Australia announces new universal service guarantee

The government of Australia has introduced the new Universal Service Guarantee (USG) which is an update to the long existing Universal Service Obligation (USO). The USG which was announced on 5 December 2018 has the primary aim of ensuring that all Australians have access to broadband services. The USG assures all Australian homes and businesses of the government’s commitment to provide them access to broadband and voice services regardless of their locations. The USG will leverage Australia’s National Broadband Network and the expanded mobile coverage services under the Mobile Black Spot Programme to fulfil this objective.