When you've spent decades settling into your evening routine of watching the news and your favourite programs, the last thing you expect is a letter telling you that your reliable television service will disappear in just a few months.
Yet that's exactly what's happening to residents in over 120 communities across Australia, as telecommunications company Opticomm prepares to shut down free-to-air television access through their fibre networks.
The shutdown began on 1 October 2025, with complete termination scheduled for 1 February 2026. For many residents—particularly older Australians who rely heavily on traditional television viewing—this represents not just an inconvenience, but a significant financial burden during already challenging economic times.
What's happening and who's affected
Opticomm's decision affects over 120 communities scattered across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. These are typically housing estates that were originally cabled by Telstra's Velocity network before being acquired by Opticomm.
The company claims the traditional broadcast method of delivering free-to-air TV on fibre networks has become more challenging to support as equipment reaches end-of-life, and cites the need to enable 'future-proofing' for multi-gigabit internet speeds.
Key dates and what they mean
1 October 2025: Free-to-air TV no longer guaranteed (service may still work but unreliably)
1 February 2026: Complete shutdown of all free-to-air TV signals
Time remaining: Just 4 months to arrange alternative viewing solutions
But for residents who specifically chose these estates partly because they didn't need unsightly roof antennas, this change means 'thousands of customers are either without live TV and/or are having to install those unsightly aerials on roof tops.'
'We're disappointed Opticomm is dropping TV support, especially as this was a key feature householders were invited to rely on.'
The financial impact: hundreds of dollars at the worst possible time
The alternatives Opticomm is suggesting come with substantial costs that many residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, are struggling to absorb. Based on current Australian installation rates, here's what you're looking at:
Professional antenna installation costs:
TV antenna installation typically ranges from $400 to $700+ for a new roof-mounted system, though prices can vary from $180 to $500 depending on complexity and location.
Additional TV point installation:
If you need extra TV points throughout your home, expect to pay $180-$500+ per point, with the total potentially reaching the higher end if your technician requires more time and specialised equipment.
For many seniors on the Age Pension (currently $1,116.30 per fortnight for singles), spending $400-$700 on antenna installation represents a significant portion of their fortnightly income—money that's already stretched thin by rising costs of living.
What you need to do right now
- Get quotes from at least three licensed antenna installers in your area
- Check your housing estate's bylaws regarding external antennas
- Test streaming apps on your existing devices to see if they're a viable alternative
- Contact your local MP about the lack of consumer protection in this situation
- Consider community action with affected neighbours to negotiate group installation rates
The streaming solution isn't simple for everyone
While Opticomm suggests residents can 'rely on broadcaster streaming apps' like ABC iview, SBS On Demand, and 7plus, this alternative presents its own challenges, particularly for older viewers.
Unlike traditional TV with its familiar electronic program guide, streaming apps 'all require a separate sign in, and no EPG (guide).' For someone used to simply turning on the TV and flicking through channels, navigating multiple apps can be frustrating and time-consuming.
There's also the data usage consideration. Streaming television consumes significant internet bandwidth, which could impact monthly data allowances for those not on unlimited plans.
Housing restrictions create additional complications
Many of the affected estates specifically marketed themselves as antenna-free environments, with some properties having 'restricted covenants that do not allow external TV antennas.'
This creates a catch-22 situation where residents need antennas to maintain TV access but may be prohibited from installing them.
As one affected resident explained: 'We are in a community estate & have a covenant on no house TV antennaes. As we are now losing our FTA TV signal when Opticomm shuts it down, is it possible that we could install our own master TV antennae?'
Limited consumer protection options
Perhaps most frustrating for affected residents is the lack of recourse available. As Free TV Australia's CEO noted, 'what Opticomm does with its systems is legally its own business, despite the serious impact on Australian customers.'
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) 'is apparently not the place to go with FTA issues' since customers 'pay the RSP for the internet service but not for the FTA service.'
This regulatory gap leaves residents with little leverage to challenge a decision that significantly impacts their daily lives and forces unexpected expenses upon them.
What your options really look like
Option 1: Professional antenna installation
- Cost: $400-$700 initially, plus ongoing maintenance
- Pros: Familiar TV experience, all channels available, no data usage
- Cons: High upfront cost, potential housing restrictions, weather-dependent reception
Option 2: Streaming apps
- Cost: Mainly data usage (if not on unlimited internet)
- Pros: No installation costs, works on existing devices
- Cons: Requires separate apps for each channel, no unified guide, relies on stable internet
Option 3: Combination approach
- Install antenna for live TV and news, use streaming for catch-up viewing
- Higher initial cost but maximum flexibility
Did you know?
Did you know?
With 86.5 per cent of total TV viewing still being broadcast television, there remains significant community reliance on traditional TV reception—yet infrastructure providers can unilaterally remove this service with minimal notice or consumer protection.
Community action and next steps
Some affected communities are exploring group purchasing arrangements for antenna installations, which could reduce individual costs through bulk pricing. If you're in an affected area, consider reaching out to neighbours to coordinate quotes and potentially negotiate better rates.
It's also worth contacting your local federal MP about this issue. While individual complaints may not change Opticomm's decision, collective advocacy could highlight the need for better consumer protections when infrastructure providers make changes that significantly impact residents.
The situation also raises broader questions about digital equity and the responsibilities of infrastructure providers to maintain services that vulnerable populations rely upon.
If you're in an affected Opticomm area, what are your plans for maintaining television access? Are you leaning toward antenna installation or trying the streaming route? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your insights could help other readers navigate this challenging transition.
Original Article
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/disappointed-opticomm-shutting-down-free-to-air-tv-access.html
'Disappointed:' Opticomm shutting down Free to Air TV access | TV Tonight
Cited text: As of yesterday (October 1) Free to Air Television is no longer guaranteed to homes on the Opticomm to the premise (FTTP) network -and it will be swit...
Excerpt: Opticomm's decision affects over 120 communities scattered across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/disappointed-opticomm-shutting-down-free-to-air-tv-access.html
'Disappointed:' Opticomm shutting down Free to Air TV access | TV Tonight
Cited text: But over 120 communities scattered across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory, traditionally without ...
Excerpt: Opticomm's decision affects over 120 communities scattered across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory.
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/disappointed-opticomm-shutting-down-free-to-air-tv-access.html
Opticomm to shut FTA TV access down in some regions
Cited text: “The traditional broadcast method of delivering FTA TV on FTTP networks (over the last 20 years) has become more challenging to support as equipment r...
Excerpt: The company claims the traditional broadcast method of delivering free-to-air TV on fibre networks has become more challenging to support as equipment reaches end-of-life, and cites the need to enable 'future-proofing' for multi-gigabit…
https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/opticomm-stops-fta-in-some-communities/
'Disappointed:' Opticomm shutting down Free to Air TV access | TV Tonight
Cited text: It maintains that the traditional broadcast method of delivering FTA TV on FTTP networks over the last 20 years has become more challenging to support...
Excerpt: The company claims the traditional broadcast method of delivering free-to-air TV on fibre networks has become more challenging to support as equipment reaches end-of-life, and cites the need to enable 'future-proofing' for multi-gigabit…
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/disappointed-opticomm-shutting-down-free-to-air-tv-access.html
FTA TV is Being Removed from Opticomm FTTP—OzBargain Forums
Cited text: This means that thousand of customers are either without live TV and/or are having to install those unsightly aerials on roof tops.
Excerpt: this change means 'thousands of customers are either without live TV and/or are having to install those unsightly aerials on roof tops.'
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/924386
How Much Does TV Antenna Installation Cost? | Install My Antenna
Cited text: In Australia, TV antenna installation costs range from around $400 to $700+ to install a new antenna on your roof.
Excerpt: TV antenna installation typically ranges from $400 to $700+ for a new roof-mounted system
https://installmyantenna.com.au/blog/11-factors-that-go-into-tv-antenna-installation-cost/
TV point installation cost guide [2025]
Cited text: On average, you can expect to pay between $180 and $500 for a standard TV point installation.
Excerpt: prices can vary from $180 to $500 depending on complexity and location.
https://www.yellowpages.com.au/articles/tv-antenna-services/tv-point-installation-guide-with-costs
TV point installation cost guide [2025]
Cited text: In Australia, TV point installation typically costs between $180 and $500, depending on factors like your location, the complexity of the job, and wal...
Excerpt: prices can vary from $180 to $500 depending on complexity and location.
https://www.yellowpages.com.au/articles/tv-antenna-services/tv-point-installation-guide-with-costs
How Much Does Antenna Point Installation Cost? | Install My Antenna
Cited text: Antenna point installation costs can start at as little as $180 for a single TV wall point, but the price goes up depending on how long the job will t...
Excerpt: If you need extra TV points throughout your home, expect to pay $180-$500+ per point, with the total potentially reaching the higher end if your technician requires more time and specialised equipment.
https://installmyantenna.com.au/blog/antenna-point-installation-cost/
How Much Does Antenna Point Installation Cost? | Install My Antenna
Cited text: An antenna upgrade—Many people find it’s affordable to do a planned antenna upgrade at the same time as their antenna point installation—it’s cost...
Excerpt: If you need extra TV points throughout your home, expect to pay $180-$500+ per point, with the total potentially reaching the higher end if your technician requires more time and specialised equipment.
https://installmyantenna.com.au/blog/antenna-point-installation-cost/
Opticomm to shut FTA TV access down in some regions
Cited text: One is to watch TV online via on-demand streaming apps like ABC iview, SBS On Demand, and 7plus.
Excerpt: While Opticomm suggests residents can 'rely on broadcaster streaming apps' like ABC iview, SBS On Demand, and 7plus
https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/opticomm-stops-fta-in-some-communities/
'Disappointed:' Opticomm shutting down Free to Air TV access | TV Tonight
Cited text: Affected customers are being encouraged to transition to antennas at their own expense, or rely on broadcaster streaming apps.
Excerpt: While Opticomm suggests residents can 'rely on broadcaster streaming apps' like ABC iview, SBS On Demand, and 7plus
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/disappointed-opticomm-shutting-down-free-to-air-tv-access.html
FTA TV is Being Removed from Opticomm FTTP—OzBargain Forums
Cited text: I am aware of all the live view apps, but they all require a separate sign in, and no EPG (guide).
Excerpt: Unlike traditional TV with its familiar electronic program guide, streaming apps 'all require a separate sign in, and no EPG (guide).'
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/924386
FTA TV is Being Removed from Opticomm FTTP—OzBargain Forums
Cited text: In many cases the properties had/have a restricted covenant that does not allow external TV Antennas, Some people (with tile roofs) installed them in ...
Excerpt: some properties having 'restricted covenants that do not allow external TV antennas.'
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/924386
FTA through Fibre (Opticomm) - not TIO, then who? - Free-to-air
Cited text: Question for any fibre gurus here.... We are in a community estate & have a covenant on no house TV antennae's.
Excerpt: As one affected resident explained: 'We are in a community estate & have a covenant on no house TV antennaes.
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/91mxjyq2
'Disappointed:' Opticomm shutting down Free to Air TV access | TV Tonight
Cited text: “Unfortunately what Opticomm does with its systems is legally its own business, despite the serious impact on Australian customers.” · You can read mo...
Excerpt: As Free TV Australia's CEO noted, 'what Opticomm does with its systems is legally its own business, despite the serious impact on Australian customers.'
https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/10/disappointed-opticomm-shutting-down-free-to-air-tv-access.html
FTA through Fibre (Opticomm) - not TIO, then who? - Free-to-air
Cited text: TIO is apparently not the place to go with FTA issues.
Excerpt: The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) 'is apparently not the place to go with FTA issues' since customers 'pay the RSP for the internet service but not for the FTA service.'
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/91mxjyq2
FTA through Fibre (Opticomm) - not TIO, then who? - Free-to-air
Cited text: I pay the RSP for the internet service but not for the FTA service.
Excerpt: The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) 'is apparently not the place to go with FTA issues' since customers 'pay the RSP for the internet service but not for the FTA service.'
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/91mxjyq2
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