Ley Slams Mobile Coverage Failures After 3G Shutdown in Regional Australia

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has labelled the state of mobile phone coverage in regional Australia a “disgrace”, following the shutdown of the 3G network and ongoing black spots across major rural transport routes.

During an end-of-year interview with FlowFM's Wayne Phillips, Ms Ley said the loss of coverage was particularly dangerous in remote areas of her electorate of Farrer, including the Hay Plain, where motorists can travel long distances without a mobile signal.

“It’s all fine until your car breaks down, you’ve got children with you, it’s a hot day and suddenly your phone doesn’t work,” she said. “That becomes a real safety issue.”

She said telecommunications companies had assured her coverage would improve following the 3G shutdown in October 2023, but claimed those assurances had not been met. Ms Ley also criticised the federal government’s proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, which is not expected to commence until 2028.

“That is too little and far too late,” she said. “Country people are once again getting a raw deal.”

Ms Ley argued the government had failed to hold telecommunications providers to account, and said regional Australians were bearing the consequences of decisions made in Canberra by policymakers disconnected from rural realities.

“People in this government simply don’t understand what it means to live in rural and remote Australia,” she said.

Telecommunications remains one of Ms Ley’s top local priorities, with the Opposition Leader saying improved coverage is essential not only for safety, but also for economic participation, emergency response and daily life in the regions.

She said a future Coalition government would continue to pressure telcos and government regulators to deliver reliable, consistent coverage for regional communities.