Monthly Enterprise Roundup of Sep 2021

Enterprise optimism outpaces SMBs as telcos leverage 5G and Microsoft Operator Connect for new revenue streams.

Claudio Castelli · Venture Insights1 October 2021Period: Sep 20214 min read

Last updated 10 June 2026

50%↑

Enterprises expecting recovery to pre-COVID levels (Sep 2021)

2.8%↓

Forecast 5Y CAGR decline in AU fixed voice market (FY20-25)

Locked

Companies covered:OptusTelstraSparkNokiaMicrosoftSingTelEricssonEndeavour EnergyTPG

Abstract

This report analyses key events shaping the B2B telecommunications market in Australia and New Zealand as of September 2021. It highlights a significant divergence in business sentiment, with over 50% of large enterprises expecting a recovery to pre-pandemic levels within a year, compared to more cautious outlooks from SMBs. The analysis further explores the acceleration of 5G enterprise services, specifically initiatives by Optus and Spark, and the defensive strategic value of Microsoft Operator Connect for telcos facing declining fixed voice revenues.

Key Takeaways

Large enterprises show high confidence, with over 50% expecting a full recovery to pre-pandemic business levels within a year.
SMBs face a slower recovery path, with roughly 37% believing recovery will not reach pre-COVID benchmarks.
The Australian fixed voice market is contracting at a 2.8% CAGR as businesses migrate to lower-cost VoIP solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Market recovery is split by segment, with over 50% of large enterprises expecting a return to pre-pandemic levels within 12 months. In contrast, the outlook for SMBs is significantly weaker, as 37% of these businesses believe they will never reach pre-COVID benchmarks.

The Australian fixed voice market is contracting at a 2.8% CAGR through FY25 as enterprises migrate to VoIP. Telcos are deploying Microsoft Operator Connect as a defensive strategy to retain PSTN revenue during this transition to cloud-based unified communications.

Network deployment is accelerating, with Spark NZ on track to reach 90% population coverage by the end of 2023. This infrastructure supports a shift toward industrial 5G applications, such as the use of AI and drones for utility grid monitoring currently being trialed by Optus.

Monthly Enterprise Roundup of Sep 2021

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