Australian telcos launch Triple Zero emergency connection campaign

Australian telecommunications providers, including Optus, Telstra, and TPG Telecom, are launching a public awareness campaign to educate customers on how to connect to Triple Zero (000) during network outages. The campaign advises users to remain on the line for up to 60 seconds if an emergency call does not connect immediately.

The initiative follows findings from Dr Kerry Schott’s review into the Optus Triple Zero outage in September 2025. A central focus of the campaign is explaining ‘emergency camp-on,’ a process where a mobile handset automatically attempts to connect to an alternative available network if the user’s primary provider is unavailable. This feature works automatically at no cost and functions even without an active SIM card.

In addition to digital communications and customer service outreach, the federal government and mobile operators are working on Temporary Disaster Roaming trials. While these trials are underway ahead of the disaster season, carriers are still finalizing activation thresholds and operational procedures.