ACCC Seeks Public Input on Mobile Services Inquiry
The Australian regulator is gathering feedback on mobile coverage and potential new wholesale service declarations.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Telecommunications
Live Poll
Is the mobile service coverage and quality in your area getting better or worse?
The ACCC has launched a public consultation process as part of its ongoing Mobile Services Inquiry. The regulator is currently assessing whether to declare domestic roaming or radio access network services to improve competition across Australia.
Why it matters
This inquiry aims to evaluate the current state of competition, service coverage, and consumer choice within the Australian mobile market. Regulatory decisions following this process could fundamentally reshape how telecommunications networks operate and interact.
The ACCC is evaluating the potential declaration of domestic roaming and radio access network services. These technical services would dictate how network infrastructure is shared between telecommunications providers.
The players
ACCC
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the independent Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for enforcing the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
The details
Interested parties can submit responses to a detailed discussion paper regarding wholesale access requirements. Simultaneously, the ACCC is collecting direct evidence from the public regarding their mobile coverage experiences through an online survey portal.
Timeline
August 2026: ACCC commenced the inquiry into mobile services.
5pm 26 November 2026: Deadline for discussion paper submissions.
5pm 10 December 2026: Deadline for the consumer survey.
The Tech Race
The inquiry is being conducted under the framework of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to determine if existing market rules require adjustment. This process marks a significant shift in how the regulator assesses infrastructure sharing compared to previous industry standards.
Changes resulting from this inquiry could lead to improved mobile coverage reliability and potentially lower costs for consumers through increased competition. Users are encouraged to share their experiences to directly influence the regulator's final assessment.
The takeaway
The ACCC is actively seeking evidence on whether current wholesale rules provide sufficient market competition for all Australians. Residents and businesses should provide feedback before the upcoming deadlines to ensure their service concerns are represented in the final findings.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry developments in the Australia Telecommunications section.
More information
Review the full details or participate in the consultation via the ACCC Mobile services inquiry information page.
Live Poll
Is the mobile service coverage and quality in your area getting better or worse?
