Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy today tabled in Parliament the report from the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, which was headed by Dr Bill Glasson.

The Regional Telecommunications Review engaged in an extensive consultation process encompassing 20 locations across regional, rural and remote parts of Australia and received more than 200 written submissions from all levels of government, industry and the general public.

Another issue identified in the report was the adequacy of the current Universal Service Obligation.

The report proposes a new regulatory framework to replace the current Universal Service Obligation framework, which would make provisions for guaranteed access to broadband and mobile services to all Australians.

"The Committee has presented to Government a report that we think accurately reflects the views of regional Australians we heard and read during our consultations," Dr Glasson said.

"We wanted the report to highlight the pivotal role that telecommunications play in the economic and social development of regional Australia."

"While the report is relevant to today's telecommunications issues, the Committee hopes that the report outlines a framework for the future that will have long term benefits for all regional Australians."

The Federal Government now has six months to prepare a response to the report's recommendations.

"The Government is currently reviewing the report. This is an important first step and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the Governments potential response," Sen Conroy said.

"However, the Government understands the importance of telecommunications for regional, rural and remote Australians and has made up to $400 million available for developing targeted initiatives responding to specific recommendations identified in the report.

"The Government has also allocated $270.7 million to fund the Australian Broadband Guarantee to 2012 and is considering public submissions on initiatives to provide enhanced broadband to the most remote areas of the country."