What is the new law trying to achieve?
Australia wants mobiles to work outside in far more places, especially in the bush and remote areas. This bill would add a new rule called the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) so the big three carriers (Telstra, Optus and TPG) must make calling and texting outdoors reasonably available across the country. To do that, they can use normal towers plus new satellite-to-mobile tech. The target start is 1 December 2027, and the Government can adjust timing if needed.
Is it law yet?
Not yet. As at 4 December 2025 the bill is before the House of Representatives. It still needs to pass both Houses and receive Royal Assent. [2]
What the bill proposes
- Create a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) so voice and SMS are reasonably available outdoors across Australia.
- Set a default start of 1 December 2027, with power to bring it forward or delay if tech or market readiness requires.
- Make Telstra, Optus and TPG the default providers.
- Keep Triple Zero arrangements under the existing Emergency Call Service framework.
Why this matters for vulnerable people
People in remote communities, First Nations communities on Country, farm workers, grey nomads and lone workers are often out of coverage when emergencies happen. A baseline outdoor service aims to change that. Peak groups such as the National Farmers’ Federation have publicly welcomed the bill as a ‘world-first’ step toward fixing communication blackspots. [3]
“The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the introduction of the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) legislation to Federal Parliament, calling it a landmark step toward fixing the communications blackspots that hold farmers and regional Australia back.”
— Quote from The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) website
Where the tech is today
Carriers have begun satellite-to-mobile SMS in limited form. It works outdoors with a clear view of the sky and only on some handsets. Voice is planned as networks and standards mature, but is not broadly available yet. [4] An article on the Telstra website contains more information.
What it means for PERS devices
- More places outdoors: Today’s mobile personal alarms rely on 4G. If UOMO takes effect and direct-to-device voice is delivered, future mobile PERS could connect outdoors in far more locations. That helps clients who live, travel or work remotely.
- Outdoors vs indoors: It helps outside. It will not fix a lack of mobile coverage inside the home.
- Timing: Target date is 1 December 2027. If the bill passes and outdoor voice is delivered by carriers, APERS can expand Freedom Friend for outdoor use in more remote areas.
APERS view
This is a strong step toward safer travel and daily life outdoors in remote Australia. If Parliament passes the bill and carriers switch on outdoor voice to handsets, APERS can offer the Freedom Friend mobile personal alarm to more regional and remote customers who currently fall outside tower coverage when they’re on the move.
As coverage improves, we’re excited to help more Australians step outside with confidence, knowing their Freedom Friend connects them to real support and a safe trip home, no matter where the day takes them.
Information Sources/ References:
Hansard, second reading moved: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard
Parliament of Australia, bill status: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r7414
National Farmers Federation welcomes the bill: https://nff.org.au/media-release/world-first-mobile-coverage-obligation-a-step-closer/
Telstra on satellite-to-mobile SMS: https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/telstra-satellite-to-mobile-connectivity–our-latest-trials-and-?utm
