AI Dependent on Telecommunications Infrastructure: ATA Calls for Reforms to Accelerate Network Deployment

Australia’s AI ambitions risk becoming a missed opportunity without reforms to accelerate the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, according to industry peak body the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA).

In its submission to the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, the ATA said reforms are required to ensure the network infrastructure is in place to enable AI to reach Australian businesses, consumers, and communities.

“AI is expected to transform and grow Australia’s economy, yet the network infrastructure required to support that growth can take years to plan, approve, and build,” said ATA CEO Luke Coleman. “To ensure we have the networks in place to enable AI, we’re calling on Australian governments to adopt a national connectivity plan to encourage whole-of-government coordination.”

The ATA has called for greater focus and prioritisation of the ‘connected ecosystem’ by all levels of government, with reliable and resilient telecommunications infrastructure seen – and treated – as the critical enabler.

The ATA predicts that AI will fundamentally reshape telecommunications network demand, and that by 2030:

• Australian data centre capacity will triple;
• AI workloads will drive 85 – 90 per cent of intercapital fibre demand; and
• AI workloads will drive 70 – 80 per cent of metro fibre demand.

The ATA argues that the rise of AI is placing increasing demands on telecommunication infrastructure, which requires an equally urgent policy response from government.

The industry’s peak body cites the example of one major inter-capital city fibre route that required more than 3,000 land access notices; 1,128 construction certificates; 1,723 land access surveys, and 171 cultural heritage and environmental assessments to be undertaken.

ATA CEO Luke Coleman said: “We have to make it faster, easier, and more commercially attractive to build new telecommunications across Australia. Mobile, fibre, and satellite networks are the connective tissue for AI service across the economy.”

“AI capability creates opportunity. Productivity growth depends on adoption. Adoption depends on access. And access for everyone, including those in regional Australia, depends on connectivity.”

New research from Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by the ATA, reveals that nearly two-thirds of Australians already use AI tools on mobile devices, generating average productivity gains through time saved of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes per week.

The ATA’s principal recommendation is for the Australian Government to establish a National Digital Infrastructure Framework, which would include clear and cohesive policies for AI, telecommunications, data centres, energy infrastructure, cybersecurity, and spectrum management.

The ATA is calling for:

• a National Spectrum Strategy;
• a National Digital Infrastructure Plan;
• the appointment of a National Infrastructure Co-ordinator General; and
• a Digital Infrastructure Regulatory Initiatives Grid

The ATA also recommends that the government:

• recognise telecommunications infrastructure as foundational AI infrastructure;
• integrate connectivity requirements into AI and data centre planning;
• support regional participation in the AI economy;
• encourage sustainable investment in telecommunications networks;
• streamline infrastructure deployment approvals;
• strengthen trusted and resilient digital infrastructure;
• establish a National Digital Infrastructure Framework; and
• adopt risk-based, technology-neutral AI regulation.

The ATA’s submission can be found here.