Concerns Raised Over Replacement of Australia's Vital CAN Radio Network
Residents in remote areas of Australia are worried that the planned replacement of Telstra's CAN Radio system with a new satellite service by November 2027 could jeopardize emergency communications.
For over 40 years, CAN Radio has served as a critical lifeline in regions where traditional landlines are unavailable.
The Core of the Concern
- Power Dependency: CAN Radio is powered by solar backup maintained by Telstra. The new system, which uses Starlink satellite technology, requires customers to provide their own reliable power and backup.
- Generator Delays: Residents report that severe storms can knock out power for days. Starting a generator during an emergency can take precious minutes, potentially delaying life-saving communication.
Telstra's Position
Telstra defends the transition, stating the new satellite technology is "more reliable and safer" than the aging CAN Radio system. They note that CAN Radio equipment is no longer manufactured and spare parts are increasingly difficult to source. Testing, according to Telstra, shows the new system supports reliable voice connectivity.
What the Transition Looks Like
- For 4G/5G customers: They will receive a standard modem.
- For all others: They will receive a satellite dish and modem.
- Key Guarantee: Phone numbers and emergency calling capabilities will remain available.
- Pricing: There is no change in connectivity pricing during the transition.
Bottom Line: While Telstra touts improved technology, remote residents fear a new dependency on personal power sources could leave them dangerously disconnected during the very emergencies the system is meant to address.