It was a case of ‘please explain’ for Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy who was left red faced after admitting he knew nothing about the existence of transportable Next G mobile phone towers capable of boosting Next G phone coverage in problem areas.
Responding to questioning from Nationals Senator Fiona Nash during Senate Estimates, the Minister was left speechless when pressed on the widespread use of such towers across the country during the recent Next G/CDMA audit process.
“I was very surprised to say the least that neither the Minister, nor the majority of the ACMA panel, had any prior knowledge of the use of QuikCell mobile phone trailer towers, especially given one is currently in use boosting Next G coverage on the outskirts of the ACT,” Senator Nash said.
“I suggest the Minister gets up to speed very quickly on the capabilities of these towers and just how many are in operation around the country propping up coverage and effectively distorting the results of ACMA’s recent audits.”
Senator Nash also called on Minister Conroy to reveal in full the details of Telstra’s plan to bring the Next G network up to scratch.
Responding to questioning by Senator Nash, Minister Conroy admitted he had not released all of the details contained in Telstra’s ‘rectification plan’ – the telco’s response to issues highlighted in the report on Next G coverage released in January by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
“The Minister would have the public believe he is conducting an open and transparent process of assessment when it comes to Next G coverage, but it seems this is not the case,” Senator Nash said.
“The Minister has admitted there are still issues of contention he is negotiating with Telstra, however he is refusing to reveal the full details of these talks. His repeated answer when asked about the fine print of the ‘rectification plan’ is that it’s “a matter of ongoing discussion.”
“After further questioning, the Minister finally let slip that part of these ‘ongoing discussions’ centered around the verification process by which the Minister will form his assessment of whether or not Telstra have adequately resolved the outstanding issues of contention.
“This is simply not good enough. The public deserve to know the full extent of these negotiations.”
Responding again to questioning from Senator Nash, Minister Conroy was also forced to concede there was no guarantee Telstra had ceased selling phones which were identified as problematic in ACMA’s report.
“The report stated there were six phones that did not adequately meet sensitivity requirements, however at Telstra’s request these have not been revealed,” Senator Nash said.
“Again this is not good enough. When the time comes to switch off the CDMA network, rural and regional Australians won’t have a choice when it comes to mobile networks, it will be Next G or nothing which is why it is vital this is done properly.”
Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600
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