27-28 October 2026: 5th Annual Australian Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit 2026
AI-Native Networks for Australia’s 6G Future
The Connectivity Innovation Network is pleased to present the 5th Annual Australian Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit, bringing together Australia’s telecommunications industry, research community, government and technology innovators to explore the technologies, opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of connectivity.
The theme for 2026, AI-Native Networks for Australia’s 6G Future, will examine one of the defining shifts in next-generation telecommunications: the increasing integration of AI into the design, operation, optimisation, and security of networks.
Now in its fifth year, CIN’s flagship Summit provides a national forum for sharing global insights, aligning national priorities and strengthening collaboration between industry, government and academia as Australia moves from 5G towards 6G.
Day 1
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Aerial Function Centre, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo
The fisr day will focus on the priorities and practical challenges shaping the transition towards AI-native networks, including network transformation, AI-enabled operations, situational awareness, automation, resilience, monetisation, spectrum, standards and deployment pathways.
Day 2
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park, Chippendale
The second day of the Summit will explore advances in AI-native RAN, edge intelligence, digital twins, integrated sensing and communications, autonomous network management, security and trustworthiness, connecting emerging research with real-world industry needs and opportunities for collaboration.
5th Annual Australian Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit
Dates: 27 & 28 October 2026
Programme
Keynote speakers, panellists and programme details will be announced progressively in the lead-up to the Summit. Keep an eye on this event page and follow CIN on LinkedIn for the latest speaker announcements and program updates.Who should attend?
The Summit is designed for professionals, decision-makers and researchers across telecommunications, technology, government, emergency services and critical communications, academia, research, standards, spectrum and policy.
Tickets
Tickets are available for Day 1, Day 2, or both days.
Free registration is available to CIN members, CIN governance members, NSW Government employees, and staff and students from CIN member universities.
The Connectivity Innovation Network hosts the Summit to share knowledge and foster collaboration, with all ticket fees directed solely towards covering event expenses.
Places are limited, and the Summit has historically reached capacity. Early registration is encouraged.
SPEAKERS DAY 1 | INDUSTRY & STRATEGY
Sri Amirthalingam – Chief Technology Officer, Optus
Luke Coleman – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Telecommunications Alliance
David Everingham – Standards and Industry Lead Asia Pacific, Ericsson Inc.
Distinguished Professor Jay Guo – Director, Connectivity Innovation Network
Matthew Ingersole – Chief Information Officer, Surf Life Saving NSW
Andrew Kaszubski – General Manager, Network Systems, nbn.
Stephen McRobert – Director, Information and Communications Technology and CIO, NSW State Emergency Service
Jeff Owen – Head of Wireless Strategy, TPG Telecom
Emilio Romeo – Chief Executive Officer, Indara
Dr Rajiv Shah – Managing Director, MDR Quantum.
Commissioner Dr Ian Oppermann – Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Chief Superintendent Matthew Wormald – Operational Communications, NSW Fire and Rescue
Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu – Director, ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient Construction
Dr Ming Ding – Group Leader, Privacy Technology Group, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Kent Wu – Executive General Manager Network Strategy & Architecture, Optus
Professor Nan Yang – Lead, Information & Signal Processing Cluster, Australian National University
Professor Jinhong Yuan – Head of School, School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, University of NSW
Dr Chentao Yue – ARC DECRA Fellow, University of Sydney
Professor Andrew Zhang – Professor in Wireless Communications and Sensing, University of Technology Sydney
