What did TPG Telecom (ASX:TPG) propose regarding Starlink's satellite spectrum access?

TPG Telecom suggested that the telco regulator, ACMA, grant Starlink near-free or very low-cost access to vital mobile satellite spectrum licences. However, this favourable access would be strictly conditional on Starlink taking on the burden of Australia's upcoming universal mobile coverage laws.

Why is TPG Telecom (ASX:TPG) advocating for free spectrum for a major competitor?

Under current proposals for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), traditional mobile network operators bear all the regulatory weight and cost of providing universal outdoor coverage, despite not owning the satellite layer needed to deliver it.

What is the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) mentioned by TPG Telecom?

The UOMO is a proposed federal government mandate requiring mobile services—specifically basic voice and text—to be accessible in all unobstructed outdoor areas across Australia.

What strict conditions does TPG Telecom want imposed on Starlink?

TPG Telecom’s proposal requires Starlink to offer direct-to-device satellite services on an equitable, wholesale basis to all domestic mobile operators. Furthermore, Starlink must meet strict reliability standards and supply basic voice and text services at zero wholesale cost to fulfillment partners for universal coverage purposes.

Why has the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) delayed the satellite licence auction?

ACMA pushed the auction from the second quarter of 2026 to the final quarter of 2026 to navigate intense industry divisions. Telcos and satellite providers have presented starkly conflicting views on how the airwaves should be distributed, requiring more time for regulatory consultation.

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TPG urges free spectrum for Starlink with conditions

Published Jun. 2 2026

TPG Telecom (ASX:TPG) suggested global giant Starlink be granted near-free access to vital mobile satellite spectrum—but only if it shoulders the burden of the federal government's upcoming universal coverage laws.

Speaking at the Commsday Summit 2026, TPG Chief Technology Officer Giovanni Chiarelli will urge the Australian Communications and Media Authority to treat spectrum as an "enabling tool, not just a revenue source".

Under the proposal, satellite providers would secure licences at very low or zero cost, provided they meet strict terms.

They must offer a direct-to-device service on an equitable, wholesale basis to all domestic mobile operators, delivering basic voice and text at zero wholesale cost to satisfy the proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation.

The UOMO aims to mandate mobile access across all unobstructed outdoor areas nationwide.

Currently, the regulatory weight sits entirely on local mobile network operators, leaving satellite providers—who control the critical infrastructure layer—exempt from the policy's objectives.

Chiarelli will warn that failing to bind satellite players risks locking in "cost, complexity and dependency for decades to come".

The intervention comes after Starlink threatened to withhold its services from Australia if denied favourable spectrum access.

Meanwhile, ACMA has delayed its planned mid-2026 licence auction to the final quarter of the year to navigate fierce industry divisions, with Telstra warning a Starlink win would stifle satellite competition and Starlink fearing traditional telcos will monopolise the airwaves.

At the time of reporting, TPG Telecom’s share price was $3.72.