Telstra, Optus and Vodafone will from today be able to move users over to one of their rivals’ networks in areas where coverage has dropped out due to natural disasters such as cyclones, bushfires or floods. The capability will mean users in those areas will still be able to call, message, and get basic access to the internet if the other network is up at no additional cost. This is beyond the existing capability for networks to hand over emergency triple zero calls to other networks when the call can’t get through.
The industry has flagged there will be some scenarios - such as power outages – when switching will not be possible. The switch-on for temporary roaming will be managed by the three carriers, and will happen automatically for customers when activated. The temporary disaster roaming can be activated in up to three affected areas at the same time, with up to 15 mobile sites included per area, and activated for 24 hours at a time.
The disaster areas must be at least 400km apart. Metropolitan areas are excluded from the roaming arrangement.
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