Local communities and councils to have better information and consultation under Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code
18 March 2025: Local communities and councils will have access to better information and improved consultation about proposed new mobile phone base station deployments, under a revised Industry Code developed by Communications Alliance.
The revised Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code has now been registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), giving the regulator enforcement powers over telcos’ adherence to the processes laid out in the Code.
“The telco industry has had an enforceable industry code in place since 2002, setting out the requirements for mobile network providers to engage with local councils and communities about the deployment of new base stations,” said Communications Alliance CEO Luke Coleman.
“The 2025 revision to the Code aims to improve communications and accessibility of information with local communities and councils, and was revised following consultation with local government and consumer representatives.”
“Public health and safety remains a key part of the Code: we’ve taken on board the latest recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) related to Electro-Magnetic Energy (EME), and network operators continue to be required to report on the maximum predicted levels of EME around new or upgraded mobile sites,” Mr Coleman said.
The Code complements and builds on existing requirements under legislation by requiring mobile network operators to consult with local communities on the site selection, design, and operation of mobile phone base stations.
The 2025 revision of the Code includes:
- updates to how information is collected and used by telcos to ensure alignment with the Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles;
- consolidated timeframes for consultation with Councils and other parties;
- streamlined consultation and notification formats;
- refreshed consultation notification templates along with amendments to how stakeholders are notified;
- refreshed signage templates;
- refinements to the handling of complaints.
ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE
Communications Alliance is the primary communications industry body in Australia. Its membership is drawn from a wide cross-section of the communications industry, including carriers, carriage and internet service providers, content providers, platform providers, equipment vendors, IT companies, consultants and business groups.
Its vision is to be the most influential association in Australian communications, co-operatively initiating programs that promote sustainable industry development, innovation and growth, while generating positive outcomes for customers and society.
The prime mission of Communications Alliance is to create a co-operative stakeholder environment that allows the industry to take the lead on initiatives which grow the Australian communications industry, enhance the connectivity of all Australians and foster the highest standards of business behaviour.
Media information contact:
info@commsalliance.com.au