Australia’s Telecommunications Future: Optimising Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Capability to Ensure National Communications Resilience
Dan Lloyd, CEO, and Isobel Haddow, Head of Membership, Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA)
TelSoc has pleasure in announcing its next online event on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, from 12.30 p.m.
“The future of Australia’s telecommunications system must be built on a strategic blend of terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructure. While the capability of terrestrial systems continues to improve, deployment is slower and more expensive — particularly in regional, remote, and First Nations communities. Meanwhile, the economics and accessibility of space-based infrastructure have transformed, with increasing capability in low Earth orbit, direct-to-device services, and sovereign launch and satellite capacity.
“Despite these changes, Australia’s policy and regulatory frameworks remain largely focused on outdated assumptions — treating space infrastructure as supplementary or foreign-owned, and funding key national programs like PSMB and CBNMS through purely terrestrial means. This ignores Australia’s growing domestic space industry and the geopolitical necessity of supply chain resilience, secure communications, and independent capability.
“Australia has a rare opportunity to integrate emerging space capabilities into national communications planning — not only to improve coverage and resilience but also to support sovereign innovation and security. With modest investment and strategic clarity, Australia can transition from passive customer to active contributor in the non-terrestrial communications future.” SIAA
Dan and Isobel’s presentation will give TelSoc members and colleagues a front-line understanding of the Australian – and global – space industry eco-system and of the massive challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Australian space industry. Much has been written and discussed about the way in which space operations and infrastructure will integrate with and impact on terrestrial investments and business models. This event will directly address those key issues and more.
As with all TelSoc lunchtime events, Dan and Isobel’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A session in which TelSoc members and industry colleagues will be able to raise questions and issues. Past experience suggests that these sessions can be incredibly interesting and informative. Given our presenters’ substantial and diverse experience, their presentation and participation in the Q&A will be well worth your time.
