ACCAN Urges Short-Term Authority on Disaster Roaming
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Quick Read
- ACCAN calls for required mobile roaming during emergencies.
- The current temporary disaster roaming (TDR) offered by Telstra, TPG, and Optus has drawbacks.
- TDR can function in up to three regions at once, with each having 15 sites, lasting approximately 24 hours.
- Making TDR and domestic mobile roaming mandatory could improve emergency responsiveness.
ACCAN Advocates for Required Mobile Roaming in Emergencies
The Existing State of Disaster Roaming
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is pushing for the compulsory implementation of mobile roaming during emergencies. Recently, Telstra, TPG, and Optus have partnered to create a temporary disaster roaming (TDR) framework. Nevertheless, this framework has its limitations.
Drawbacks of the TDR Framework
As per the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA), TDR can be activated in a maximum of three disaster-stricken regions across the nation at any one time. Each region is restricted to 15 mobile sites, and they must be spaced at least 400 kilometres apart. Additionally, TDR is intended for brief use, usually around 24 hours, and is not designed to support medical devices.
ACCAN’s Apprehensions and Campaign
ACCAN has raised concerns regarding the dependence on telecommunications companies’ discretion to activate TDR. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett highlighted the necessity of ensuring public safety through dependable communication systems that do not rely on voluntary actions from telcos. She advocates for required temporary disaster roaming arrangements and ultimately aims to enshrine permanent domestic mobile roaming into law via the universal outdoor mobile obligation (UOMO) legislation.
Legislative Hurdles
Previous efforts to modify the UOMO legislation to include obligatory temporary disaster roaming have met with opposition, with suggestions considered unnecessary. However, ACCAN persistently campaigns for legislative reforms to enhance disaster response capabilities across Australia’s mobile communication networks.
Summary
ACCAN is advocating for mandated mobile roaming during emergencies, following the constrained execution of temporary disaster roaming by major telecommunications providers. While the existing system offers limited connectivity in crisis situations, ACCAN contends that legislative measures are essential to guarantee dependable communication for public safety.
Reader questions
Frequently asked questions
Fast answers to the questions readers ask most about ACCAN Urges Short-Term Authority on Disaster Roaming.
What is the primary goal of ACCAN's advocacy?
ACCAN is promoting mandated mobile roaming during emergencies to ensure reliable communication and improve public safety.
What are the constraints of the existing TDR framework?
The TDR framework can only function in three areas simultaneously, with a maximum of 15 sites each, and is restricted to brief use of around 24 hours.
Why does ACCAN have concerns regarding the current TDR model?
ACCAN is worried because the current model relies on telcos’ discretion to activate or deactivate roaming, which may not instill confidence in disaster responses.
What legislative changes does ACCAN advocate for?
ACCAN suggests revising the UOMO legislation to mandate temporary disaster roaming and ultimately establish permanent domestic mobile roaming in law.
Have there been earlier attempts to amend the UOMO legislation?
Yes, prior attempts to enforce temporary disaster roaming through the UOMO legislation have been dismissed as unnecessary.
