There are more mobile connections in Australia than there are people, and with population growth and our increasingly digital lives, the numbers are only likely to increase. In fact, Telstra carried 400 Petabytes (or 400 million Gigabytes) more data on its mobile network in 2024 compared to what it carried in 2023. That’s an increase in data usage equivalent to around 267 million hours of HD video streaming; enough to keep someone streaming until the year 32500. Maybe by then we’ll find out if Ross and Rachel were really on a break.
It’s not just video streaming, of course. Australia’s standing in the world depends on our ability to deliver the technology infrastructure that businesses large and small rely on every day to remain competitive.
Recently, Ericsson and Telstra announced the successful completion of a field trial of 6GHz coverage in Australia. This trial demonstrated the band’s potential to provide strong outdoor connectivity and reliable indoor penetration, with a great data experience. More importantly, the trial highlights the critical role 6GHz can play in helping to stay ahead of Australia’s growing demand for mobile broadband and in providing seamless connectivity for consumers and businesses.
Let’s unpack the ways in which 6GHz spectrum can help support Australia’s digital future.
More spectrum means better connectivity for Australian consumers
For most Australian households, the smartphone has displaced the desktop computer as the main technology hub. Many Australians are streaming video content on their smartphones on their commute to and from work, whether that’s watching a TV series, catching up on a lecture, or scrolling through social media. And there are so many more ways Australians use mobile data. In fact, the smartphone isn’t the only device using mobile data - grandparents are video calling grandkids on tablets, and just over a third of Australians have a smartwatch.
It’s clear the demand for mobile data will only grow, and so must the spectrum available for mobile networks. While there are many solutions to avoid network congestion, more spectrum stands out as the best option. Without it, service quality will degrade and that will have a knock-on effect on productivity and economic growth, as well as quality of life for many Australians. Specifically, each country needs 2GHz of mid-band spectrum by 2030 if they are to meet demand. Integrating 6GHz into mobile networks will allow operators to efficiently deliver high-performance connectivity in suburban and urban areas, where demand is rapidly growing.
6GHz integration supports Australia’s dynamic digital economy
Beyond consumer use cases, it’s also important to Australia's digital economy that businesses can leverage the latest technology to improve productivity and continue to innovate. Telecommunications providers are already investing heavily in building the future-oriented infrastructure to support digital adoption, and the 6GHz band is globally recognized as the next key spectrum for mobile networks, due to it offering an ideal combination of coverage and capacity to support increasing data consumption.
Consider the needs of a mining, agriculture, or ship building company with operations in remote locations. These businesses could deploy private networks with integrated 6GHz spectrum to power autonomous vehicles and machinery in the field, while sending real-time analytics back to base. This would improve safety and efficiency, ensuring Australian industry can deploy the cutting-edge technology necessary to remain competitive on the global stage. In fact, a recent report from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) found that 6GHz spectrum will account for almost 65% of the overall socio-economic value that 5G will generate. In Australia, the 6 GHz band is being adapted for mobility for the future evolution of mobiles towards 6G.
Smarter deployment can support Australia’s sustainability goals
The great thing about 6GHz spectrum is that much of the tower infrastructure is already deployed. This means that telcos can meet the growing demand for mobile network capacity without having to build completely new macro cell sites. Mobile network operators can simply add 6GHz radio on existing sites, which reduces the need for additional towers and the associated carbon emissions that come with new site development.
The trial conducted by Telstra and Ericsson demonstrated that the global 6GHz ecosystem is already in place and is advancing fast into commercial products in future. With 6GHz-capable network equipment, antennas, and user devices available, mobile operators can integrate the band into their networks once it is standardized and approved to use in their respective markets.
Future-proofing Australia’s telecommunications infrastructure
Australia’s unique geography has long made it a leader in telecommunications innovation, with Telstra and Ericsson contributing to this legacy for over 120 years. Our collaboration has positioned Australia to continue leading the way in deploying smart infrastructure that enhances connectivity and supports the global ecosystem.
For Australians, the benefits of 6GHz enabled mobile networks will be significant. Customers will experience faster speeds and lower latency for high-demand applications such as video streaming, remote work, and gaming. Businesses will benefit from improved network reliability, making advanced use cases like industrial automation, cloud-based applications, and IoT-driven services more viable.
Ericsson remains committed to working alongside Telstra and the broader industry to drive the adoption of 6GHz for mobile networks. By collaborating with global standardization bodies, chipset manufacturers, and device makers, Ericsson is ensuring that Australia can take full advantage of the global 6GHz ecosystem, securing long-term benefits for mobile users and businesses alike.
