Paul

Laser Communications:” Illuminating’’ the path to the future of connectivity.

When I first explored the potential of laser communications in my 2020 article, “Is laser going to be the next telecoms frontier?”, it was clear that this technology held immense promise for the future of telecommunications. At the time, I highlighted the limitations of existing infrastructure, such as the high costs of deploying ubiquitous fibre

Laser Communications:” Illuminating’’ the path to the future of connectivity. Read More »

Government invest $3 billion in the NBN

The Albanese Government has reiterated its commitment to completing the National Broadband Network (NBN) and keeping NBN Co in public hands. The announcement of a $3 billion equity injection, complemented by NBN Co’s own $800 million contribution, aims to upgrade the remaining fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) network. These upgrades will enable access to faster and more reliable

Government invest $3 billion in the NBN Read More »

Energy’s transformative journey: Lessons from telecoms

I have been writing about telecommunications since the late 1970s, when videotext—an early precursor to the internet—was introduced. Even then, I recognised it as a game changer, shifting telecommunications from a technology-centric field to one that enabled societal and business applications. Over the years, I predicted many of the changes this shift would bring. While

Energy’s transformative journey: Lessons from telecoms Read More »

DAZN’s acquisition of Foxtel: A new era for Australian sports streaming

The recent announcement of DAZN’s acquisition of Foxtel marks a pivotal moment in Australia’s media and sports landscape. DAZN, often referred to as the “Netflix of sports,” is a global over-the-top (OTT) streaming service that has redefined how audiences consume live and on-demand sports content. This deal signals a profound shift in the dynamics of

DAZN’s acquisition of Foxtel: A new era for Australian sports streaming Read More »

Direct-to-Cell Services – A game-changer for rural and emergency services?

The recent conditional approval granted by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to Starlink for its direct-to-cell (D2C) services is a pivotal step in the evolution of global connectivity. The promise of D2C services is nothing short of transformative: a world where your smartphone can connect directly to satellites for emergency communication, no matter how

Direct-to-Cell Services – A game-changer for rural and emergency services? Read More »

Unlocking the potential of Smart Grids: A path to Neighbourhood Energy Independence

Back in 2006, I established the Smart Grid Australia Association. Here, we brought together organisations involved in the development of smart energy, working collaboratively to build smarter communities. Our major success was the government’s decision in 2010 to launch a $100 million Smart City Smart Grid pilot in the Newcastle area. Unfortunately, this initiative was

Unlocking the potential of Smart Grids: A path to Neighbourhood Energy Independence Read More »

Vocus-TPG Deal: Reshaping the Future of Australia’s Telecommunications Infrastructure

The recent acquisition by Vocus of TPG’s fibre network infrastructure, along with a substantial submarine cable portfolio, represents a significant shift in Australia’s telecommunications landscape. This move aligns with a global trend in the telecom industry: a transition from traditional vertically integrated models toward specialised, consolidated infrastructure ownership, often overseen by investment-focused entities. Through this

Vocus-TPG Deal: Reshaping the Future of Australia’s Telecommunications Infrastructure Read More »

The Future of NBN – Privatisation in a Changing Market Landscape

This week, the government announced its intention to introduce new legislation that would keep the National Broadband Network (NBN) in public hands, reinforcing its election promise. The proposed law, expected to be tabled in federal parliament, aims to prevent any future sale of the NBN, pushing the Coalition to clarify whether it would seek to

The Future of NBN – Privatisation in a Changing Market Landscape Read More »

The Netherlands: Europe’s Digital Powerhouse

From Norway I travelled to the country of my birth, the Netherlands (18 million inhabitants in a country half the size of Tasmania). I have followed the Duch market over several decades and I have organised government-led trade mission between our two countries in relation to broadband and smart cities. So, it was with interest

The Netherlands: Europe’s Digital Powerhouse Read More »

Norway’s Leadership in Green Technologies

I am currently in Norway and looked for interesting info to share with you. It didn’t take long to realise that Norway is an absolute leader in Green Technologies, so plenty of firsthand information on these developments from this Nordic country. The country has not only met but often exceeded international commitments to reduce emissions,

Norway’s Leadership in Green Technologies Read More »

Norway a leader in Fibre-to-the Home Broadband access

Hello from Norway where over 70% if households are now connected to Fibre-to-the-Home or Fibre-to-the-Premise networks. I am using the opportunity to provide you with an overview of developments in this northern country with its beautiful fjords and stunning landscape. Everything is digital here, parking, shopping, museums, trains, you name it. No wonder that the

Norway a leader in Fibre-to-the Home Broadband access Read More »

Smaller telcos continue to gain ground in the NBN market.

The June quarter of 2024 has seen smaller telcos making significant strides in the NBN market, according to the latest NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The report, prepared by NBN Co, provides a detailed overview of the NBN wholesale market, with a particular focus on residential

Smaller telcos continue to gain ground in the NBN market. Read More »

NBN Co Faces FY24 challenges: Growth in fibre demand amidst ongoing financial struggles

NBN Co has faced significant challenges in balancing its financial performance despite making strides in operational efficiency and revenue growth. The company’s financial results for FY24 reveal a complex landscape where increased revenue and reduced operational costs are overshadowed by a substantial net loss. However, NBN Co remains committed to its long-term infrastructure goals, particularly

NBN Co Faces FY24 challenges: Growth in fibre demand amidst ongoing financial struggles Read More »

Telstra’s underlaying problems exposed in its financial results.

Telstra’s recent financial results have exposed significant underlying challenges within the company, particularly in its enterprise market, which has long been considered a cornerstone of its business. The 13% decline in net profit, down to $1.79 billion, is more than just a financial setback—it’s a clear indication that Telstra is struggling to maintain its competitive

Telstra’s underlaying problems exposed in its financial results. Read More »

Amsterdam: Leading the charge in Digital Sovereignty and Ethical AI

When I caught up with my colleague Frans Anton Vermast last week during his visit to Australia, it wasn’t long before the conversation turned to Amsterdam. I have written many articles over the years following the smart city developments of this city. Frans Anton, who frequently represents Amsterdam Smart City at international conferences, has been

Amsterdam: Leading the charge in Digital Sovereignty and Ethical AI Read More »

Exciting developments for Sun Cable’s Australia-Asia Power Link

Back in 2020, I wrote about the SunCable project with a sense of excitement for its ambitious vision. Now, in 2024, that excitement is renewed as this innovative project reaches a significant milestone. In July, the Northern Territory Government gave the green light for Sun Cable to advance its Australia-Asia Power Link, touted as the

Exciting developments for Sun Cable’s Australia-Asia Power Link Read More »

Australia’s broadband growth lags behind New Zealand in latest OECD rankings

The latest broadband statistics from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD )clearly show that Australia is still paying the price for the political footballing around the NBN led by the Coalition during the 2000s. This mismanagement caused a significant delay in progress, and as shown in the statistics we still facing a long

Australia’s broadband growth lags behind New Zealand in latest OECD rankings Read More »

Bridging the connectivity gap: Integrating LEO satellites with mobile networks

Recently I have been interviewed a couple of times regarding mobile blackspots. The questions I received were along the following lines: In our ever-connected world, staying online and in touch is more important than ever. However, many of us still experience frustrating blackspots, limited mobile coverage in rural areas, and capacity problems in densely populated

Bridging the connectivity gap: Integrating LEO satellites with mobile networks Read More »

We’ve known it for 20 years, and now it’s confirmed: fibre offers the best broadband infrastructure.

Sigh…. Twenty years after people like me started to argue for fibre-based broadband infrastructure, and fifteen years after the government decided that fibre was the best technology for 94% of all Australians, we now get confirmation that Fibre to the Premises (FttP) is the best technology. Additionally, some ten years after Independent MP Tony Windsor

We’ve known it for 20 years, and now it’s confirmed: fibre offers the best broadband infrastructure. Read More »

Australia set to become a key hub in the global submarine cable network

The unveiling of  Subcom‘s comprehensive plans for new submarine cable routes heralds a significant milestone in Australia’s telecommunications landscape. These plans, outlined in marine survey submissions, unveil a grand vision to interconnect the western and eastern coasts of Australia, potentially extending to India. The scale of these ambitions surpasses previous expectations, hinting at a broader

Australia set to become a key hub in the global submarine cable network Read More »

Australian Company Taking a Leadership Role in Drone Protection

Defense company DroneShield has opened new headquarters in Sydney, tripling its sovereign defense R&D and manufacturing capacity to $400 million. The new site in Pyrmont follows DroneShield’s recent $115 million capital raise, which it will use to scale operations. The headquarters will include facilities for DroneShield’s 120 local staff and a dedicated floor for high-tech

Australian Company Taking a Leadership Role in Drone Protection Read More »

New satellite operators put pressure on incumbent telcos

The burgeoning growth of SpaceX’s Starlink service is creating substantial challenges for telecommunications companies. This discussion will cover the impact on the NBN and Telstra in Australia and, more broadly, the issues faced by the South Pacific Islands, as recently discussed at the Australasia Satellite Forum organised by Communication Daily in Sydney. Starlink’s influence now

New satellite operators put pressure on incumbent telcos Read More »

Trends in the residential broadband market

The NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report, prepared quarterly for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) by NBN Co, offers a comprehensive overview of the NBN wholesale market. This report, focusing on residential broadband access services, highlights the latest trends and key statistics in the market for the March quarter of 2024. Telstra’s market share

Trends in the residential broadband market Read More »

Brisbane home of the World’s First Utility-Scale Commercial Quantum Computer

In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the global technological landscape, the Australian and Queensland governments have committed $940 million investment into PsiQuantum, a US-based tech firm founded by two Australians also has a base in Brisbane. This investment marks a pivotal step towards constructing the world’s first utility-scale quantum computer, which will be located

Brisbane home of the World’s First Utility-Scale Commercial Quantum Computer Read More »

More than 5 billion social media users – 62% of global population.

The latest Digital 2024 report, a collaborative effort between media intelligence provider Meltwater and creative agency We Are Social, unveils a wealth of data and insights shedding light on the current state of the digital realm. One of the most striking revelations from Digital 2024 is the surpassing of the 5 billion mark in active

More than 5 billion social media users – 62% of global population. Read More »

Digital Twins are getting a real boost from AI

The symbiotic relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twins is poised to reshape urban management paradigms, leveraging innovative research and interdisciplinary collaborations. This article, inspired by Dr.Frederico Fialho Teixeira’s enlightening presentation at the University of Queensland, delves deeper into the transformative potential of Digital Twins enhanced by AI across various domains, particularly in the

Digital Twins are getting a real boost from AI Read More »

Deloitte’s technology prediction for 2024 – broadband speeds stabilising

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, media, and telecom (TMT), the Australian market stands poised for significant transformation in 2024. With forecasts pointing towards substantial growth and innovation across various sectors, Deloitte’s TMT Predictions 2024 offers a comprehensive outlook on the trends shaping Australia’s digital future. Broadband speeds levelling off. Deloitte predicts a stabilisation in

Deloitte’s technology prediction for 2024 – broadband speeds stabilising Read More »

Australians lost a record-breaking $3.1 billion to scams last year – an 80% increase. Their lives are being ruined.

According to Scamwatch, Sarah from Sydney knows the devastation firsthand. She lost her life savings in a romance scam. The true cost of scams extends far beyond the financial toll – they shatter trust, devastate families, and can even lead to tragedy. As scammers relentlessly target Australians with increasingly sophisticated tactics, we need to urgently

Australians lost a record-breaking $3.1 billion to scams last year – an 80% increase. Their lives are being ruined. Read More »

Latest developments in the Australian telecommunications industry

It’s been a busy and interesting couple of weeks for the Australian telecoms industry, with all major players presenting results and updates about their businesses. Looking over a 30-year period of competition in the telecoms industry, the big picture remains largely the same. Telstra continues to be the dominant player (over 60% market share), followed

Latest developments in the Australian telecommunications industry Read More »

AI opening new business models such as Platform-as-a-Service.

Looking at telecommunication companies (telcos) as an example they have historically thrived on vertical integration, yielding substantial profits. However, their reluctance to transition into platform-based models has resulted in missed opportunities in the realms of the internet and, more critically, digital media. The prevailing culture within telcos still tends to favour vertically integrated solutions, even

AI opening new business models such as Platform-as-a-Service. Read More »

NBN bombshell announcement: Finally, high-speed, affordable broadband.

NBN Co’s groundbreaking plan to boost broadband speeds across Australia is finally delivering the first-class broadband service that Australia as a modern society needs. The announcement has captured the attention of millions, promising to make its most popular plan five times faster without any additional charges. This initiative, aimed at meeting the escalating demand for

NBN bombshell announcement: Finally, high-speed, affordable broadband. Read More »

Another day, another Foxtel service

The Foxtel Group has launched yet another service, this one based on the so-called Hubbl. This is a small set-top box, a streaming entertainment device designed to simplify the user experience for live TV, free-to-air channels, and subscription-based streaming services. Similar devices include: Apple TV, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick These are Internet-connected devices

Another day, another Foxtel service Read More »

NBN is making progress but still paying for previous political footballing.

Following my article from last week and your reactions to it, I think it is important to say a few words before delving into another ‘glowing’ nbn story from the company itself, obviously with a bit of spinning that you can expect from large corporations. What we are witnessing now, both regarding the growth of

NBN is making progress but still paying for previous political footballing. Read More »

The economic and social Impacts of enhanced NBN connectivity

In recent years, Australia has witnessed a profound transformation in its digital landscape, propelled by the accelerated rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN). New economic research conducted by Accenture commissioned by NBN Co sheds light on the substantial benefits of a faster and more robust NBN network, with implications spanning economic growth, workforce demographics,

The economic and social Impacts of enhanced NBN connectivity Read More »

Global 5G market advanced to 1.6 billion users.

For literally decades, I have been relying on the annual statistical reports on the global telecommunications market published by telecommunications giant Ericsson. The reports from the 1980s and 1990s primarily focused on telephone statistics, and over time, they expanded to include broadband and mobile data. However, due to the privatisation of telecommunication services, not all

Global 5G market advanced to 1.6 billion users. Read More »

More fibre connections but users stick to lower speeds.

The government’s initiative to enhance the National Broadband Network (NBN) has expanded eligibility for full-fibre broadband upgrades to over 3 million Australians. An additional 400,000 homes and businesses are set to benefit from this plan, as the latest list of eligible suburbs and towns has been unveiled. These newly eligible premises were previously serviced by

More fibre connections but users stick to lower speeds. Read More »

Unlocking Grid Flexibility and harnessing Distributed Energy Resources for a Sustainable Energy Future.

My earlier two articles (here and here) on the symbiosis between energy and IT (telecoms, AI, data centres) triggered a discussion with my American colleagues on ‘Grid flexibility and Distributed Energy Resources’. They mentioned the interesting developments in the USA  shaped by ambitious net zero goals set at the State levels and an unprecedented  US$40

Unlocking Grid Flexibility and harnessing Distributed Energy Resources for a Sustainable Energy Future. Read More »

Review of Australia’s Digital Evolution in 2023

Australia’s digital landscape has undergone significant transformations in 2023, as outlined in recent reports from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). They key findings concentrate on three critical perspectives: the state of Australian telecom infrastructure, internet usage patterns, and the dynamic trends in digital communication. ACMA’s series of research reports culminating in 2023 unveiled

Review of Australia’s Digital Evolution in 2023 Read More »

Analysis of NBN fixed-lines services in urban and regional Australia

The latest update of the ACCC report “Measuring Broadband Australia (MBA) “ delves into the broadband performance of NBN fixed-line connections in both urban and regional Australia, with a focus on the program’s insights gathered in September 2023. While the report primarily scrutinises fixed-line connections, it acknowledges the prevalence of fixed wireless and satellite connections

Analysis of NBN fixed-lines services in urban and regional Australia Read More »

Australian households and the affordability of telecommunications

A  study published by the Bureau of Communications,. Arts and Regional Research delves into the realm of telecommunications spending among Australian households, utilising data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The primary objective is to pinpoint vulnerable households that face a heightened risk of digital exclusion, enhancing the understanding of

Australian households and the affordability of telecommunications Read More »

Australia’s low ranking in broadband and cloud computing

The digital landscape has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with the global broadband and cloud computing markets emerging as key pillars of the digital economy. Their combined worth exceeds an astounding $656 billion, but the real impact extends far beyond this impressive figure. Broadband and cloud computing are instrumental in shaping the future

Australia’s low ranking in broadband and cloud computing Read More »

Optus’s handling of the outage has left many with a bad taste in their mouths.

On the day of the Optus Network Outage, I wrote an article with my initial assessment. I fine-tuned it in the following week and also used it for my submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Optus Network Outage. The outage on Wednesday, 8 November, sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting a deep dive into

Optus’s handling of the outage has left many with a bad taste in their mouths. Read More »

Submission to the Optus Network Outage Senate Inquiry

Committee Secretary Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications Parliament House Canberra Brisbane 16 November 2023 Submission Optus Network Outage – General Analysis of the Optus Network Outage Incident I have been closely monitoring the developments of the Optus network outage since the early hours of Wednesday, 8 November. In response to this incident, I

Submission to the Optus Network Outage Senate Inquiry Read More »

Predicted NBN prices increases are now a reality.

As foreshadowed in my previous articles the new National Broadband Network (NBN) wholesale agreements as have been under discussion for many years were approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Under that agreement the NBN company is now able to increase it prices for its lower tier products, while at the same time

Predicted NBN prices increases are now a reality. Read More »

Optus outage: We can’t afford to have a single point of failure in our telecoms system.

Addressing Telecom System Vulnerabilities to Prevent Widespread Outages The recent Optus outage cannot be considered a ‘rare occasion.’ Over the last few years, we have witnessed several major outages across the telecoms networks, making it imperative for us to prepare ourselves for such events. Today, over 99% of telecoms traffic comprises data. Virtually every organisation

Optus outage: We can’t afford to have a single point of failure in our telecoms system. Read More »

Akamai’s latest report reveals disturbing trends in ransomware landscape.

In an increasingly digital world, cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace. Akamai Technologies, a prominent player in cybersecurity and content delivery services, has just released its latest State of the Internet (SOTI) Report,, titled “Ransomware on the Move: Exploitation Techniques and the Active Pursuit of Zero-Days.” This research delves deep into the world

Akamai’s latest report reveals disturbing trends in ransomware landscape. Read More »

New NBN pricing challenges and opportunities

After nearly three years of reporting on the troubled pricing policies of NBN Co,  the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has finally given its approval to a revised Special Access Undertaking (SAU) for the National Broadband Network (NBN). This decision ushers in a new era of NBN pricing and service standards. While the changes

New NBN pricing challenges and opportunities Read More »

Australians have massively adopted the digital payment systems.

The Government recently  announced that the Australia’s payments system is set to undergo a radical transformation. One of the key changes in the plan is the phasing out of cheque payments. Cheques will be gradually wound down by 2030, with the removal of legislation and other requirements that currently support its use. The use of

Australians have massively adopted the digital payment systems. Read More »

Lost decade of electricity policies could lead to shortage of electricity.

Back in 2001 I launched the UtiliTel Project. This was before there were plans for the NBN. The electricity utility companies were looking at using their infrastructure to start building fibre optic networks. They established several companies around the country dedicated to the development of telecoms networks. However, by 2006, the focus from the utility

Lost decade of electricity policies could lead to shortage of electricity. Read More »

Ongoing obstacles to good quality, affordable broadband in remote Australia

In recent communications with two esteemed colleagues, there has been a discussion on the potential for community-owned mobile networks to bridge the connectivity gap in remote areas, particularly in Australia. The central theme of these conversations revolves around the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of establishing such networks and the legal and licensing challenges that currently hinder

Ongoing obstacles to good quality, affordable broadband in remote Australia Read More »

Optimising data centres: A quest for sustainable and secure infrastructure

In the digital age, where information and connectivity are paramount, the demand for data storage and processing is surging to unprecedented heights. As people and businesses increasingly rely on the internet, the need for efficient data centres has become more critical than ever. One of the negative outcomes of Australia’s lost decade in energy preparation

Optimising data centres: A quest for sustainable and secure infrastructure Read More »

NBN gets finally upgraded but will services be affordable.

Last week NBN Co revealed its 2024 corporate plan, outlining its strategies to enhance its network capabilities and improve user experiences across Australia. While it provided valuable insights into NBN Co’s network upgrade initiatives and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts, they question remain as we have mentioned before, will the network be affordable. It

NBN gets finally upgraded but will services be affordable. Read More »

Will the new NBN proposal lead to better and more affordable broadband options?

In a significant development for Australia’s broadband landscape, NBN Co and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have reengaged in negotiations, following NBN Co’s submission of an amended Special Access Undertaking (SAU) Variation. This new proposal finally reflects a paradigm shift in wholesale pricing, aiming to bolster internet speeds, accommodate surging data demands, and

Will the new NBN proposal lead to better and more affordable broadband options? Read More »

Macquarie Infrastructure – Vocus Eyeing TPG’s Infrastructure Assets

In the past, we have explored the changing trends in the Australian digital infrastructure market, emphasising its growing significance in data centres, cloud computing, and data analytics, while also addressing climate change and supporting various industries. The recent restructuring of Telstra into three separate companies, with a focus on infrastructure, provided clear indicators of the

Macquarie Infrastructure – Vocus Eyeing TPG’s Infrastructure Assets Read More »

Telstra’s Ongoing Transformation: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Telstra has once again made headlines with its announcement of a significant workforce reduction. The company revealed plans to cut approximately 500 jobs as part of its cost-cutting initiative, marking the first major round of redundancies under the leadership of CEO Vicki Brady. These measures are aligned with Telstra’s T25 strategy, aimed at streamlining operations,

Telstra’s Ongoing Transformation: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities Read More »

Blockchain in the Power Industry: another Energy Revolution

As we all know it,  because of the rising costs of energy, the power industry is one of the most important sectors in the economy. It is responsible for providing electricity to homes, businesses, and other critical infrastructure. However, the power industry is also facing a number of challenges, including rising demand, aging infrastructure, and

Blockchain in the Power Industry: another Energy Revolution Read More »

NBN Co fails to improve service conditions.

As part of the ACCC industry consultation process, Telstra and Optus have again complained about NBN Co lack of service quality improvements in the wholesale broadband agreement (WBA). NBN Co has rejected all proposed improvements by Telstra and Optus, leading retail service providers (RSPs) to call for intervention by regulators and the government to raise

NBN Co fails to improve service conditions. Read More »

LEOs are going to shake up the Australian telecoms market.

LEOs are going to shake up the Australian telecoms market. As we have foreshadowed before  Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Systems such as StarLink – but increasingly also others –  are going to have a serious impact on the overall telecommunications landscape in Australia, especially in the regional and remote parts of the country. So,

LEOs are going to shake up the Australian telecoms market. Read More »

The “Beyond 5G/6G Era”: A New Era of 7G Wireless Communication

The “Beyond 5G/6G Era”: A New Era of 7G Wireless Communication The recent G7 Summit in Hiroshima witnessed an intriguing development in the telecoms industry as Japan proposed collaboration on technologies that lie on the horizon—what the Japanese have called  “Beyond 5G/6G era.” While the current 5G cellular network is still in its nascent stages,

The “Beyond 5G/6G Era”: A New Era of 7G Wireless Communication Read More »

Different industry tunes on the sharing of telecoms infrastructure

Different industry tunes on the sharing of telecoms infrastructure. The Australian telecommunications industry has long been a source of contention between regulators, operators, and consumers. In recent years, the focus has been on increasing competition and improving coverage, especially in regional areas. Two recent speeches from industry leaders have highlighted the need for collaboration and

Different industry tunes on the sharing of telecoms infrastructure Read More »

The ongoing sage of NBN’s price and conditions rejections.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been working with the government, the National Broadband Network (NBN) Co, and retail service providers (RSPs) to establish price and service standards that will govern the NBN’s operation; known as Special Access Undertaking – SAUs). The current process has been ongoing since early 2021, with the latest

The ongoing sage of NBN’s price and conditions rejections. Read More »

Smart Cities vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has issued a new set of guidelines warning about the security risks posed by the use of 5G technology in so-called Smart Cities. The ASD’s concerns align with those of the Five Eyes security alliance, which has warned that the interconnected nature of a fully connected city makes it vulnerable

Smart Cities vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Read More »

Using AI for the good is very rewarding but keep an eye on the baddies.

I use chatGPT now almost daily for my research. Basically background information that is not available through Wikipedia, Google, or other research facilities.  The service only provides info that was available before 2021, so it is not at all useful for more recent developments. So in my case I am looking for what often is

Using AI for the good is very rewarding but keep an eye on the baddies. Read More »

Terahertz spectrum opening up the way for 6G

ACMA recently published a paper titled: Terahertz use-cases and regulatory models information paper. The terahertz spectrum refers to frequencies in the range 100-400GHz, but the more practical range will be between 100-275GHz. This part of the electromagnetic spectrum lies between the microwave and infrared regions and has unique properties that make it attractive for various

Terahertz spectrum opening up the way for 6G Read More »

NBN Co faces consequences of wrong political infrastructure decisions.

The NBN company announced that it will have to lay-off 500 people in order to lower their costs as they are facing increased competitive pressure from the other players in the market. It looks to me that this means that NBN Co forced to realise that by following the political winds and going ahead with

NBN Co faces consequences of wrong political infrastructure decisions. Read More »

First half year 2022/2023 progress report from the NBN Company

In February 2023 NBN Co released its first half-yearly result to December 2022. I will be looking behind the self-congratulations that took place. However, for the statistics, it has reported total revenue of $2.6 billion — a 4% increase on H1 FY22. None of that is unexpected; as the roll-out keeps going, new premises are

First half year 2022/2023 progress report from the NBN Company Read More »

Growth in broadband demand is set to slow with fewer innovations hitting the market

There is an argument going on between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and NBN Co in relation to the broadband requirements of Australian consumers. ACCC research indicates that by 2028, the median household speed requirement will be only 29 Mbps and 95% of households will not require speeds of 58 Mbps or more. 

Growth in broadband demand is set to slow with fewer innovations hitting the market Read More »

NBN back to where it stared a project for the good of the nation

While there is still a lot that needs fixing, going into the new year, the basis for the NBN is back on a much better foundation. Just before the end of last year, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland released an extensive Statement of Expectations for NBN Co. This basically brings the NBN policy back to its

NBN back to where it stared a project for the good of the nation Read More »

Blocked Telstra – TPG merger will lead to an overhaul of Australian telecoms regulations

As I had foreshadowed in previous opinion pieces on the Telstra – TPG merger, it was expected that the ACCC would block this. It was very obvious from the beginning that the merger was contra to the regulatory strategy that has been in place in Australia for over three decades. In my opinion Telstra played

Blocked Telstra – TPG merger will lead to an overhaul of Australian telecoms regulations Read More »

Better prices and services needed for NBN Co to stay competitive.

Recently I covered the Special Access Undertaking Variation that NBN Co presented to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The major news here was that this resulted in a $30 billion write-down of the losses that the NBN occurred during the rollout of its infrastructure. However, interestingly, its submission also included supporting documentation to

Better prices and services needed for NBN Co to stay competitive. Read More »

Better NBN deals and better mobile competition

Australia’s oldest telecommunications society, TelSoc, organised a very interesting forum discussion with Anna Brakey, a commissioner and chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s communications committee and the most senior person in the ACCC in charge of telecommunications. In her presentation, Ms Brakey covered a variety of issues such as competition, the NBN,

Better NBN deals and better mobile competition Read More »

Tele-Energy Technology

TELE-ENERGY, or more accurately wireless power transfer, is a generic term for a number of different technologies for transmitting energy by means of electromagnetic fields. Wikipedia describes it as follows: ‘A transmitter device, driven by electric power from a power source, generates a time-varying electromagnetic field, which transmits power across space to a receiver device,

Tele-Energy Technology Read More »

Video-on-Demand services are suffering from the economic downturn

Kanter’s  recent Entertainment on Demand data on the Australian streaming market reveals that between July to September 2022, the number of Video on Demand (VoD)-enabled households that subscribed to at least one video streaming service fell by nearly 180,000, with over one million services cancelled. Furthermore, this third quarter of 2022 saw the largest drop

Video-on-Demand services are suffering from the economic downturn Read More »

Andy Penn says sorry about not speaking out earlier against the NBN

I did feel a bit of vindication when I read in the Weekend Australian the interview with outgoing Telstra CEO Andy Penn titled: ‘After the storm, Andy Penn ponders his legacy.’ A key point of regret was that he had not been more forthcoming with his criticism of the NBN as it developed during its

Andy Penn says sorry about not speaking out earlier against the NBN Read More »

LunaNet – developing the internet for the Moon.

The NASA-sponsored Artemis program is the first step in the next era of human exploration. Together with a large number of international government and academic partners as well as businesses – and based on international standards – NASA will establish a sustainable presence on the Moon. The aims of the programme are: demonstrate new technologies,

LunaNet – developing the internet for the Moon. Read More »

NBN Co wants the regulator to limit competition between NBN and mobile operators

It was interesting to note that NBN Co used its submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regarding the proposed mobile infrastructure sharing arrangement between Telstra and TPG Telecom to ask the regulator for more protection against mobile competition. Under the ten-year Telstra-TPG regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) commercial agreement, TPG customers will

NBN Co wants the regulator to limit competition between NBN and mobile operators Read More »

Free NBN or discounted with Commonwealth Bank services.

Back in the late 1990s and early ’00s when I discussed my vision on how broadband would develop, I mentioned that organisations would start offering free broadband access, linked to the core services of their organisation. The reason is that it would either be more cost-effective for those organisations if customers use the digital service.

Free NBN or discounted with Commonwealth Bank services. Read More »

Competition struggling, NBN not delivering

The latest Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) ‘NBN Wholesale Market Indicators Report’ shows the top three telcos (Telstra, TPG and Optus) have suffered a slight loss in customers, while smaller internet retailers have increased their customer numbers. Each one of them lost 0.3% market share and the new standings are now: Telstra 43.7%, TPG

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Labor Government must now intervene in the NBN to make high-speed broadband more affordable

We have covered the government and opposition plans for the NBN in the past, but there is a commitment from the new Government to extend fibre deeper into the market. However, the real problem is the high costs of the NBN. This makes the wholesale prices higher and therefore also the retail price. As I

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Telstra buys into Fetch TV – will this shake-up the videostreaming market?

Like so many telcos around the world, Telstra has been floundering through the video streaming market over the last few decades. It will be interesting to see if its acquisition of a 51% stake in the content aggregation company Fetch TV for $50 million will herald a new beginning. For the last 25 years plus,

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Dutch solar foil to turn Australia into a major hydrogen exporter

One of my Dutch colleagues, Vincent Dekker, has specialised himself over the years in sustainable energy matters and with his interest in smart technologies, I have been following his articles with interest.  His articles appear on the website of the Dutch newspaper, Trouw. Of course, when he included Australia in one of his articles, I

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Telstra’s new CEO Vicki Brady – well positioned to face the challenges.

There were no indications that Andy Penn would retire as CEO of Telstra, but obviously, internally they have been working on this for some time. Telstra is really good at organising smooth internal CEO successions. It has an excellent pool of talented C-level people and there is no longer the ego element that, for example,

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The battles in the online video game streaming market are heating up

In a previous article  I reported on the problems that Facebook (Meta) is facing — currently betting the house on its Meta service, based on a software platform that will create a virtual reality (VR) networked environment. I mentioned that I was critical about this business model and that I don’t see, at least for

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NBN Co’s financial worries are still not over

In the running up to the company’s six-month financial announcement, NBN Co indicated that it would start in April rolling out its latest rebate campaigns — under the themes “Step Up” and “Light Up”. They aim to attract new connections and migrate existing users from low to mid-level speeds. The offers are again only temporary

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Australian farms get connected to the Starlink satellites

Last year, I reported on the possibility that LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite-based systems might be a gamechanger for the delivery of high-speed data services, including internet access, to people in regional and remote Australia. What has become clear with the rollout of the NBN is that the quality of data connections in metropolitan cities

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My telecoms and digital economy predictions for 2020

Of course, let me begin by wishing you a good start to the new year. It will be an interesting year in many aspects and it remains a year of high levels of uncertainty, so it is important to stay flexible. As always, the year will provide many “wow” moments in relation to technology, but

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Regional telecommunications services are simply not good enough

For decades, we have been arguing about poor telecommunications for people that are living in regional Australia and in many cases, this includes the fringes of the metropolitan cities as well. Let’s first discuss the broadband network before we address the mobile networks. This issue started to become more prevalent in the mid-to-late 1990s when

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Labor’s NBN plan full fibre NBN will reach 8 million households

It seems Labor has bitten the bullet and decided that to have an overall better quality NBN, more money is needed to upgrade the Fibre-to-the-Node (FttN) to full-fibre. While the Government has indicated that the next stage of the NBN needs to be financed by NBN Co through private debt, Labor believes that this will

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Cirque de Solei explores the new options of VR and holoportation.

A few weeks ago, I talked about Facebook’s Metaverse and the issues that I have with this service, in a regulatory vacuum. I hope we have learned our lessons with the current way social media have developed and that we are making sure we are not going to use new developments in these media purely

Cirque de Solei explores the new options of VR and holoportation. Read More »

Interplanetary Internet

We had a very interesting presentation and discussion regarding the topic of interplanetary internet with my international colleagues of which Vint Cerf – one of the “fathers of the internet” – is also a member. As a partner of the Interplanetary Networking Special Interest Group (IPNSIG), he took us on a journey that he has

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Zuckerberg’s Metaverse hype, reality or does it just suck.

Facebook’s founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg launched his metaverse vision for Facebook beyond it being a social media outlet. He envisages an augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) internet in which we all can immerse and do things basically as virtual beings. In his vision, we will all soon be wearing VR goggles and

Zuckerberg’s Metaverse hype, reality or does it just suck. Read More »