Telecommunication networks can falter just when they are needed most - during times of natural disasters.
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That was highlighted when bushfires and then floods swept across so much of the country during Black Summer.
Service reliability is among the focuses of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review which is examining the adequacy of telecommunication services.
Submissions to the Regional Telecommunications Review close this week with residents in rural, regional, remote communities across Australia encouraged have their say.
The Review, which is held every three years, assists the Australian government to understand telecommunications in regional Australia and develop policy and programs in response. The committee is due to report back to government by the end of the year.
Chair of the Review Committee, the Hon Luke Hartsuyker, said final submissions to the review are due by Thursday, September 30 at 5pm AEST.
"The views of individuals, families, businesses and organisations, including those in vulnerable areas, will provide important insight and help inform the final report card back to government," Mr Hartsuyker said.
"Our focus is on understanding the adequacy of broadband and mobile services for people in regional, rural, and remote areas, how they are currently being used and, crucially, what changes the committee can recommend to government to ensure any issues raised are addressed."
Other issues affecting consumers in the review's Terms of Reference include the response to COVID-19, ways of improving government coordination, the reliability of local services, and whether current policies to improve connectivity, competition, and digital literacy are effective.
Interested parties can still provide a written submission by uploading a response to the consultation page at www.rtirc.gov.au (preferred), email to secretariat@rtirc.gov.au, or via post. The Issues Paper and details on how to make a submission can be found at www.rtirc.gov.au/.
The Committee is the Hon Luke Hartsuyker (Chair), Ms Sue Middleton, Ms Kristy Sparrow, Professor Hugh Bradlow, and Mr Michael Cosgrave.
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