Help needed as regional Aussies navigate new mobile tech

Fast Facts on the Regional Tech Hub (2025)

• More than 28,000 regional Australians received direct connectivity support from the Regional Tech Hub last year. That's more than 75 people each day.
• 327,254 people visited the Regional Tech Hub website.
• 7,877 people phoned the Regional Tech Helpdesk.
• 3,480 people were helped by a member of the Regional Tech Hub team in-person at an event.

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has dubbed the Regional Tech Hub an essential service ahead of major changes to telecommunications in the bush.

The incoming Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will require mobile carriers to make outdoor mobile phone coverage available across the country.

The policy means anyone with the right handset will be able to call or text from anywhere they can see the sky by December 2027.

In a submission to the UOMO's Senate Inquiry this week, NFF CEO Mike Guerin said people will be left behind if there isn't independent, plain-English help on hand.

"The Regional Tech Hub is critical to a successful UOMO implementation," Mr Guerin said.

"In a three-month period, the Hub recorded more than 77,500 website users driven by major developments such as nbn's fixed wireless rollout and concerns over the Triple Zero outages.

"With technology options becoming increasingly complex, and with more changes on the horizon, independent support is more important than ever for rural, regional and remote Australians trying to stay connected.

"The Regional Tech Hub provides free, practical and independent advice to help people navigate complex connectivity decisions and bridge the gap between what services are available, and what consumers actually understand and know how to use.

"Connectivity gaps continue to plague families and businesses in the bush and the Regional Tech Hub plays a vital role in helping close those gaps during periods of rapid change."

The service has been fully funded by the Federal Government since it launched in 2020. Each year the service has grown its reach and successfully supported initiatives such as the On Farm Connectivity Information Service. However, the service's future depends on funding in next month's Federal Budget.

"Farmers and regional Australians are anxiously awaiting news on whether the Budget will continue to fund this vital service.

"The Regional Tech Hub has been the helping hand to guide regional Australians through Triple Zero outages and the 3G network shutdown.

"The UOMO is a world-first policy. If we get it right, Australia becomes the gold standard for regional communications.

"But, past experience has shown, these things rarely go to plan and Australians will need the support of services like the Regional Tech Hub to get the full benefit of the UOMO.

"The Regional Tech Hub is a vital service, which helps an average of 75 regional Aussies every single day.

"Our health, businesses, education, and ultimately, our lives, rely on telecommunications.

"There is no other service like it. We need the Regional Tech Hub now more than ever," Mr Guerin said.

The NFF's submission to the UOMO Senate Inquiry is ​here​.

About the Regional Tech Hub

The Regional Tech Hub is funded by the Federal Government and run by the National Farmers' Federation. It provides free and independent advice to regional, rural and remote communities to help with their phone and internet.

Individuals, community organisations, local councils, small businesses and primary producers rely on the Hub to understand their connectivity options, resolve phone and internet challenges, and make informed decisions about the services available to them.

By translating complex telecommunications information into clear, practical guidance, the Regional Tech Hub helps regional Australians stay connected, productive and able to participate fully in the digital economy.

As connectivity becomes increasingly essential for work, education, health services and community life, the need for a trusted, independent service like the Regional Tech Hub continues to grow.