Optus CTO departs after triple zero outage fallout
AUSTRALIA 06:29

Optus CTO departs after triple zero outage fallout

Optus has announced that chief technology officer Tony Baird will leave the operator following a transition period, being replaced by long-term ex-Telstra executive Sri Amirthalingam. Last month, an independent report into the failure of emergency calls on the Optus network on 18 September 2025 found a series of technical, procedural and governance failures that led to widespread disruption of Triple Zero services across several states and territories. According to the review, at least ten errors were made

2025/26 Ashes becomes most-watched series on Foxtel's Kayo
AUSTRALIA 06:08

2025/26 Ashes becomes most-watched series on Foxtel's Kayo

The 2025/26 Ashes cricket series in Australia has recorded the highest average audience of any Test series on Kayo Sports, as well as across all Foxtel group platforms. The five-Test series, which Australia won 4–1 over England, also became the most streamed Test series ever on Kayo Sports, with viewers streaming a total of 1.3 billion minutes across the platform and the wider Foxtel Group, including Foxtel, Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now.

SMAP deploys world's deepest fibre branching unit
AUSTRALIA 8 JAN

SMAP deploys world's deepest fibre branching unit

The SMAP submarine cable system in Australia has deployed what it claims is the world's deepest next-generation branching unit, with installation completed at the Adelaide branch site at depths exceeding 5,000 metres. The X-BU, is designed to combine electrical and optical switching functions within a single wet body, supporting high fibre-count systems such as SMAP's 16 fibre pairs. By integrating both switching capabilities in one structure, the design is intended to simplify deployment, operation and mai

Fiji advances rural connectivity as Telecom Fiji launches 5G
FIJI 7 JAN

Fiji advances rural connectivity as Telecom Fiji launches 5G

Fiji has taken parallel steps to expand telecommunications access, with new Universal Service Obligation (USO) contracts signed to improve rural and maritime connectivity and the formal launch of a 5G mobile network by Telecom Fiji (TFL). The Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) has signed USO agreements with Digicel Fiji and TFL to extend internet and mobile services to underserved communities under the Universal Service Scheme, which is funded through the industry-backed Universal Service Fund.

Foxtel's Kayo Sports increases streaming fees
AUSTRALIA 7 JAN

Foxtel's Kayo Sports increases streaming fees

Australian broadcaster Foxtel Group's streaming service Kayo Sports has told users its premium tier going from AUD 40 to AUD 45.99 a month from 5 February. The move follows a price increase in March last year that increased the tier, which offers two streams and 4K quality, from AUD 35 to AUD 40 per month. Kayo's standard tier, which offers one stream in HD, will decrease slightly to AUD 29.99 per month, but follows an increase from AUD 25 to AUD 30 in June last year.

One NZ network returns to normal service after bad weather
NEW ZEALAND 2 JAN

One NZ network returns to normal service after bad weather

One New Zealand announced it has restored power to mobile sites and returned to normal services after bad weather impacted over 50 cell sites on its network. During the network disruption started 29 December the operator opened up its satellite text service free to customers to help them stay connected. 

Starlink withdraws satellite internet services from Papua New Guinea
PAPUA NEW GUINEA 30 DEC 2025

Starlink withdraws satellite internet services from Papua New Guinea

Starlink has withdrawn its satellite internet services from Papua New Guinea as the government addresses licensing issues. In a service notification to users, Starlink encouraged customers to express support for its full operating approval.

NextDC's 350 MW Western Sydney data centre approved
AUSTRALIA 24 DEC 2025

NextDC's 350 MW Western Sydney data centre approved

Australian-based, pan-Asian data centre builder and operator NextDC's S4 data centre at Horsley Park in Western Sydney received State Significant Development approval from the NSW state government. The development includes a hyperscale data centre campus with two four-storey facilities delivering up to 350 MW of IT capacity, supported by new high-voltage transmission infrastructure, substation upgrade works, and associated office and mission critical operational space.

AirTrunk to invest AUD 5 bln in second Melbourne data centre
AUSTRALIA 24 DEC 2025

AirTrunk to invest AUD 5 bln in second Melbourne data centre

Asia Pacific & Middle East hyperscale data centre specialist AirTrunk has announced plans to invest more than AUD 5 billion in a second hyperscale data centre campus in Melbourne, increasing its total deployable capacity in the city to more than 630 MW. The operator said it has acquired a site in Melbourne's north-west for the new campus, known as MEL2, which is planned to deliver more than 354 MW of capacity. Combined with the existing MEL1 campus, AirTrunk's total investment in Melbourne would exceed AUD

ACMA strengthens protections with Digital ID as Telstra warned
AUSTRALIA 23 DEC 2025

ACMA strengthens protections with Digital ID as Telstra warned

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has amended rules for operators checking customer identities when activating prepaid mobile services. The new rules will allow operators to conduct ID checks using Digital ID verification services. The amendment to the Telecommunications (Service Provider – Identity Checks for Prepaid Mobile Carriage Services) Determination 2017 will support faster service activations and a smoother overall customer experience.

GreenSquareDC gains new CEO
AUSTRALIA 23 DEC 2025

GreenSquareDC gains new CEO

Australian data centre provider GreenSquareDC's board has announced an agreed executive leadership transition. Founder and CEO Walt Coulston will transition into a board director role. He will remain a significant shareholder and will continue to support the company as it enters its next phase of growth. Charles Penny, who has served as chief development officer since the company's launch, will assume the role of CEO, effective immediately.

Southern Launch to support re-entries of Lux Aeterna's reusable Satellites
AUSTRALIA 23 DEC 2025

Southern Launch to support re-entries of Lux Aeterna's reusable Satellites

Australian rocket launch company Southern Launch and Denver-based US satellite company Lux Aeterna have signed a contract to conduct orbital re-entries of Lux Aeterna's reusable satellite infrastructure to the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. Under the agreement, two Lux Aeterna Delphi satellites will return to the Koonibba Test Range with Southern Launch. The first mission is targeted to return in 2027.

AUSTRALIA 22 DEC 2025

NextDC customer wins boost contracted utilisation by 30%

Australian-headquartered data centre developer and operator NextDC announced that following further customer contract wins, its pro forma contracted utilisation –  excluding contractual expansion options and reservations applicable to hyperscale customers –  has increased by 96 MW (30%) to 412 MW since its most recent update on 1 December 2025. As a result of these customer contract wins, NextDC's pro-forma forward order book has increased to 301 MW. 

NEW ZEALAND 22 DEC 2025

Spark sells handset receivables to Challenger in NZD 240 mln financing move

Spark New Zealand has announced a new receivables financing structure where it will sell interest-free payment receivables linked to mobile handset sales, using the proceeds to reduce debt and support growth in its mobile business. Under the arrangement, Spark has partnered with Challenger to sell around NZD 240 million of existing receivables generated through its interest-free payment plans, which allow customers to spread the cost of mobile devices and accessories over time. 

AUSTRALIA 22 DEC 2025

Australian govt signs deal with Google for Defence hyperscale cloud

Australia's Defence department has signed a multi-year deed of standing offer with Google Australia to deliver enhanced, secure and air-gapped hyperscale cloud capability for Defence's ICT Environment. Defence said it will have access to advanced global cloud solutions to deliver key sovereign capabilities. The technology will support faster rollout of critical systems, ongoing upgrades and improved cooperation with international partners, while ensuring Australia retains control of critical Defence assets.

AUSTRALIA 22 DEC 2025

NBN Co reports 25 GWh annual power reduction across network

Australian government-owned NBN Co says it has met a target to cut annual electricity consumption across its network by 25 gigawatt-hours by December 2025, as part of a broader programme to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The reduction has been achieved through a series of network modernisation projects, including upgrades at 84 points of interconnection, the introduction of energy-saving modes at around 2,400 fixed wireless towers, and the removal of approximately 3,200 legacy pay TV power

AUSTRALIA 22 DEC 2025

Freeview Australia to trial DVB-I in early 2026

Freeview Australia has announced it will begin testing DVB-I technology locally – a new way to deliver the existing linear channel suites of ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, and Ten over the internet. The trail means users can navigate their live free-to-air channels through Freeview in the same familiar way, whether they're watching with or without an antenna, providing even more choice and access for viewers nationally.

VANUATU 22 DEC 2025

ASN, OMS launch Tamtam Cable project with Prima in Vanuatu

Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) and OMS have announced that the Tamtam Cable contract with Prima (Vanuatu) has officially entered into force as of 16 December. The system's ready for service date is scheduled for end of 2027.

AUSTRALIA 19 DEC 2025

Aussie Broadband warns of earnings impact after regulated rate decrease

Aussie Broadband has raised concerns about the financial and investment implications of new regulated voice interconnection prices, following the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) final determination. The operator said the decision would reduce wholesale revenue from its fixed voice networks, NetSIP and Symbio, from the 2026–27 financial year onwards. While acknowledging the delayed start date of the new regime, Aussie Broadband said it was disappointed that the regulato

AUSTRALIA 19 DEC 2025

Fixed service complaints are double mobile in Australia

Australian consumers are still experiencing a variety of problems with their telecom services as indicated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA) most recent Telecommunications Consumer Complaints report. The report ranks the performance of 37 of Australia's largest telcos against three key metrics for July to September 2025. Overall, Vonex received the fewest complaints per 10,000 services, while Vodafone was 37th, receiving the most complaints per 10,000 services.

FIJI 19 DEC 2025

Digicel Fiji and regulator sign USO contract to connect remote communities

Digicel Fiji has signed a Universal Service Obligation (USO) contract with the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF), initiating the deployment of essential mobile and digital connectivity services to historically underserved communities within the Lau Group. The execution of this contract represents a "major milestone in achieving Fiji's national vision of universal digital access" according to the operator. It includes provisions for deploying robust infrastructure, notably integrating government-led

AUSTRALIA 18 DEC 2025

Review finds multiple failures behind Optus triple zero outage

An independent report into the failure of emergency calls on the Optus network on 18 September 2025 has found a series of technical, procedural and governance failures that led to widespread disruption of Triple Zero services across several states and territories. The report, prepared for the Optus board by Kerry Schott, found that network changes made shortly after midnight caused triple zero calls to fail in South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of far west New South Wales f

AUSTRALIA 18 DEC 2025

Telstra activates first of 27 new mobile sites in remote South Australia

Telstra has switched on a new mobile base station at Blackford near Kingston, marking the first of 27 planned sites to improve coverage across South Australia's Limestone Coast region. The site forms part of the Australian government's Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) Round 3 and was funded through a co-investment model involving the government, the South Australian government, six local councils, the South Australian Forest Products Association and Telstra.

NEW ZEALAND 18 DEC 2025

Kordia to install DAS solution at Te Kaha stadium

BESIX Watpac, which is delivering the stadium, has engaged Kordia to construct a comprehensive Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that will bring mobile networks seamlessly into One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch. Once the stadium opens in 2026, fans will be able to enjoy reliable mobile connectivity when visiting the stadium, even at sell-out concerts where peak crowds can connect to the network at once.

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