Rural and Regional

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“The ACCC will closely assess any proposed response, and in particular the extent to which it secures ongoing access to cash in remote and regional areas where bank branches are limited and members of the public often access cash through non-bank sources including Australia Post and retailers,” ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“A key condition of this interim authorisation is that the ABA report on their discussions to maintain access to cash in regional and remote areas. This will be an important consideration for any future application for authorisation by the industry.”

Read More ACCC Authorises Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Access to Cash

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The USO is a longstanding telecommunications safeguard that ensures all Australians can access fixed phone services and payphones, regardless of where they live. The USO is currently delivered by Telstra, and relies on ageing copper wire that is increasingly expensive to maintain.
The consultation process will explore options to deliver better communications outcomes – particularly for rural and regional, and First Nations communities who currently rely on fixed phone services to stay connected.

Read More Consultation Launches for Modern Universal Service Obligation