A coalition of regional advocacy groups has welcomed a Productivity Commission finding that Australia’s telecommunications universal service obligation (TUSO) needs reform.
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In a draft report released this week, the Commission proposed the TUSO be replaced with a universal service policy objective to provide a baseline broadband and voice services to all premises in Australia, having regard to its accessibility and affordability, following the completion of the National Broadband Network roll out.
The Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition (RRRCC), a group campaigning to end the data drought, has welcomed the report.
“It is pleasing that the PC has recognised that the current USO agreement is out of date and that voice and broadband access should be part of the USO into the future,” NSW Farmers Association President Derek Schoen said.
“A temperamental landline doesn’t provide the connectivity that farm businesses need.
“Reliable access to fast internet is set to be the key driver of agricultural productivity.”
Commissioner Paul Lindwall said the National Broadband Network roll out, scheduled for completion in 2020, would also make the current TUSO obsolete.
“In a digital age, the current obligation — requiring Telstra to provide all Australians with access to basic fixed line telephones and payphones — is anachronistic and needs to change,” he said.
Visit www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/telecommunications/draft for more information.
