Held every three years, the review assists the Australian Government to understand telecommunications in regional Australia and develop policy and programs in response.

It focuses on improving national understanding of the adequacy of broadband and mobile services for people in regional, rural and remote areas, how they are currently being used and, crucially, what changes the Committee can recommend to government to ensure any issues raised are addressed.

Chair of the Review Committee, Luke Hartsuyker said that feedback was 'vital' for improving regional telecommunications.

"Now is the time for you to be the catalyst for further improvements," Mr Hartsuyker said.

"The views of individuals, families, businesses and organisations, including those in vulnerable areas, will provide important insight and help inform the final report card back to the government."

Other issues affecting consumers in the Review's Terms of Reference include the response to COVID-19, ways of improving government coordination, the reliability of local services, and whether current policies to improve connectivity, competition, and digital literacy are effective.

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Griffith City Council Mayor John Dal Broi has previously told The Area News that reliable, consistent telecommunications infrastructure was of key importance regional areas.

"Having these facilities is critical if we want to grow our regions," Councillor Dal Broi said.

"Adequate telecommunications is a necessity for our regional communities as more and more residents transition to working from home both out of choice or out of what is required of them".

According to Mr Hartsuyker, feedback on these topics will be vital in setting the Government's regional telecommunications policy agenda over the coming years and that the Review is an opportunity to make a real difference for people living and working in regional Australia.

"This is your chance to share your views using telecommunications services in your area. Your input does not need to be long - what we are interested in is the issues that are important to people, as your first-hand insights to this Review will inform government action," he said.

"Previous reviews have led to new rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, the Regional Connectivity Program, and other initiatives. This highlights the benefit of lodging a submission."

Feedback as part of the review is due by Thursday 30 September at 5pm AEST.

If you would like to make a submission please visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/

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