Regional advocacy group One Gippsland has called for improved mobile and internet services especially during natural disasters.
It comes following the closure of the 3G networks by telecommunications carriers and the impending finalisation by the end of the year of recommendations of a Federal Government regional telecommunications review.
One Gippsland spokesperson and Wellington Shire chief executive officer David Morcom said the organisation's submission to the review stressed the need for telecommunications to be recognised as an essential service.
Providers should have to ensure significant, prolonged and widespread outages do not occur during natural disasters, areas of low population have reasonable standards of service and at least 72 hours of auxiliary back-up power be available to avoid outages during emergencies, he said.
Mr Morcom said Gippsland had more experience than most of disasters and emergencies with almost 40 bushfires, floods and damaging storms occurring in the past 10 years.
The region also was a "hot spot" for tourism during peak holiday periods and visitors needed to be warned of any potential disasters.
One Gippsland represents the region's six local government councils, tourism, educational, aboriginal and primary producer groups.
It addresses regional issues and advocates for state and federal government policies and programs that support economic prosperity.
TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network, while Telstra and Optus began shutting down their 3G networks on Monday, October 28.