Australia Telecom Tower Market Size
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Volume (2025) | 18.82 Thousand units |
Market Volume (2030) | 19.26 Thousand units |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 0.47 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Australia Telecom Tower Market Analysis
The Australia Telecom Tower Market size in terms of installed base is expected to grow from 18.82 thousand units in 2025 to 19.26 thousand units by 2030, at a CAGR of 0.47% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Australia Telecom Tower market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for mobile connectivity, the rollout of 5G networks, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. Telecom towers are crucial for ensuring reliable mobile communication and data services, making them a key component in the country's telecommunications landscape.
- The demand for new telecom towers in Australia is being significantly propelled by the introduction and expansion of 5G networks. To deliver on its promise of high-speed, low-latency connectivity, 5G necessitates a denser network of towers and small cells, resulting in heightened investments in tower infrastructure.
- As streaming services, online gaming, and remote work gain traction, mobile data usage surges. This uptick compels telecom operators to bolster their network capacity, subsequently increasing the demand for more telecom towers to manage the heightened data traffic.
- Government efforts to enhance connectivity in rural and remote regions are amplifying the demand for telecom towers in these locales. Initiatives like the Mobile Black Spot Program are facilitating the installation of new towers, ensuring wider coverage and enhanced network reliability in previously underserved areas.
- Infrastructure sharing among telecom operators is gaining momentum in the Australian market. By collaborating on tower infrastructure, companies not only cut costs but also bolster network coverage, leading to resource optimization and quicker service rollouts.
- However, the deployment of new telecom towers often faces hurdles from regulatory approvals and environmental considerations. Obtaining necessary permits can be both time-intensive and costly, particularly in urban settings with limited space and in areas where environmental impacts are closely scrutinized. Such challenges can postpone network expansions and inflate operational costs for telecom firms.
Australia Telecom Tower Market Trends
5G deployments will drive the Telecom Tower Market
- In Australia, the rollout of 5G networks is spurring a notable surge in the demand for telecom tower infrastructure. To provide its high-speed, low-latency services, 5G technology necessitates a denser network of towers and small cells. This demand has catalyzed swift investments in both new towers and upgrades to existing ones, especially in urban locales where data traffic is heaviest.
- For instance, in April 2024 - STL, a company specializing in optical and digital solutions, has partnered with Vocus Group, an Australian provider of specialized fiber and network solutions. In this collaboration, STL is focused on crafting optical fiber solutions that align with Vocus' mission to provide high-speed connectivity throughout Australia.
- As Australia embraces the 5G revolution, there's a pronounced shift towards the installation of small cells and micro towers, particularly in its bustling urban centers. These compact towers play a pivotal role in maintaining robust 5G coverage and performance, especially in high-demand zones. Consequently, both telecom operators and infrastructure providers are ramping up investments to align with the rigorous demands of 5G.
- The Australian government is playing an instrumental role in the 5G rollout, driving it through a series of initiatives and streamlined regulatory measures. This governmental endorsement translates to expedited approvals for new towers and small cells, especially in regions deemed vital for economic and technological progress. Moreover, the government's intervention is alleviating challenges tied to tower deployments, such as zoning and environmental issues, thus propelling market expansion.
- As demand for telecom services in Australia continues to grow, the telecom tower sector is poised to benefit. For instance, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a government agency responsible for analyzing economic, population, environmental, and social statistics, reveals that as of December 2023, the Gross Value Added (GVA) of Australia's telecommunications services industry reached approximately AUD 34.5 billion (about USD 22.9 billion). This represents an uptick from the AUD 31 billion (around USD 20.58 billion) recorded the previous year.
Operator-Owned Towers to hold a Major Share
- Major telecom operators, including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, are actively expanding their networks across Australia, with a particular focus on deploying 5G technology. By owning their towers, these operators maintain full control over their network infrastructure. This control enables them to optimize performance, manage network security, and swiftly adapt to technological advancements. Such strategic oversight is crucial for securing competitive advantages in the fast-evolving telecom landscape.
- For instance, according to ACCC - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, since 2010, Telstra has dominated Australia's mobile phone service market, holding a share that ranged from 37% in 2010 to a peak of 45% from 2014 to 2016. However, in 2023, the company's market share dipped slightly to 43%. As Australia's top telecommunications provider by revenue, Telstra Cooperation Limited offers a diverse range of internet and mobile services. Their sustained market dominance can largely be credited to high customer satisfaction ratings.
- The expansion of 5G networks serves as a pivotal driver for Australia's telecom tower market. With operator-owned towers at the forefront, telecom companies can roll out 5G technology on their terms, sidestepping reliance on third-party infrastructures. This ownership ensures that the operators can uphold stringent performance standards and coverage requirements for their 5G networks, enhancing their appeal to both consumers and businesses.
- Investing in telecom towers is a long-term strategy that brings cost efficiencies. While the upfront capital expenditure is substantial, ownership eliminates recurring lease payments. This financial flexibility allows operators to reinvest in network upgrades as necessary. Such an approach proves especially beneficial in rural and remote regions, where constructing new towers can be more economical than leasing existing ones.
- Despite the hefty initial costs associated with building and maintaining telecom towers, ownership proves to be more economical over time. By sidestepping recurring lease fees, operators can channel funds into bolstering their infrastructure. Furthermore, through tower sharing, operators can monetize their assets by permitting other telecom entities to utilize their infrastructure.
Australia Telecom Tower Industry Overview
The Australian Telecommunication Tower market is fragmented, with the presence of major players like Telstra Corporation Limited, Optus, ATN International, Inc., etc. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships, agreements, innovations, and acquisitions to enhance their service offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.
- May 2024 - Pittsburgh-based Everest Infrastructure Partners, through its subsidiary Everest Infrastructure ANZ, has successfully acquired tower assets from Australian telco Vertel, thereby expanding its tower portfolio in Australia.
- July 2024 - As part of an AUD 1.1 million (~USD 740,000) pilot project with Telstra, Energys Australia, a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, has installed one of its 10 kW renewable hydrogen generators at Neerim North, located 120 km east of Melbourne. This initiative aims to provide backup power to telecom towers during outages.
Australia Telecom Tower Market Leaders
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Telstra Corporation Limited
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Optus (Singtel Optus Pty Limited)
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Vodafone Hutchison Australia (TPG Telecom Limited)
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Axicom Pty Ltd
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ATN International, Inc. (Commnet Wireless)
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Australia Telecom Tower Market News
- August 2024: TPG Telecom, an Australian operator, has reignited discussions with Vocus Group about a possible sale of its fiber network. This comes after the two companies, having previously halted negotiations last year, are now once more in non-exclusive talks.
- April 2024: TPG Telecom and Optus have struck an 11-year agreement to share regional spectrum and mobile network infrastructure. This comes on the heels of a similar arrangement between Telstra and TPG, which was thwarted by regulators. With this deal, TPG Telecom can expand its customer service reach from 755 towers to an impressive 2,444, encompassing both 4G and 5G services.
Australia Telecom Tower Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definitions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 5G deployments driving momentum for tower leasing
5.1.2 Increasing Smartphone usage
5.2 Market Challenges
5.2.1 High infrastructure costs associated with telecom infrastructure
5.2.2 Environmental concerns about power supply systems to towers
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Ownership
6.1.1 Operator-owned
6.1.2 Private-owned
6.1.3 MNO Captive sites
6.2 By Installation
6.2.1 Rooftop
6.2.2 Ground-based
6.3 By Fuel Type
6.3.1 Renewable
6.3.2 Non-renewable
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles*
7.1.1 Telstra Corporation Limited
7.1.2 Optus (Singtel Optus Pty Limited)
7.1.3 Vodafone Hutchison Australia (TPG Telecom Limited)
7.1.4 Axicom Pty Ltd
7.1.5 ATN International, Inc. (Commnet Wireless)
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Australia Telecom Tower Industry Segmentation
The telecommunication market is largely concerned with the operations and provision of infrastructure for transmitting data - voice, image, sound, text, and video. To expand its network and services, the telecommunication market relies on towers, which are used to mount telecommunication networking and power equipment.
The Report Covers Australia Telecom Tower Companies and the Market is Segmented by Ownership (Operator-Owned, Private-Owned, MNO Captive Sites), by Installation (Rooftop, Ground-Based), by Fuel Type (Renewable, Non-Renewable). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are provided in terms of Installed base (in Thousand Units) for all the above Segments.
By Ownership | |
Operator-owned | |
Private-owned | |
MNO Captive sites |
By Installation | |
Rooftop | |
Ground-based |
By Fuel Type | |
Renewable | |
Non-renewable |
Australia Telecom Tower Market Research Faqs
How big is the Australia Telecom Tower Market?
The Australia Telecom Tower Market size is expected to reach 18.82 thousand units in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 0.47% to reach 19.26 thousand units by 2030.
What is the current Australia Telecom Tower Market size?
In 2025, the Australia Telecom Tower Market size is expected to reach 18.82 thousand units.
Who are the key players in Australia Telecom Tower Market?
Telstra Corporation Limited, Optus (Singtel Optus Pty Limited), Vodafone Hutchison Australia (TPG Telecom Limited), Axicom Pty Ltd and ATN International, Inc. (Commnet Wireless) are the major companies operating in the Australia Telecom Tower Market.
What years does this Australia Telecom Tower Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Australia Telecom Tower Market size was estimated at 18.73 thousand units. The report covers the Australia Telecom Tower Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Australia Telecom Tower Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Australia Telecom Tower Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Australia Telecom Tower market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. Australia Telecom Tower analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.