Xavier Ellis, host of 92.9 Triple M's Breakfast with Xav & Katie, has sparked controversy by alleging the government is deliberately limiting mobile phone reception in Perth. During his Wednesday morning show, Ellis donned a homemade tinfoil hat and claimed the government asked telecommunications companies to reduce coverage following the federal social media ban for under-16s.
Ellis cited poor reception in four suburbs near his home: Shenton Park, Doubleview, Woodlands, and Tuart Hill. He also reported a colleague in Como experiencing similar issues. The radio personality believes the government's motive is to discourage children from using phones and social media, encouraging outdoor activities instead.
No official evidence supports Ellis's theory. The federal government and telecommunication bodies have not commented on the claims. Ellis challenged listeners to prove him wrong, while co-host Katie Lamb agreed that "nothing's loading" and joked about providers toggling coverage at the source.
The social media ban, a world-first policy, took effect in December, prohibiting minors under 16 from using social networking platforms. Ellis asserts that reception has deteriorated across the Perth metropolitan area since then, though no data confirms a widespread decline.
