If UOMO retail prices are set by the Minister regardless of upstream prices, there is an inherent risk of LEO[Sat] [D2D] retail prices being set below cost. In that, case how will UOMO services be funded? Is it the Government’s intention that mobile consumers who rarely or never use the LEO[Sat] [D2D] portion of the UOMO service should subsidise those who use it frequently? Or will the Government make available Commonwealth funding for this purpose? (p. 13)
Vocus, a fibre network provider, criticised the funding arrangements of levies like the TIL as outdated, as they are not absorbed by industry, but are passed onto consumers. It urged the Government to reform public funding arrangements and adopt a competitive, technology-neutral approach (pp 3-4).
Price regulation
As mentioned above, proposed subsection 12Q(1) will provide the Minister with the power to set standards that must be complied by PUOMPs regarding the provision of the UOMO, including pricing. Telstra criticised this inclusion as not part of the existing USO, highlighting that LEOSat-based D2D services are dependent on upstream (LEOSat operator) prices. They recommend that any price regulation should be applied to the LEOSat operators instead (pp. 12-13).
Similarly, AMTA noted that the UOMO falls ‘solely to the PUOMPs to provide expanded coverage in reliance on services provided by third party LEOsat providers’:
This creates significant bargaining asymmetries in favour of LEOsat providers to dictate commercial terms. LEOsat providers have no legal obligation to provide a service that meets the price or service expectations of the UOMO or to even provide a service at all. PUOMPs may have little if any ability to negotiate acceptable terms and will essentially be price takers at the behest of the large global LEOsat providers. (p. 5)
AMTA recommends that the Bill includes a regulatory power for the Minister to ensure obligations on PUOMPs flow through to LEOSat operators; or that the obligation outside of the PUOMPs existing mobile network is conditional on having access to a D2D service on commercial terms (p. 6).
Primary universal outdoor mobile providers
As noted above, at the commencement of the UOMO, there will be 3 default PUOMPs (Telstra, Optus and TPG) but the Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a specified carrier or CSP is a PUOMP (proposed section 12J). The Minister will also have the capacity to apply different outdoor mobile obligations to different PUOMPs and also make PUOMPs responsible for different areas in Australia via legislative instruments.
This is a substantial change from the existing USO, which has only one provider (Telstra). This previous arrangement was criticised by some participants in the PC’s 2017 inquiry as anticompetitive and distortive of market signals (p. 98). Under the UOMO, the PUOMPs are the 3 national mobile network operators (MNOs) who own and operate the majority of Australia’s mobile network infrastructure (EM, p. 20). ACCAN was concerned with limiting the UOMO to the PUOMPs and proposed including mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) as many Australians purchase their services via MVNOs, and their exclusion could create affordability challenges and hinder competition for RRR consumers (p. 9). MVNOs sell mobile services but do not operate a mobile network, buying network access at wholesale rates from one of the MNOs (p. 20).
According to the EM, the ACCC has powers under Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to intervene in wholesale access markets to enable greater competition. As such, the UOMO does not seek to mandate the provision of terrestrial or D2D mobile services at the wholesale level (p. 6).
LEOSat operators
There are only a small number of LEOSat operators in the Australian market. Telstra and Optus have both partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink for their D2D services. Optus is yet to rollout this service to customers. TPG has not yet announced which LEOSat operator will be used for its service, but had conducted trials using Lynk in May 2025.
NSW Farmers and AMTA both raised concerns with potential sovereign risk issues in relying on foreign entities for LEOSat service provision. AMTA warned that, while there are currently several potential LEOSat operators in Australia (all based overseas), there is no guarantee which operators will remain in Australia given that the market will likely only support one or two operators (p. 5). Senator Hanson-Young has also expressed concern that ‘[t]here are real risks for our national interest if large parts of Australia’s internet and telecommunications infrastructure is so reliant on Elon Musk and his Starlink system.’
Spectrum management
The Bill makes no specific reference to the provision of spectrum for the UOMO. Radio frequency spectrum is recognised as a finite resource, allocated through ACMA via licences, usually by auction. D2D services are delivered in two forms, each utilising different frequencies (p. 2):
Mobile-satellite service (MSS): requires mobile phones with satellite communications capabilities (usually via addition of satellite operator proprietary technology). These use frequency bands already allocated to MSS services.
International mobile telecommunications (IMT) services: are usable by standard mobile phones without additional hardware. They use frequency bands allocated to terrestrial mobile services with no MSS allocation, which raises potential technical and regulatory issues.
Telstra’s consultation submission expressed concern that the spectrum suitable for the delivery of LEOSat D2D services in Australia was ‘extremely scarce’. Telstra argued that a national spectrum strategy was needed and suggested changes to spectrum allocations to facilitate UOMO services (p. 3).
Similarly, AMTA cautioned that with current available spectrum for LEOSat D2D, it is unlikely to be possible to simultaneously run 4G and 5G satellite networks. AMTA cautioned that if PUOMPs needed to withdraw 4G satellite services to free up spectrum to deliver the UOMO, it could lead to ‘a very poor customer experience, akin to 3G closure, that could force consumers to upgrade their phones to retain access to the UOMO SMS Service’ (p. 12).
Flexible framework
The EM notes that the Bill has been designed with ‘a flexible framework which can be adjusted, by disallowable legislative ministerial instrument, as the market develops and satellite technology evolves’ (p. 3).
For example, proposed section 12G concerns situations where the Minister can, via legislative instrument, split the UOMO into separate obligations (e.g., separating voice and SMS obligations), applying the obligations to different PUOMPs at different times, or in different outdoor mobile coverage areas. Proposed subsection 12G(3) provides that the determination must also specify what must be supplied or done to fulfill the obligation
As discussed above, proposed section 12Q allows the Minister to determine, by legislative instrument, standards in relation to a broad range of matters which must be complied with by PUOMPs in fulfilment of the UOMO. This includes a catchall , ‘any other matter concerning the accessibility of a [DMTS]’ (proposed paragraph 12Q(1)(h)).
Further, the Minister may determine minimum performance benchmarks in relation to compliance by a PUOMP with a standard determined under proposed section 12Q (see proposed subsection 12R). The Minister may also determine, by legislative instrument, other performance benchmarks which must be complied with by PUOMPs in supplying a DMTS in fulfilment of the UOMO (proposed section 12S).
Proposed section 12T will provide the Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules in relation to the supply, or proposed supply of DMTS in fulfilment of the UOMO and that PUOMPs must comply with.
In its consultation submission Telstra argued that a cautious approach should be taken to the development of standards for UOMO services ‘before the technology has matured’ (p. 10). The AMTA was also concerned that the ‘broad nature of the discretion that the Bill gives to the Minister, with limited checks and balances on the exercise of those powers … creates significant risk and uncertainty for the sector’ (p. 6):
AMTA recommends that where a power is conferred on the Minister to make future determinations it should be subject to a number of reasonable checks and balances, such as the requirement for industry consultation and seeking advice from an appropriate regulator. This should help to ensure that the exercise of Ministerial power is reasonable and consistent with the public interest.
Default start date
The default start date of the UOMO is specified in the Bill as 1 December 2027. However, through notifiable instrument, the Minister may determine an earlier date (see proposed subsection 12M(4)) or postpone the start date (see proposed subsection 12M(3)). The Minister may postpone the start date by 12 months up to 3 times.
Telstra’s consultation submission questioned whether it was appropriate to limit the number of times the commencement can be postponed ‘given the circumstances that will apply by 2031 are entirely unknown at this point’ (p. 13).
Delegation to ACMA and the Department
The Bill will repeal and replace section 73 of the Act which addresses the delegation of the Minister’s powers and functions to staff members of ACMA for Part 2 of the Act, which deals with public interest telecommunications services. This will apply to all of the Minister’s powers and functions in Part 2, not only those in proposed Division 2A inserted by the Bill.
Proposed section 73 provides that the Minister may delegate functions or powers under Part 2 to ACMA and that in performing delegated functions or powers ACMA must comply with the written directions of the Minister. ACMA may also subdelegate to ACMA members or staff of ACMA at the SES Band 2 level or higher.
Proposed section 73A will also allow the Minister to delegate all or any of the Minister’s powers or function in Part 2 of the Act to a staff member of the Department at the SES Band 2 level or higher.
Part 2,Mobile telecommunications services standards, benchmarks and rules
The EM notes that Part 2 will insert new Part 5A into the Act ‘to give the Minister … new powers to make standards, rules and benchmarks that need to be complied with by carriers and CSPs in relation to mobile telecommunications services ahead of the UOMO default day (of 1 December 2027)’ (p. 2). The amendments in Part 2 were not part of the exposure draft legislation released for consultation in September 2025. The EM notes that these new powers were added in response to recommendations from consumer stakeholders such as the NFF (pp 11-12) and ACCAN (p. 11), for enforceable standards, rules and benchmarks to be developed prior to the UOMO commencement (p. 5).
Item 7 of Part 1 of the Bill will insert a broad definition of MTS in the Act. Services will fall into this category where:
an end-user can use a carriage service while moving continuously between places
the customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied and
the service is supplied to the public.
Proposed subsection 125B(1) (at item 21) provides that the Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine standards to be complied with by carriers and CSPs in relation to an MTS supplied, or proposed to be supplied. This power will be in relation to a broad range of matters, mirroring the UOMO standards in proposed subsection 12(Q)(1), without the provision regarding the terms and conditions of the supply of an MTS.
These ministerial determinations may be of general or limited application and may make ‘provision for or in relation to a matter by conferring a power on ACMA to make a legislative instrument’ (proposed subsections 125B(2) and (4)).
The EM indicates that ‘[i]t is intended that standards determined under proposed subsection 125B would take into consideration wholesale market, technical and consumer issues’ (p. 32).
Under proposed section 125C the Minister will also be able to determine, by legislative instrument, minimum performance benchmarks in relation to compliance by a carrier or CSP with standards made under proposed section 125B.
The Minister may also, by legislative instrument, determine other minimum performance benchmarks that must be complied with by carriers and CSPs in relation to the supply or proposed supply of an MTS by a carrier or CSP (proposed section 125D).
Finally, the Minister will have a broad regulation making power in relation to MTS. Proposed section 125E provides the Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules to be complied with by carriers and CSPs in relation to MTS supplied or proposed to be supplied.
As with the above provisions dealing with the UOMO, the Minister will be able to delegate ‘all or any of the Minister’s powers’ to ACMA (which may be subdelegated) or SES Band 2 or higher employees in the Department. Those delegated powers and functions must comply with the written directions of the Minister (proposed section 125F).
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