Anthony Borgese and Athena Chambers wrote the Australian Chapter of the International Comparative Legal Guide: Telecoms, Media & Internet 2019.
In this comprehensive article, Anthony and Athena cover common issues in telecoms, media and internet laws and regulations, including cyber security, interception, encryption and data retention.

Some highlights in Australian telecoms, media and internet

As mobile and internet connectivity in Australia approaches saturation, industry growth for the highly-regulated telecommunications industry has remained relatively flat. Consumers continue to switch to mobile telecommunications (which accounted for 52% of telecommunications products and services in 2017–2018) coupled with cable or naked DSL broadband services through internet service providers, reducing demand for fixed-line telecommunications and telephones.

The Australian Federal Government (Government) continues with the rollout of the largely public-funded nbn fixed-line multitechnology network. Designed, built and operated by NBN Co, the nbn network includes a combination of fibre-to-the-premises, fibre-to-the-node/basement/curb and hybrid fibre coaxial technologies. The target for network completion remains 2020, but the budget rose from $49 billion to $51 billion in 2018, with additional costs being sourced from private markets.

Competition continued to intensify in the telecommunications industry in 2017–2018, continuing the five-year trend. In August 2018, TPG Telecom Limited and Vodafone announced a proposed merger of equals to establish a fully-integrated telecommunications operator in Australia. The merger will create a more effective competitor for Telstra and Optus, with an integrated mobile and fixed-line offering valued at approximately $15 billion. TPG and Vodafone have also formed a joint venture to bid in the Government’s 5G spectrum auction, evidencing strong commitment to new technologies.