Synopsis
The first mobile network was launched more than two decades ago when Telstra launched its analogue mobile network in 1987. In 1992 Optus became the second mobile operator, followed by Vodafone the following year. In 2009 Vodafone and a fourth network operator owned by Hutchison merged their operations in Australia to form VHA. There are also many mobile virtual network operators competing for a relatively small portion of the market. Despite difficult economic conditions in 2009 and the saturation of the market, mobile operators continue to increase revenues as new services such as wireless broadband become increasingly popular. However the outlook for 2010 and beyond may be difficult compared to the boom years earlier in the decade. Mobile operators are increasingly focusing on business efficiency and customer retention in an effort to continue to expand overall revenues.