The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) inquiry into domestic mobile roaming, but says the Government should mandate roaming now and let the ACCC focus on how to implement this important policy.
Domestic mobile roaming would enable phones to automatically switch to another mobile network where their own network provider has no coverage – helping keep all Australians connected no matter where they live or work.
NFF CEO Mike Guerin said it was beyond time to take regional Australians’ connection concerns seriously.
“Domestic mobile roaming would be another vital step toward ending the connectivity divide for rural Australians,” Mr Guerin said.
“We’ve heard reports of farmers using two separate SIM cards for different sides of town, just to stay connected – this should not be happening in Australia in 2026.”
But Mr Guerin urged the Government to act now, and not delay implementation while waiting for the ACCC’s support.
“The Government should mandate roaming immediately and let the ACCC look at the implementation of domestic mobile roaming, rather than limiting its review to broad competition concerns,” Mr Guerin said.
“The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation and temporary, disaster-specific roaming are both in the pipeline, but they’re not silver bullets for rural connectivity.
“Mandatory mobile roaming will make every Australian safer. We can’t wait any longer.”