Local governments in Queensland want a trial of domestic mobile roaming during emergencies to start soon. 

Queensland councils are urging the Federal Government to immediately commit to a trial of domestic mobile roaming during emergencies, as recommended by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee. 

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith says councils in Australia’s most disaster-prone and decentralised state have long sought the deployment of mobile roaming to regional areas to strengthen emergency communications and road safety. 

Ms Smith said Queensland councils would be well-placed to assist in the trial of domestic mobile roaming for emergency situations given their frontline role in disaster response and recovery. 

“The LGAQ welcomes the Committee’s recommendation in its 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review that the Government ‘undertakes a feasibility study to consider the capability for mobile roaming to be deployed in emergency circumstances’,” Ms Smith said. 

“Rolling out mobile roaming is key to ensuring better coverage, connectivity and safety across the state, while also boosting business and economic development.  

“Every one of Queensland’s regional, rural and remote communities contributes to the economic fabric of our nation, and every one of them should have access to the highest possible standard of connectivity to ensure their safety and liveability.

“It has been five years since the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission decided against declaring the need for domestic mobile roaming in the hope that the government and the market would improve services without it.

“Five years on, the connectivity and safety issues remain. Now is the time to take another look, and a trial of mobile roaming for emergency situations is the best way to demonstrate what could be achieved, were it allowed.  

“We urge the Federal Government to commit to this trial as soon as possible.”