Australia’s telecom sector is on the brink of one of its most transformative periods in decades. After years of building out networks and chasing coverage, the next five years will be about turning infrastructure into intelligence, connectivity into capability, and networks into platforms.
To unpack what this means for operators, vendors, and enterprises, we sat down with Anton Gain, Managing Director at Gain IT & T Consulting Pty Ltd and a trusted expert in telecom industry, commercials and strategy. Anton shares his perspective on where the sector is headed; and what he is advising his government and corporate clients to do now to stay ahead.
Industry Outlook for Telecommunications Sector
“The fundamentals are shifting,” says Anton. “We’re looking at slow revenue growth but fast structural change. Operators face flat ARPU, rising inflation-linked costs, and relentless pressure from OTT competitors. Mobile data consumption will keep rising, but margins won’t automatically follow.”
Expect a wave of cost optimisation, portfolio reshaping, and targeted M&A. Anton points to three major trends already visible globally:
- Consolidation among mobile and fibre operators.
- Infrastructure carve-outs — tower and fibre spin-offs to free up capital.
- A financial playbook focused on leaner opex, smarter partnerships, and enterprise growth.
He adds: “In Australia, regulatory scrutiny will intensify, especially around telco reliability, data sovereignty, and national security. The recent 000 emergency call failures have put resilience and compliance firmly on the agenda.”
Technology Outlook for Australian Telecommunications
Anton believes the next five years will usher in the second act of 5G; moving from coverage to capability. This is trend is accelerated as coverage is augmented by direct to mobile functionality from LEOs such as Starlink.
“5G Standalone deployments will enable true network slicing, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, and industrial use cases,” he explains.
On 5G mmWave, Anton says: “This technology unlocks ultra-high bandwidth and ultra-low latency in targeted zones. This will be critical for applications like advanced manufacturing and immersive media.”
Other key shifts include:
- Cloud-native networks becoming the default for upgrades and greenfield projects.
- AI and GenAI embedded across operations: “We’re seeing AI drive self-healing networks, predictive maintenance, and intelligent customer care. This isn’t hype, it’s operational reality.”
- Open RAN adoption where cost efficiency and regulatory support align.
- Edge computing and private networks powering sectors like logistics, ports, and healthcare.
- Satellite constellations augmenting rural and enterprise coverage.
Anton warns: “The challenge isn’t just technology; it’s integration complexity, cyber risk, and the need for software and AI talent inside telcos. Those who master cloud and automation first will capture the lion’s share of efficiency gains.”
The Commercial Outlook for Telecommunications in Australia
“The industry is shifting,” Anton says. “Connectivity is now a commodity. The real value is in services, platforms, and outcomes.”
Expect:
- An increase in B2B revenues from private 5G, edge solutions, and IoT platforms.
- Vertical-specific go-to-market models for manufacturing, healthcare, and media.
- AI-driven engagement to reduce churn and personalise service.
- Partnership ecosystems with hyperscalers and integrators — blending cooperation and competition.
- Outcome-based pricing, where customers pay for uptime or reliability, not just bandwidth.
For consumers, this means personalised bundles (gaming, AR/VR, streaming) and smarter AI-assisted support. For enterprises, integrated solutions combining connectivity, cloud, analytics, and automation; all delivered as a service.
By 2023 What Will Telecommunications in Australia Look Like?
By 2030, Anton predicts telecom will resemble a digital services platform industry rather than just a traditional utility.
“The winners won’t necessarily be those with the most spectrum,” he says. “They’ll also be the ones who translate infrastructure into intelligence.”
His three imperatives:
1. Build your software and AI capability Telcos need to start thinking like tech companies. That means investing in cloud-native architectures, automation, and AI-driven tools as core business enablers, not just add-ons.
2. Own the edge The next wave of growth will come from fibre, edge sites and private 5G networks. These aren’t just infrastructure assets; they’re the foundation for new enterprise services and revenue streams.
3. Partner smartly Collaboration with hyperscalers and integrators is essential, but don’t give away the crown jewels. Keep control of customer relationships and the data that underpins your value proposition.
The Bottom Line for Telco in Australia
The next five years will test adaptability. Those who see connectivity as the starting point, not the end goal, will redefine what it means to be a telecom operator.
“The story of this decade won’t just be about towers or trenches,” Anton concludes. “It will be about networks that think, services that solve, and partnerships that scale. The transformation has already begun and the time to act is now.”
Prepare for Australia’s Telecom Future
If your organisation wants to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the future of telecommunications in Australia, now is the time to act. Gain IT & T Consulting works with leading corporates and government agencies to deliver clarity, strategy and cost savings in a rapidly changing market.
Contact Gain IT & T Consulting for a confidential discussion about your current telecom environment, future roadmap and procurement strategy. Our team will help you make informed decisions that set you up for success.
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About Gain IT & T Consulting
Founded in 2009, Gain IT & T Consulting is an independent telecom, contact centre, and data centre consulting firm serving large corporates, government agencies, and telecom carriers. The company helps organisations understand their current telecom state, define future roadmaps, and optimise procurement strategies. Their vertically integrated services ensure clients buy the right solutions, gain full visibility of telecom assets, save money over contract terms, and stay prepared for future needs.