New Spectrum Taxes: Why “Business As Usual” is a Perilous Assumption

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has finalised a $7.32 billion spectrum license renewal fee, a decision that has met with significant industry resistance. This report analyzes the disconnect between regulatory pricing models and the emerging reality of the digital economy, where hyperscale cloud providers are outspending traditional telcos. It explores the risks of a backward-looking regulatory approach in an environment of accelerating AI disruption, identifies three potential scenarios for the future of Australia's digital infrastructure, and argues that the decision reflects a lack of joined-up policy thinking about the future digital economy in Australia.