Australians will have access to mobile phone calling and SMS services almost anywhere in Australia by 2027 under an Albanese government election pledge to leverage Starlink and other low earth orbit satellite and device technology.
Communications minister Michelle Rowland will on Tuesday announce an expansion to Australia’s universal service obligation framework to incorporate mobile coverage for the first time, if the Albanese government is re-elected.
The change would oblige mobile network operators to use low earth orbit satellites to expand access to Triple Zero around the country; expand outdoor voice and SMS coverage into existing mobile black spots; and improve signal availability during disasters and power outages.
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