By Lauren Pezet

Topic: Mobile and Internet Access

Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at 2:23 pm

The Australian government will look into making mobile companies share their networks.

In short:

The government will study mobile phone coverage in rural areas for 12 months.

Some people wanted the government to make mobile companies share their networks, but they think this study will take too long.

What's next:

The government will talk to people in rural areas about mobile phone coverage.

The government wants to know if mobile companies should let people use other networks when theirs is not working.

Many people in rural areas have poor mobile phone coverage.

Do you know more about this or have a similar story? Email pezet.lauren@abc.net.au

In 2024, a report said the government should make mobile companies share their networks.

The government did not make any rules, but now they are studying the issue.

The government will also look into making mobile companies share their equipment.

A government official said the market is changing, and they need to understand the issues.

There are many calls for mobile companies to share their networks.

The government wants to make sure they make good decisions for customers.

The government official says things have changed since they last looked at this issue.

The study will take 12 months and include meetings in rural areas.

The government will look at how people use mobile phones, competition, and how rules might affect investment.

A consumer group wants the government to make mobile companies share their networks.

Many groups, including farmers and health workers, want the government to act.

A consumer group says the government has all the information they need to make a decision.

For consumers, a good mobile connection means they can stay in touch with family and friends.

A long study might delay the benefits of better mobile coverage.

A consumer group says the government should make mobile companies share their networks.

The communications minister says the study is a good idea.

The government is working on a plan to improve mobile coverage.

'Dragging the chain'

A volunteer group welcomes the study, which will look at all mobile services.

The group wants the government to create national maps of mobile coverage.

A volunteer says domestic roaming is just one part of the solution.

The volunteer says they need to consider existing congestion on mobile towers.

The group encourages the government to invest in better mobile infrastructure.

Roaming will not increase coverage, only competition.

The volunteer says the government must not stop investing in better coverage.

Roaming is part of the solution, but they need a long-term plan.

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