The Future of Mobile: Domestic Roaming
If you need to make a call, it shouldn’t matter who runs the local phone tower. Mobile roaming will bring competition, choice and better services - especially in the bush.
ACCAN is campaigning for a future where coverage inequities don’t leave people without service.
Domestic roaming, alongside complementary satellite technologies, is the key to unlocking access in regional and remote areas.
The time is right to implement mobile network roaming. Roaming and network sharing would enhance competition in the market, reduce prices in the regions and strengthen coverage, especially during disasters. The potential for roaming to drive stronger competition, lower prices and better services is well established.
The case for roaming is stronger than ever. The mobile market has changed significantly since the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission last examined it in 2016, and the expected benefits from competition alone have not been realised in many parts of the country.
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In early August 2026, the ACCC announced an inquiry into regional mobile coverage, including whether to declare domestic mobile roaming and a radio access network service. It proposes to investigate the impact of this regulation on investment and competition. ACCAN has urged action ahead of the outcome of the review, saying that consumers shouldn’t face further delays to securing improved connectivity and safety outcomes.
What we’re calling for:
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Passage of UOMO Bill through Parliament. PROGRESSING
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Strengthen the UOMO framework by amending Ministerial powers to cover a range of matters including reliability, quality, and accessibility of mobile services, supported by civil penalties and a compensation scheme for breaches. TBD
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Implement temporary disaster roaming during outages and natural disasters. PROGRESSING
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Consider domestic mobile roaming as part of a broader connectivity-boosting policy mix alongside satellite (direct-to-device) technologies to maximise consumer outcomes. PROGRESSING
Key items:
>>> INTERVIEW
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The onus should be on the system itself to ensure that consumers stay connected. (July 2026)
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Consumer advocates intensify calls for mandatory domestic mobile roaming (July 2026)
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The need to elevate previous service guarantees through UOMO. (August 2025)
>>> OPINION PIECE
>>> COMMENTS
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Your phone could switch networks when it loses coverage. Telstra says no. (August 2026)
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Domestic roaming and satellites to be key focus of fresh ACCC inquiry into mobile coverage. (August 2026)
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>>> SUBMISSION
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Inquiry into Triple Zero Service Outages - Domestic roaming is a public safety issue, with ACCAN highlighting its potential to improve access to critical communications during outages. ​(November 2025)
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UOMO Draft Legislation Submission - ACCAN recommends the Government actively consider domestic roaming alongside UOMO, noting its role in improving coverage, resilience and competition. (October 2025)
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>>> OPENING STATEMENT TO SENATE COMMITTEE
Join Our Call
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Who we are
The Fair Call Coalition is a group of 23 consumer advocacy organisations standing together to call for stronger protections for people using phone and internet services in Australia.
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The Coalition includes organisations from across the community sector, including financial counsellors, disability advocates, regional groups, and legal centres. Together, we’re calling for stronger regulations to replace the current Code
