Australians Demand Reliable Emergency Call Services

A recent study by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) confirms that Australians continue to experience difficulties contacting Triple Zero due to mobile network outages. The findings, released on 2nd June 2026, highlight ongoing concerns about the reliability of emergency services.

Essential Research conducted the survey for ACCAN, asking Australians about their experiences with emergency calling reliability. It found 8% of respondents reported being unable to contact Triple Zero from their mobile phones in the past year due to outages, consistent with previous findings.

In March 2026, ACCAN had already reported 10% of respondents faced similar issues in the preceding year, showing a persistent problem in emergency call reliability.

“The purpose of repeating this research was simple. We wanted to test whether our earlier findings reflected genuine consumer experience or whether they were a statistical outlier,” ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett stated.

Public Calls for Stronger Emergency Call Standards

The study indicates strong public support for improved emergency call reliability. Over 90% of Australians believe telecommunications providers should ensure Triple Zero calls connect during network outages. 89% support government-mandated minimum standards for emergency call reliability.

Despite the concerns, 52% of Australians feel that the current reliability of mobile networks for emergency calls is adequate, suggesting a divided public opinion on the issue.

The new research provides insights into how Australians experience failed emergency calls and how those experiences shape public confidence in the telecommunications network.

“Our research goes beyond the headline numbers and examines what consumers believe is happening when a Triple Zero call fails, what actions they take next, and who they believe is responsible,” Bennett added.

The ACCAN report calls for collaboration between government, regulators, and the telecommunications industry to enhance public confidence in emergency communications. With Australians expressing clear expectations for reliability, stakeholders are urged to take action to address these ongoing issues.