For many decades, wireless services using licensed spectrum have been the backbone of our communication networks.

However, with rapid improvements in technology, communication networks using unlicensed spectrum could witness an explosion in usage and utility that could rival the licensed experience and even the NBN.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) continue to experience an exponential increase in mobile data consumption driven by rising penetration of smartphones, increasing adoption of video streaming services and the emergence of new social media applications. While rapid advances in network technologies has resulted in increased performance and capacity for MNOs, it might not be sufficient to meet the ever increasing demand for data. Several new innovations and technology options are fast emerging to address the growing data demand using cell densification and spectrally efficient frameworks. Unlicensed spectrum is one such technology that could alter the dynamics of the Australian Telco market and impact both MNOs and Fixed broadband operators.