9 July 2013
Mine workers in remote Australia will now have the peace of mind that their handheld satellite phones have access to the Triple Zero emergency call service.
This outcome follows the introduction of new rules by the Australian Communications and Media Authority that came into effect on 1 July 2013.
The rules address the issue of the small number of handheld satellite phone services that previously did not provide Triple Zero access.
‘These regulatory changes mean that all handheld satellite phone users will know that, in the event of a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, they can dial Triple Zero,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘This is particularly important in remote Australia, where satellite phones are commonly used as emergency devices.
The new rules address concerns raised in the 2011–12 Regional Telecommunications Review that people might not be able to contact Triple Zero from their satellite phone during emergencies.
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