Telstra's chairman has warned that growing regulatory demands are deterring investment in the telecommunications sector. He specifically cited mandatory mobile roaming as a costly regulation that discourages companies from expanding their networks. The comment comes amid rising concerns about the impact of regulatory frameworks on business growth.

The chairman pointed out that mandatory mobile roaming rules require providers to offer services to travelers at fixed rates, which can limit flexibility and increase operational costs. This, he argued, creates an environment where companies are less inclined to invest in infrastructure improvements.

Telstra has been a vocal critic of regulatory pressures in recent months. The company has called for a review of current rules to ensure they support rather than hinder innovation. Industry experts have echoed these concerns, noting that regulatory complexity can slow down the rollout of new technologies. The debate over regulation in telecommunications continues to shape policy discussions across the sector.