Releasing its corporate plan for the period 2019–20 to 2022–23 – including research plans - the Australian Communications and Media Authority says Australia is rapidly transitioning into a globally connected, internet-enabled communications economy and society with a significant number of services, applications and digital content generated over these connections.

The research program – aligned with ACMA’s corporate program - to be undertaken by the Authority, covers the four key areas of applications/content, devices, transport and infrastructure, with the Authority stressing that as boundaries between traditional broadcast media and digital platforms increasingly blur, attention is turning to the appropriate regulatory framework for content delivered over all platforms.

The ACMA has said its research priorities for 2019–20 will include a focus on public confidence in communications and media services through the provision of safeguards, information and advice and a regulatory framework that anticipates change through monitoring the market environment and influencing regulatory responses.

“Australia’s communications and media landscape continues to undergo exponential change,” says the ACMA in the foreword to its research program, noting that “in the next four years, a suite of new technologies including 5G, software-defined networks, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will redefine how individuals engage with each other and how business is done”.

“Australians will be increasingly and continuously connected through Internet of Things (IoT) devices, supported by robust, reliable and secure communications networks.

“We expect 5G and satellite technologies will more broadly deploy advanced AI which will significantly boost productivity, efficiencies and opportunities for innovation.

“The future technology pathways for broadcasting will also need to be considered, in light of changing consumer behaviours and new technologies, such as the shift from AM to FM and DAB+ streaming,” the ACMA says.