The proposal would re-establish the Communications Fund, which was abolished in the 2008-09 Budget, with an investment of $3 billion.

The fund would have a mandate to invest its assets and use the proceeds to fund essential communications programs with a focus on regional Australia, with the aim of ensuring that regional communities receive telecommunication services that are comparable in cost, quality and reliability to urban areas.

The proposal would start from 1 July 2026 and be ongoing.