If TDR is activated and your device is compatible and able to connect to an available participating network, your phone may connect automatically. You may notice the network name on your phone changes to something like “Disaster Roaming”, “TDR”, or a participating carrier’s network name. The exact display may vary depending on your device, but for most compatible devices, no action will be required from you to connect. 

Where TDR is available and your device successfully connects to a participating network, the service is intended to support making and receiving calls as well as sending and receiving text messages. If you’re calling a landline, don’t forget to include the area code. This is in addition to the ability to call Triple Zero, which is a functionality that’s already built into mobile phones today and is different to TDR. 

You may also be able to access a limited range of data services, including WhatsApp messaging, weather updates and emergency information apps. Availability and performance of these services will depend on network conditions and other operational factors. 

Possibly. The priority during TDR is to protect the available network from becoming overloaded. The experience may differ depending on whether you’re using your usual network or temporarily connected to another network through TDR. 

If you’re using your usual network, you may notice slower speeds during periods of high demand. And, if you’re connected through TDR, data speeds may be reduced and performance may be more limited than usual to help support connectivity for as many people as possible. 

Networks are closely monitored so the service may be adjusted or switched off to protect the available network and prevent wider disruption. 

Your phone may automatically connect to another network when TDR is activated, and where safe and technically feasible. In these circumstances, you'll still require an active recharge to call, text or use the limited data services. However, you will be able to receive calls and texts without an active recharge.  

TDR may only be activated in certain disaster-affected areas where another mobile network is available and where technical and operational requirements are met. Not all affected areas are eligible, and metropolitan areas are excluded. Because of these limitations, TDR may not be available in every location impacted by a natural disaster.

TDR is designed to be run for short periods, typically around 24 hours at a time. If the natural disaster continues and there is an ongoing need for connectivity support, the activation period may be extended if it can continue to be deployed safely and effectively. Once the height of a disaster has passed or where operational or network requirements change, TDR is switched off and networks return to normal.

While TDR is active, networks are continuously monitored. If conditions worsen, TDR settings may be adjusted, restricted or switched off to help protect the available network and reduce the risk of broader service disruption.

TDR may only be switched on where certain technical and operational conditions are met, including where there is at least one participating network still in operation. Often with prolonged power outages or actual physical damage from a disaster, all three carrier networks in an area will ultimately be disrupted and in such cases temporary disaster roaming will not be possible.

TDR may be activated in up to three disaster-affected areas across Australia at the same time. Each area can include up to 15 mobile sites, but active disaster areas must be at least 400 kilometres apart. 

Safety is a critical priority when considering TDR activation. Before TDR is switched on, the supporting network must have enough capacity to support the additional traffic.  TDR may only be activated when it is safe and the available network can manage the extra demand. 

Many mobile phones may be capable of accessing TDR. To access the service, your device needs to support VoLTE roaming (Voice over LTE). VoLTE roaming is available on all Telstra-launched handsets from 2022 onwards. If you have an older device, you can check whether it’s compatible here.

Even if your handset doesn’t support VoLTE roaming, you may still be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero using another available mobile network, subject to network availability and device capability. 

Maybe. Some older devices require data roaming to be enabled to access data services through TDR. If TDR is active but data roaming is turned off, calls and texts may still work, but data may not. Some newer Apple and Samsung devices may support TDR data without enabling international roaming. 

No. Calling Triple Zero (000) doesn't rely on TDR. Mobile phones can already connect to any available mobile network to make an emergency call.  

If your provider's network isn't available, your phone should automatically connect to another available network so you can call Triple Zero. 

AusAlert is the new national warning system that will be used to send alerts to mobile devices in the event of an emergency.

AusAlert will continue to operate regardless of whether Temporary Disaster Roaming (TDR) is activated or not.  

TDR is a joint initiative between Telstra, Optus and TPG, and includes many mobile providers that use their networks. TDR may be available for eligible customers of these networks. 

No. There is currently no opt-out option for TDR.