Introduction: telecommunications revolution? Enduring problems and possible futures

The ongoing tension between the enduring problems that beset the telecommunications sector, and the potential economic and social benefits continually associated with these technologies is the point of departure for our Feature Topic, which reflects on the current state of telecommunications, while also casting a cautious eye forward. The articles in this Feature Topic outline ongoing challenges around connectivity as well as contestations over 5G rollouts and competing international visions. However, the articles are not solely defined by critique, and authors also take time to articulate a positive future for telecommunications, one more oriented towards the actual needs of citizens. Australia features prominently in these articles, but the section also offers a global perspective, with authors accounting for the Global South as well as developments across the Asia-Pacific.