Farmers slam Federal response to rural connectivity crisis

Farmers have voiced strong frustration over the federal government’s lack of action to improve regional mobile coverage, following its long-awaited response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review.

Released last week, the response was labelled inadequate by stakeholders who say rural communities are still battling poor and unreliable service.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee, said the review’s findings were clear, yet little has changed.

“There are gaping holes in our connectivity, and nothing’s been done to deliver the mobile service we need to stay safe, let alone connected,” she said.

The government released draft legislation to create a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), but farmers argue the proposal must ensure service is reliable, affordable and supported by broader infrastructure investment.

“Mobile coverage maps have not told the truth, and the 3G shutdown last year made things worse,” Mrs Thompson added.

Farmers are calling for urgent action to fix blackspots, boost network data capacity, and improve access to connectivity technologies. A recent Senate inquiry and the Telecommunications Review both provided clear roadmaps, but stakeholders say political will is lacking.

“The government must deliver on its promise of universal mobile coverage – and back it up with strategy, competition, and accountability,” Mrs Thompson said. “Farmers, who literally feed the nation, deserve better than this.”

The call for improved services comes amid growing reliance on digital technologies in agriculture, with safety, productivity and business continuity increasingly tied to reliable connectivity.