Telstra outage disrupts triple zero calls in Australia

A Telstra network failure prevented hundreds of triple zero emergency calls from connecting. The outage follows a similar incident involving Optus in 2025. Officials have discussed policy responses focused on coverage and resilience.

Background on network structure Australia maintained a single telephone network operated by a statutory corporation for many decades before the 1990s. Policy changes at that time introduced a duopoly between Telstra and Optus, which together still hold about 70 percent of the mobile market. The shift to a common-carrier model for broadband later produced limited additional competition.

Current policy measures The government has introduced a universal outdoor mobile obligation to expand basic coverage. A grant-based black spot program also targets areas with weak service. Officials have considered requiring automatic roaming between networks outside major cities.

A national essential services network has been proposed to handle triple zero calls, emergency warnings, and priority communications for police and hospitals. The plan would allow devices to connect automatically to any available carrier. Similar systems operate in Finland.

“It’s time to accept that essential infrastructure is too important to be left to private monopolies and duopolies, regulated or otherwise.”