May 20, 2026 – 12.01amAustralia’s major telcos say they will have no choice but to hike the prices of their mobile plans even further after the government announced it would charge more than $7.3 billion for Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom and NBN Co to access the radio waves used for mobile phone calls.The Australian Communications and Media Authority, the telco sector’s government regulator, stared down intense industry pressure and threats of legal retaliation as it informed the big operators on Tuesday afternoon it would shave just $20 million off the proposed cost of renewing their spectrum licenses.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Telcos warn of mobile price hikes after $7.3b regulatory blow
The government has revealed it wants $7.32 billion from major telcos to access the radio waves used for phone calls. Telcos say it’s a tax on consumers.
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