ACCC finds most NBN users receive expected speeds, but gaps remain
AUSTRALIA 05:51

ACCC finds most NBN users receive expected speeds, but gaps remain

Most Australian households are receiving broadband speeds close to those advertised under their NBN plans, although some high-speed services and fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) connections continue to underperform, according to the latest Measuring Broadband Australia report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The regulator found that average download speeds across fixed-line NBN services reached 98.5 percent of plan speeds during evening peak hours in December 2025. ACCC commissioner I

Optus follows Telstra with second price rise within a year
AUSTRALIA 05:43

Optus follows Telstra with second price rise within a year

Optus has begun notifying customers it is will be raising its postpaid mobile plans by AUD 5 from 18 May – the second time within 12 months. The operator has promised higher data allowances for the new tariffs. Its cheapest "Choice Plus" postpaid plan comes with an extra 10 GB of data (now 60 GB) and will rise by AUD 5 to AUD 60 a month. Its medium plan increases to AUD 70 for 240 GB, and the largest plan rises to AUD 90 for 480 GB, which is up 80 GB. 

Spark launches satellite-to-mobile data services with Starlink
NEW ZEALAND 05:35

Spark launches satellite-to-mobile data services with Starlink

Spark New Zealand has launched satellite-to-mobile data and text services in partnership with Starlink, extending connectivity to remote areas across New Zealand. The service enables customers to access data and messaging via satellite when outside the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, provided there is a clear line of sight to the sky. It is available to consumer, SME and enterprise customers on eligible plans, where it is included at no additional cost. Other customers can access the capability as an

ACCC proposes tighter service standards in draft NBN regulatory reset
AUSTRALIA 1 APR

ACCC proposes tighter service standards in draft NBN regulatory reset

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has outlined proposed changes to the regulatory framework governing government-owned wholesale broadband provider NBN Co, focusing on improved service quality, revised cost settings and higher baseline broadband speeds. The draft determination sets out the regulator's preliminary position for the next regulatory cycle beginning on 1 July 2026, under the existing Special Access Undertaking (SAU). 

Spark completes nationwide 3G network shutdown in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND 1 APR

Spark completes nationwide 3G network shutdown in New Zealand

Spark New Zealand has completed the shutdown of its nationwide 3G network, marking the closure of all 3G services across New Zealand. The operator said the switch-off follows several years of preparation, including upgrading all 3G-only cell sites to 4G or 5G and building more than 120 new towers since announcing the shutdown timeline in mid-2025. It also issued more than four million customer notifications and supported an industry-wide awareness campaign, alongside community outreach efforts delivered in

Australian govt partners Anthropic on AI safety, research and infrastructure
AUSTRALIA 1 APR

Australian govt partners Anthropic on AI safety, research and infrastructure

The Australian government has signed an MoU with Anthropic to support collaboration on AI development, safety and research, marking the first formal arrangement under the country's National AI Plan. The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation between government, industry and research institutions, with a focus on aligning AI development with national policy objectives, including safety, economic impact and infrastructure planning. 

Datacom acquires Auckland data centre to expand domestic footprint
NEW ZEALAND 1 APR

Datacom acquires Auckland data centre to expand domestic footprint

New Zealand service provider Datacom has acquired a 5,200 square metre data centre in Auckland from T4 NZ Data Centres, increasing its national portfolio to five facilities, including two in the country's largest city. The company said the acquisition reflects rising demand for in-country digital infrastructure, particularly as artificial intelligence workloads drive increased compute requirements. It added that the expansion supports greater geographic diversity for customers seeking resilience across infr

2degrees research highlights decline in voice calls despite rising mobile usage
NEW ZEALAND 1 APR

2degrees research highlights decline in voice calls despite rising mobile usage

New Zealand operator 2degrees has published new research indicating that while mobile phone use continues to increase in New Zealand, voice calls are declining and are associated with higher levels of perceived personal connection than text-based communication. The nationwide study, conducted in March 2026 among 830 adults, found that 68 percent of respondents primarily use messaging services, including SMS and social platforms, to stay in touch, compared with 15 percent who default to phone calls. 

Australia proposes new rules on children's data use in draft privacy code
AUSTRALIA 1 APR

Australia proposes new rules on children's data use in draft privacy code

Australia's privacy regulator has released a draft Children's Online Privacy Code that would introduce new obligations on digital services to prioritise the best interests of children when handling personal data. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) said the proposed code would require organisations to consider children's interests before collecting, using or disclosing their personal information, and to obtain consent before using such data for targeted advertising. 

NZ regulator recommends deregulating fibre landline voice services
NEW ZEALAND 31 MRT

NZ regulator recommends deregulating fibre landline voice services

New Zealand's Commerce Commission has recommended removing regulation of the wholesale fibre landline voice service, citing low uptake and a sustained shift towards mobile and internet-based calling. The Voice Fibre Fixed Line Access Service was introduced under the 2018 fibre regulatory framework to support the transition from copper networks, when landline usage remained widespread. However, telecommunications commissioner Tristan Gilbertson said demand has since declined significantly, with landline use

Meta, Snap, YouTube and TikTok flagged for social media age compliance issues
AUSTRALIA 31 MRT

Meta, Snap, YouTube and TikTok flagged for social media age compliance issues

Australia's online safety regulator has raised compliance concerns about five major platforms as it shifts towards potential enforcement of the country's Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) requirements. The eSafety Commissioner said Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are under investigation for potential non-compliance with rules designed to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts.

Telstra loses out after Australia mandates standardised mobile coverage maps
AUSTRALIA 31 MRT

Telstra loses out after Australia mandates standardised mobile coverage maps

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has introduced new rules requiring mobile network operators to publish standardised coverage maps for 4G and 5G services across Australia by 30 June 2026. Under the Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Industry Standard 2026, operators must present coverage using four categories: good, moderate, basic or no coverage. The regulator said the move is intended to address inconsistencies in how operators currently measure and display coverage,

AUSTRALIA 30 MRT

Telstra targets SME IT market with integrated managed services offering

Telstra has launched a managed IT services portfolio aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, marking an expansion of its enterprise offering beyond connectivity into broader IT support and security services for smaller customers. The operator said the new service is designed for organisations with up to 500 employees and combines IT support, cybersecurity and maintenance into a single package. It positions the offer as a consolidated alternative in a fragmented managed services market, which it estimate

NEW ZEALAND 30 MRT

One NZ launches Unlock to reshape corporate mobile plans

One New Zealand has introduced a new business mobile offering, branded Unlock, aimed at changing how organisations manage employee mobile services. The operator said the initiative reflects evolving work patterns and the increasing role of smartphones beyond traditional workplace use. It positions the model as an alternative to conventional corporate mobile plans, which it said were designed for earlier working environments.

AUSTRALIA 30 MRT

Australian regulator mandates outage reporting by operators from June

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has introduced new rules requiring operators to publish registers of resolved network outages on their websites from 30 June 2026. Under amendments to the Telecommunications (Customer Communications for Outages) Standard 2024, operators must disclose details of all major and significant local outages resolved on or after 31 March 2026. The information must be presented in a consistent format to improve transparency and enable comparison across provide

AUSTRALIA 30 MRT

Australian scam losses exceed AUD 2 bln as authorities highlight role for operators

Australians reported more than AUD 2.18 billion in scam-related losses in 2025, according to the latest Targeting Scams Report from the National Anti-Scam Centre, underscoring the continued scale and complexity of fraud and the growing role of operators in mitigation efforts. The report recorded 481,523 scam reports during the year. Of these, 274,577 involved financial losses, with total losses rising by 7.8 percent year-on-year despite overall report volumes stabilising. Losses remain below the 2022 peak o

AUSTRALIA 27 MRT

IOWN Global Forum to host Sydney event on future photonics-based networks

The IOWN Global Forum will host an international seminar in Sydney next month focused on the role of next-generation communications infrastructure in supporting AI and data-intensive workloads. The event, titled FUTURES Sydney 2026 – Powering Tomorrow with Photonics, will take place on 16 April and bring together business and technology leaders to discuss the development and deployment of optical and photonics-based networks.

AUSTRALIA 27 MRT

ACMA to replace telecoms consumer code with enforceable standard

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced plans to replace the industry-developed Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code with an enforceable industry standard, citing the need for stronger and more consistent consumer safeguards. The TCP Code has governed areas including advertising, responsible selling, treatment of vulnerable customers and credit management since 2019. 

NEW ZEALAND 27 MRT

One NZ deploys solar to support data centre and stadium connectivity

One New Zealand has completed its first large-scale onsite solar installation, deploying rooftop panels at a Christchurch data centre to support network infrastructure serving the nearby One New Zealand Stadium. The system comprises 142 rooftop-mounted solar panels and a 110kW inverter, with peak generation capacity of up to 90kW. The company said the installation is expected to supply most of the electricity required by its central Christchurch technology site and an adjacent mobile site under favourable c

AUSTRALIA 27 MRT

NSW advances AUD 51.9 bln data centre pipeline under tighter planning framework

Australia's New South Wales government has advanced 15 data centre projects with a combined value of AUD 51.9 billion into its Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) pipeline, reflecting continued growth in demand alongside a more selective approach to digital infrastructure development. The projects were endorsed through the first round of the IDA process, which is designed to coordinate large-scale investments while managing their impact on energy, water and broader infrastructure systems.

AUSTRALIA 27 MRT

Foxtel secures exclusive beIN SPORTS deal for licensed venues

Australian broadcaster Foxtel has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with beIN Sports to deliver premium international football and tennis content to licensed venues across the country. Under the partnership, Foxtel Business will distribute beIN Sports' three linear channels to pubs and clubs, restoring access to competitions including Spain's LaLiga, Italy's Serie A, Germany's Bundesliga and the English Football League, as well as ATP and WTA tennis. The content returns to commercial venues followi

AUSTRALIA 27 MRT

Australian pilot to reuse low-value mobile phones proves successful

A pilot led by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has found that under-utilised mobile phones can be refurbished and redistributed at scale, offering both social and environmental benefits while addressing gaps in existing commercial refurbishment models. The initiative, known as Project Phoenix, was designed to assess whether devices that are typically overlooked due to low resale value could be safely recovered and reused. 

AUSTRALIA 26 MRT

Australian govt issues guidance on securing LEO satellite comms

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), in collaboration with international partners, has released new guidance outlining cyber security risks and mitigation strategies for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications, as reliance on space-based connectivity increases. The guidance highlights that the rapid expansion of LEO satellite constellations is increasing the potential attack surface, placing critical networks used for telecommunications, emergency services and remote connectivity at greater r

AUSTRALIA 26 MRT

CDC raises FY27 guidance as AI demand drives capacity expansion

Australasian data centre operator CDC has increased its medium-term earnings guidance and outlined continued expansion plans, citing sustained demand linked to AI and large-scale compute workloads. At an investor briefing in Sydney, CDC's majority shareholder Infratil said FY27 EBITDAF is now expected to reach AUD 680 million to AUD 720 million, up from earlier guidance of around AUD 660 million. FY26 EBITDAF is expected to be at the lower end of the AUD 390 million to AUD 400 million range due to the timin

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Commentary

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Open Dutch Fiber's new management team takes up turnaround challenge

15 DEC 2025 13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

Background

29 MRT 22:46

The week in telecoms: Italy brings back PTT, US bans foreign routers and social media on trial

23 MRT 00:38

The week in telecoms: OFC and Nvidia events drive data centre networking talk, Orange debuts full French office stack

16 MRT 00:25

The week in telecoms: Pakistan ready for 5G, Google exits FTTH market and Canal Plus works on pay-TV turnaround

6 MRT 16:00

The week in telecom: MWC brings 5G advances, AI and satellite integration, plus first robot phone