Australia’s 5G roadmap – on your mark, get set, go…

A strategic policy framework focusing on spectrum availability, international harmonisation, and streamlined network deployment.

Vinay Chhoda · Venture Insights1 October 2017Period: October 20174 min read

Last updated 10 June 2026

64%↑

Forecasted 5G market share of mobile generations in Australia (2025)

14%↑

Forecasted 5G market share of mobile generations in Australia (2021)

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Companies covered:ACMAAMTAITU3GPPGSMA

Abstract

This report analyses the Australian Government's strategic policy framework for the 5G rollout, highlighting key measures such as spectrum management and regulatory modernisation. With the first 5G networks expected to go live in approximately two years, the strategy prioritises the refarming of the 3.6GHz band and the establishment of a 5G working group. The analysis examines how these initiatives, alongside ACMA and AMTA reports, will transform the telecommunications landscape and drive innovation across industry sectors through improved connectivity and low latency.

Key Takeaways

The Australian Government has launched a strategic 5G roadmap focusing on spectrum availability and regulatory modernisation to meet a 2020 deployment target.
5G is forecast to reach a 64% market share of mobile generations in Australia by 2025, surpassing 4G which is expected to decline to 36%.
The ACMA has prioritised the refarming of the 3.6GHz band for 5G, with auctions scheduled to take place in 2018.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The first commercial 5G networks are scheduled to go live in approximately two years. This follows the established 10-year interval between successive mobile technology deployments in the Australian market.

Market penetration will accelerate rapidly, moving from a forecasted 14% market share in 2021 to 64% by 2025. This transition is supported by the government's immediate prioritisation of the 3.6GHz spectrum band for refarming.

The government is modernising a spectrum management framework that has remained largely unchanged for 25 years. Key measures include streamlining network deployment rules and establishing a 5G working group to remove commercial and technical barriers.

The 3.6GHz band is the immediate priority for refarming to support 5G services. Additionally, the ACMA is currently determining the deployment path for mmWave spectrum to ensure the 2025 market share target of 64% is achievable.

Australia’s 5G roadmap – on your mark, get set, go…

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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