Farmers head to Canberra to talk phones

Australian farmers will today push to secure a better deal for phone and internet users in the bush.

A Senate inquiry will take evidence in Canberra on proposed new laws to safeguard telecommunications services in rural and regional areas.

The government believes the laws will ensure repair times and mobile and internet coverage in the bush are up to scratch.

But the National Farmers Federation (NFF) will tell today's inquiry hearing at parliament house that the laws need toughening up.

It says in a written submission to the inquiry that progress on improving bush services was slow since an inquiry in 2002 found major problems.

The NFF has called for service reviews to be conducted every three years, rather than the government's proposed five years.

It also wants a stronger say for the bush on the proposed new Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.

But Telstra has backed the government's bill, saying five-yearly reviews would give it time to implement any changes recommended by the reviews.

Telstra, AAPT, the Australian Communications Authority and the federal Department of Communications will also give evidence today.

- AAP