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Telco Chiefs Summoned to Canberra as Government Fast-Tracks Triple Zero Safeguards

The move follows Optus outages that blocked Triple Zero calls linked to three deaths.

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From 1 November, Telcos will be forced to provide real-time updates on network failures.

Overview

  • Communications Minister Anika Wells has ordered the heads of Optus, Telstra and TPG to meet in Canberra on Tuesday to explain how they will prevent emergency-call failures over summer.
  • The government plans to introduce legislation this week to establish an independent Triple Zero custodian and require real-time outage updates from carriers.
  • From November 1, telcos must share real-time network outage data with emergency services and the ACMA, and Wells will press CEOs on their readiness to comply.
  • ACMA has opened a compliance investigation into the September 18 Optus failure, which followed a firewall upgrade and disrupted Triple Zero access in SA, WA, the NT and parts of NSW, with a smaller September 28 incident in the Illawarra affecting nine calls.
  • Optus has appointed Kerry Schott to lead an independent technical review, while the opposition argues earlier recommendations were not implemented and is calling for a broader inquiry.