IMPROVED MOBILE AND INTERNET SERVICES NEEDED DURING DISASTERS

One Gippsland is calling on the Australian Government to improve mobile and internet services in the region to support communities and authorities during natural disasters as Telstra and Optus last week began switching off their 3G networks.

 One Gippsland spokesperson and Wellington Shire CEO David Morcom said mobile and internet coverage that was resilient during disasters had the power to protect lives.

 “Gippsland has experienced almost 40 natural disasters in the past 10 years including catastrophic bushfires, floods and storms that have forever changed our communities,” Mr Morcom said.

“As a region, Gippsland has more lived experience than most and that is why we know that disaster-ready services need to be activated at any time,” Mr Morcom said.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network, while Telstra and Optus began shutting down their 3G networks on Monday, October 28.

In its submission to the Federal Government’s 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review, One Gippsland called for telecommunications to be recognised as an essential service, as well as:

●       Providers being required to meet service continuity standards to prevent significant, prolonged and widespread outages during natural disasters;

●       Providers required to provide reasonable standards of services to areas with low population; and

●       Infrastructure required to have at least 72 hours of auxiliary back-up power to avoid outages during emergencies. 

“Mobile and digital capability is just part of how we live and work today, people need to be contacted when they are on the move,” Mr Morcom said.

 “Our communities are hot spots for tourism so during peak holiday periods having black and grey communication spots is so dangerous, visitors to our communities must be able to be warned if disaster strikes," Mr Morcom said.

 “The government’s own data shows extreme weather events and natural disasters are on the rise, there has never been a more important time to get this right,” Mr Morcom concluded.

An independent committee is reviewing future and existing telecommunications needs in regional, rural and remote Australia. Its report is due to the Federal Government in December.

ENDS