Australian Telco Breakfast Roundtable: Five key discussion topics for 2019

Analysis of five key discussion topics for 2019 including 5G adoption, fixed wireless substitution, and IoT consolidation.

Nigel Pugh · Venture Insights19 February 2019Period: Q1 20194 min read

Last updated 10 June 2026

47%↑

Consumers willing to migrate to 5G within 24 months

24%↑

Forecasted wireless-only household penetration by 2023

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+2more stats

Companies covered:TelstraOptusVodafoneTPGNBNVHAThinxtraNNNCoCisco

Abstract

This report synthesises findings from a telco industry roundtable discussing five pivotal themes for 2019. It examines how 5G leadership may drive market share gains, the potential for fixed wireless to substitute fixed broadband, and the fragmented state of the IoT market. Additionally, the report outlines the 3.5+ year NBN sale process and evaluates the strategic implications of the proposed TPG-VHA merger on competition and infrastructure investment in the Australian market.

Key Takeaways

5G leadership is expected to drive market share gains, with 47% of consumers planning to migrate within two years of launch.
Fixed wireless substitution poses a significant threat to NBN, with a projected $380 million revenue impact as 24% of homes go wireless-only by 2023.
Monetization of 5G may rely on innovative pricing, as 17% of users are willing to pay a premium and 31% remain undecided.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer migration will be rapid, with 47% of users planning to switch to 5G within 24 months of launch. This demand is underpinned by heavy content consumption, as 72% of early adopters watch mobile video at least monthly.

Fixed wireless substitution is a critical risk that will likely strip $380 million from NBN revenues by 2023. During this period, wireless-only household penetration is forecasted to reach 24%.

Direct monetization through higher pricing is limited, as only 17% of consumers express a willingness to pay more for 5G. With 31% of the market undecided, operators must innovate beyond traditional per-GB pricing to capture value.

The sale of the NBN is a multi-stage legal and procedural undertaking requiring at least 3.5 years to complete. Market participants should not expect a finalized transaction before the December 2022 election cycle.

Australian Telco Breakfast Roundtable: Five key discussion topics for 2019

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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