Australia
Telecommunications in Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the islands of Tasmania, and numerous external territories including Ashmore and Cartier Islands; Australian Antarctic Territory, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard and McDonald Islands, Lord Howe Island, Macquarie Island, and Norfolk Island.
According to latest ITU data (June 2018) mobile coverage reaches 99.4% of the population, and 4G LTE accessible by 99% of Australians.
ITU Analysis
Australia has high levels of mobile and Internet access. The Government promotes the commercial provision of quality mobile services and universal access to high-speed fixed broadband through a wholesale/retail model.
Australia has achieved a high level of ICT access that is typical of a developed nation. Along with private sector investment in mobile services, the Government is promoting the availability of affordable high-speed infrastructure to every premise in the nation to support a knowledge-based, innovative economy.
Australian 5G
Australian mobile network operators began testing 5G as early as 2016. The ACMA completed the auction of 5G spectrum from 3575 to 3700 MHz in November 2018, with four telecommunications companies participating, including all three of the major mobile network operators. All three MNOs have planned national 5G networks, with Telstra having launched its network in August 2018 and Optus launching its 5G network in November 2019.
The ACMA is investigating the use of the n258 (26 GHz) 5G mmWave band, with close attention being paid to the potential for interference with existing satellite broadband services.
Mobile Network Operators
