Tracking telecoms opex in developed Asia–Pacific: trends and analysis 1H 2026

This report tracks and analyses operating expenses at eight major telecoms operators in developed Asia–Pacific through 1H 2026. The results of their growth and cost reduction strategies reveal a clear regional split: operators in Australia and South Korea are geared towards opex reduction; those in China are cautious and those in Japan keep increasing their spending.

Information included in this report

• A detailed benchmark of recurring opex and opex intensity for eight major operators in developed Asia–Pacific across 2023–2025 and 1H 2026
• An assessment of headcount and employee cost trends and workforce-restructuring programmes
• A review of the latest financial guidance, and what it implies for spending across the region in 2026 and beyond