Communications Alliance updates Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code

The Communications Alliance has revised its Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code to improve the way local communities, councils receive information and engage with mobile network providers about the installation of mobile phone base stations.

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.

It also includes 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 and refinements to the handling of complaints.

Communications Alliance CEO Luke Coleman said the telecommunications 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.

“The 2025 revision to the Code aims to improve communications and accessibility of information with local communities and councils, he said. “[It] was revised following consultation with local government and consumer representatives.

“Public health and safety remain a key part of the Code.”

According to Coleman the Communications Alliance has also taken on board the latest recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency related to Electro-Magnetic Energy (EME).

Network operators will continue to be required to report on the maximum predicted levels of EME around new or upgraded mobile sites, he said.

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.