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. 

Region
Asia & Pacific
Australia and New Zealand
Government Policy
Department of Communications and the Arts
ITU Region
Region-3
Spectrum Regulator
Australian Communications and Media Authority
Australia on contextual world map

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

Optus is Australia's second largest mobile network operator, providing high speed connectivity over its 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Optus is currently making a significant push into regional and rural areas with its $1 billion regional Australian network investment program announced in 2018.
3G: Active
4G: Active
5G: Active, Active
IoT: NB-IoT
Telstra is Australia's largest mobile network operator, with national 3G, 4G, and 5G networks providing speeds up to about 3.5 Gbps. Inheriting Australia's national telecommunications infrastructure, Telstra is by a large margin the dominant service provider for rural and regional Australia.
3G: Active
4G: Active
5G: Active, Active
IoT: LTE-M, NB-IoT
Vodafone holds Australia's underdog status as the country's third largest mobile network operator. Vodafone Australia operates one of the world's most advanced networks, despite a history of under-performing in some regional areas. Vodafone leads the pack in its IoT offerings, launching Australia's first dedicated NB-IoT network in October 2017 - months before the competition.
3G: Active
4G: Active
5G: Active, Build-Out
IoT: NB-IoT

Technology Developers

Myinsight.io is an Australian-based end to end IoE (Internet of Everything) ecosystem hardware developer. The system is comprised of a connectivity-agnostic solution, covering: internet, cellular, WiFi and long-range communication (LoRa)...

Manufacturers

APAC Infrastructure are an Australian steel fabrication and machining company dedicated to the high technology and renewable energy industries. APAC are focused on developing high tech height systems based on sustainable and advanced processes to ensure Australian business remains globally...

Blackhawk Antennas are a quality antenna supplier based in Australia. Primarily supplying equipment to improve cellular mobile network performance, Blackhawk equipment represents a best-in-class solution which carefully balances economics with RF performance.

For more than 60 years, GME has been an industry leader in the communication technology space. GME remains a family owned operation and is proudly 100% Australian owned. GME operates from our purpose built facility which houses our industry leading manufacturing and engineering capabilities.

HB Radiofrequency engineer high performance 3G, 4G, and 5G components such as antennas, cable assemblies, and RF connectors. Equipment is sourced through the company's extensive global vendor network, providing best-in-class performance. HB Radiofrequency forms an essential unit within the Halberd...