Inligo Networks supports Barossa Green regional AI infrastructure project
AUSTRALIA 14 AUG

Inligo Networks supports Barossa Green regional AI infrastructure project

Barossa Green, Australian infrastructure company, and Inligo Networks, Singapore-based telecoms infrastructure company, have partnered to design and build high-capacity telecoms infrastructure to support Barossa Green's the regional AI infrastructure development in Ebenezer, South Australia. They will evaluate the telecoms requirements needed to connect the AI precinct to Inligo's United Cable System, a high-capacity terrestrial fibre network across Australia which will connect Darwin with Adelaide, Sydney,

Telstra boosts dividend, buyback after small rise in FY profits
AUSTRALIA 13 AUG

Telstra boosts dividend, buyback after small rise in FY profits

Telstra has confirmed a 10.5 percent increase in its annual dividend, to AUD 0.21 per share, after posting a small rise in annual earnings in line with its mid-term goals. Revenues for the fiscal year to June were down 0.9 percent to AUD 23.4 billion, hurt by divestments, product simplification and forex effects, but underlying EBITDA improved 4.0 percent to AUD 8.34 billion, and Telstra expects further growth in the new year to AUD 8.5-8.8 billion. The company also announced plans to buy back up to AUD 1 b

Macquarie Cloud Services extends Azure datacentre deal with Microsoft
AUSTRALIA 13 AUG

Macquarie Cloud Services extends Azure datacentre deal with Microsoft

Macquarie Cloud Services has signed a new Microsoft Azure 'Datacentre Optimisation' agreement, confirming its role in helping customers migrate to Azure and upgrade their infrastructure. As part of the agreement it's expected to generate USD 278 million in Azure business over three years. 

Chorus announces new national precision timing service
NEW ZEALAND 13 AUG

Chorus announces new national precision timing service

Chorus, New Zealand fibre network operator, has announced the country's first wholesale network-based precision timing service, in partnership with Nokia. The new TimeSync service will help boot national resilience and support essential services, providing customers with access to highly accurate, reliable and secure timing. Using the Chorus nationwide fibre network, the new service will launch in phases from early-2027 - starting in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. It will be offered as an add-on to

Meta removes over 750,000 under-age Instagram, Facebook accounts in Australia
AUSTRALIA 13 AUG

Meta removes over 750,000 under-age Instagram, Facebook accounts in Australia

Meta said it had removed access to over 750,000 accounts in Australia belonging to Facebook and Instagram users it believes are under the age of 16. The number dates from the end of June, just over six months after Australia's social media age restrictions came into force. It's increased from almost 550,000 accounts removed in the first month of the ban on under-16s using social media in the country. Meta said it expects the number to grow further as enforcement continues. 

New Zealand agrees to lift Chorus shareholder restrictions
NEW ZEALAND 12 AUG

New Zealand agrees to lift Chorus shareholder restrictions

New Zeland's national fibre network operator Chorus announced plans to lift ownership caps imposed by the state. This follows the New Zealand government selling off its remaining loans to the operator after the completion of the national network roll-out.

Inligo Networks picks American Fujikura to supply cabling for trans-Australia fibre link
AUSTRALIA 12 AUG

Inligo Networks picks American Fujikura to supply cabling for trans-Australia fibre link

Asia-Pacific digital infrastructure developer Inligo Networks has struck a deal with American Fujikura Limited (AFL) to supply cabling for its Unite Cable System project, which aims to build a terrestrial fibre link from Darwin to several Australian cities further south. AFL will act as the project's primary cable supplier, providing critical materials to link the conduit to international subsea routes, regional hubs and data centres.

One NZ announces internal executive promotions
NEW ZEALAND 12 AUG

One NZ announces internal executive promotions

One NZ has made two internal Executive changes as it prepares to welcome new CEO Nick Judd at end-August. Kieran Byrne, currently Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO); with Sharina Nisha, currently GM Business Transformation, promoted to CTO. It has also appointed Sonia Fernandez as Chief People Officer from end-August. 

Optus completes Phase 1 of Project Aurora, undocks mission extension vehicle from D3 satellite
AUSTRALIA 12 AUG

Optus completes Phase 1 of Project Aurora, undocks mission extension vehicle from D3 satellite

Australian operator Optus has completed the first phase of Project Aurora, a mission aimed at extending the operational life of its Optus D3 satellite. The phase ended with the successful undocking of the mission extension vehicle (MEV) from the satellite.

Advantai Group announces two senior exec appointments
AUSTRALIA 11 AUG

Advantai Group announces two senior exec appointments

Advantai Group, Australian technology enabler behind the Fastter, Staqr and Prvidr brands, has announced the appointment of Julian Dell as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Staqr, and Ben Dobbin as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Prvidr. The appointments come as the group looks to continue expanding its presence across Australia and New Zealand, building on a long-term alliance with Optus and exclusive partnership with One NZ.

NBN Co meets FY targets with EBITDA growing faster than revenues
AUSTRALIA 11 AUG

NBN Co meets FY targets with EBITDA growing faster than revenues

Australia's NBN Co reported annual results in line with its forecasts, with revenues up 3 percent to AUD 5.92 billion and EBITDA growing 5 percent to AUD 4.46 billion. Capital expenditure for the 12 months to June 2026 was down 13 percent to just over AUD 3 billion, helping free cash flow before financing costs rise 51 percent to AUD 1.16 billion. 

Firmus doubles valuation en route to USD 2 billion equity raise
AUSTRALIA 11 AUG

Firmus doubles valuation en route to USD 2 billion equity raise

AI infrastructure developer Firmus has raised USD 2 billion in equity funding at a valuation of around USD 10.5 billion, bringing its equity haul in the past year to over USD 3 billion. The transaction features follow-on contributions from Nvidia and Coatue Management, the investment management firm founded by portfolio manager Philippe Laffont. Liquidity and trading firm Jane Street also participated along with vehicles managed by Blackstone's funds, including the Tactical Opportunities unit.

AUSTRALIA 10 AUG

Australian govt funds eSmart Kids online safety programme

The federal Australian government will continue providing funding for the 'Safe Kids are eSmart Kids' programme run by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. The programme helps teach children aged 4-16 about the online work, and has been created with feedback from educators and around 1,000 students. It provides schools, educators, carers and parents with free, curriculum-based resources, and can be delivered offline or online.

NEW ZEALAND 10 AUG

Spark's Skinny Jump broadband service helps over 100,000 homes

Spark New Zealand's Skinny Jump not-for-profit broadband service has provided New Zealand homes with access to around 418 million GB of data since launch in 2016. The value of the subsidised broadband was over NZD 9.1 million in FY25 alone. Skinny Jump provides an affordable home broadband connection and free wireless modem to struggling households. More than 100,000 homes have accessed the service over the last 10 years, with the programme currently connecting around 35,000 homes.

AUSTRALIA 10 AUG

D-Link expands Industrial Switch Range in Australia and New Zealand

D-Link has launched its expanded Industrial Switch Range, delivering enterprise-grade networking services for Australia's and New Zealand's operational environments. The expanded portfolio comprises four new models, including the flagship DIS-310G-24X Layer 3 Managed Switch, the smart-managed DIS-210G-12 and DIS-210G-12UP PoE switches, and the DIS-100E-05 entry-level model. 

AUSTRALIA 6 AUG

Alexa+ rolls out in Australia from 06 August through Early Access

Amazon has announced the launch of Alexa+ in Australia from 06 August as part of an Early Access programme. The Alexa+ will be free during Early Access, after which it will be free for Prime members or AUD 29.99 per month for non-Prime customers. Thousands of customers in Australia are expected to receive invitations over the coming weeks. 

AUSTRALIA 6 AUG

Australian financial scam watchdog warns telecom providers to apply for membership by 14 August

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) said that from 01 September 2026, telecom service providers that supply or operate a regulated service under the Scams Prevention Framework (SPF) must be AFCA members. Organisations should apply to join AFCA by 14 August to be certain of meeting the deadline. AFCA is the authorised external dispute resolution scheme for scam-related complaints under the SPF. Regulated services designated for the telecommunications sector are voice call services and messag

AUSTRALIA 6 AUG

Satellite IoT company Myriota appoints new CFO

Myriota, Australia-based global satellite IoT technology company, has appointed Richard Leon as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to support its global growth and upcoming capital fundraising. He is a very experienced public markets CFO, most recently serving as CFO at Altium. His appointment comes as Myriota focuses on boosting global customer growth and platform expansion, following the recent launch of its HyperPulse hybrid satellite and cellular IoT network and AssetHawk asset tracking platform.

NEW ZEALAND 6 AUG

Sky New Zealand to launch new Sky Factual channel

Sky New Zealand is expanding its entertainment offering with the launch of a new channel called Sky Factual (channel 14). This will give customers access to a wide range of documentaries, real-world stories and investigative series, and will be available as part of the Sky Entertainment package from 27 August 2026. Sky Factual programming will be available live on the Sky Factual channel, and on-demand through the Sky Factual rail on Sky Go, Sky Pod or the New Sky Box. 

FIJI 6 AUG

Digicel Fiji names Long as interim CEO as Mohammed departs

Digicel Fiji CEO Farid Mohammed has announced his departure from the company after 20 years with Digicel Pacific. Mohammed joined Digicel Pacific in 2006 and has held several roles, including business analyst, CFO and CEO. During his tenure, he worked across four Digicel Pacific markets: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa. He was also the first locally appointed CEO of Digicel Fiji.

AUSTRALIA 5 AUG

ACCC mulls regulating regional mobile market with eye to effects of D2D

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it will undertake an approximately year-long examination of regional mobile coverage throughout the country and consider whether regulating wholesale access to some mobile services could improve consumer outcomes. The probe will look in particular at the effects of emerging direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services on competition and investment.

AUSTRALIA 5 AUG

Optus and Nokia complete pre-6G massive MIMO transmission using upper 6 GHz frequencies

Australia's Optus has completed an advanced 6G research trial that deployed Nokia's massive MIMO antenna to transmit an upper-6GHz signal. According to Optus, the link successfully achieved record peak download speeds of around 3.5 Gbps, underscoring the critical role that the upper 6 GHz band could play in unlocking 6G-era capacity for end subscribers. Optus's study was conducted at a mobile transmitter in Sydney currently equipped with live 5G infrastructure. Nokia's advanced 6 GHz massive MIMO radio was

AUSTRALIA 4 AUG

Australian govt approves 2.5% digital ad levy to support local journalism

The Australian government has agreed on legislation charging social media platforms a fee of 2.5 percent of their digital advertising income if they do not agree commercial compensation for news from local media outlets. Termed the News Bargaining Incentive, the mechanism is designed to support local journalism and ensure media publications are correctly compensated for redistribution of their work. 

AUSTRALIA 3 AUG

Gigacomm acquires Pineapple Net

Australian operator Gigacomm has acquired DGTek, expanding its footprint to Victoria. DGTek, which uses the retail brand Pineapple Net, brings around 28,000 premises to the existing network of 55,000 addresses, the Australian Financial Review reports. Both operators target apartment buildings with fibre, as an alternative to NBN. 

Just In

15 AUG 03:46

Starlink goes live in Vietnam

14 AUG 14:07

NBI to complete Offaly, Sligo fibre network builds in September

14 AUG 13:32

Rogers offers free satellite connectivity for wildfire-affected customers

14 AUG 13:30

Rostelecom appoints new CEO at Turbo Cloud

Commentary

11 AUG 10:49

Can Ziggo Group creation improve visibility for the Dutch market?

2 JUL 11:26

Canal Plus misses chance to strengthen Dutch business, time for exit?

23 JUN 09:56

ACM blocks Delta/Glaspoort deal - what can KPN do?

5 MAY 10:55

KPN: the art of making one-offs structural

Background

9 AUG 23:44

The week in telecom: Starlink's mobile ambitions and LEO challengers, plus Hollywood studios try streaming shorts and sports

2 AUG 23:37

The week in telecom: Telcos resist economic slowdown in Q2 while big tech gears up for more AI investment

26 JUL 23:19

The week in telecom: Samsung works on foldable challenge, US telcos try FMC

19 JUL 23:41

The week in telecom: OnePlus exits tough smartphone market and Apple takes on OpenAI