Power and roaming requirements for mobile telecommunications providers during natural disasters
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Communications in Natural Disasters) Bill 2026
Independent Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Helen Haines (IND)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
ACMA must identify areas at high risk of natural disasters; it must also set power and back-up power requirements for critical network units in those areas.
The Minister can force primary outdoor mobile providers to offer temporary disaster roaming; this lets users access other networks for calls and texts during emergencies.
Authorities must ensure telecommunications services stay available during natural disasters; this includes using community wi-fi and cells on wheels.
ACMA can use existing external documents, such as the Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay, to set power requirements for high-risk sites.
The Minister can give ACMA the power to make technical and operational rules for temporary disaster roaming.