The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday launched an inquiry into regional mobile coverage across Australia to determine if regulating wholesale access to some mobile services could lead to better outcomes for consumers.

The regulator will consider whether it would "declare one or more wholesale mobile services, including domestic roaming and a radio access network service."

If the ACCC declares a service following the 12-month inquiry, it may require a mobile provider to give other providers access to services using its infrastructure or network on terms defined by the regulator.

"The ACCC recognizes the importance of mobile coverage, provider choice and network reliability, particularly for people living, working and travelling in regional areas," ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

Consumers expect and need affordable and reliable services at a time when new technologies, including satellite-based services and network-sharing arrangements, are creating challenges for mobile coverage and competition, Brakey added.

Among other things, the inquiry will consider whether consumers have meaningful choice between mobile providers and how regulation might impact investment in mobile networks.

Telstra Group (ASX:TLS) shares fell 2% in recent Wednesday trade, while TPG Telecom (ASX:TPG) was marginally lower.