TPG Telecom Accuses Aussie Broadband of Enabling Scam Calls
The telecommunications giant identifies a Symbio subsidiary as the primary source of suspicious calls on its network.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Telecommunications
Live Poll
Do you trust that telecommunications companies are doing enough to stop scam calls?
TPG Telecom has publicly alleged that Aussie Broadband subsidiary Symbio is responsible for 98 per cent of identified scam calls on its Vodafone network. The findings follow an analysis conducted between July 2025 and July 2026.
Why it matters
The accusation highlights systemic challenges in the telecommunications sector regarding the bulk sale of phone numbers. Protecting customers from scammers has become a priority as carriers prepare for incoming national regulatory frameworks.
TPG found that 98 per cent of scam calls on the Vodafone network were linked to Symbio, with 24 million calls identified. An analysis of 8,000 reports confirmed Symbio as the primary carrier for numbers used by scammers.
The players
TPG Telecom
A major Australian telecommunications company that provides mobile and internet services across the country.
Aussie Broadband
An Australian telecommunications company that owns the subsidiary Symbio, which provides internet-based calling solutions.
Australian Communications and Media Authority
The government agency responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radiocommunications, and telecommunications in Australia.
The details
Symbio sells bulk phone numbers to customers who then on-sell them to other parties, a practice that allows scammers to frequently rotate identifiers to bypass blocking filters. Aussie Broadband officials stated they lack direct oversight regarding the business practices of these secondary customers.
Timeline
December 2020 marked the start of industry-wide scam call blocking.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority issued warnings to Symbio in 2022 and 2024.
TPG performed its network analysis between July 2025 and July 2026.
A total of 2,400 scam calls occurred in one week during September 2026.
Australia's Scams Prevention Framework is scheduled for introduction in 2027.
The Tech Race
This dispute reflects the broader push towards stricter industry oversight mandated by Australia's Scams Prevention Framework. As telecommunications companies face potential penalties of up to $11 million, they are increasingly scrutinising the supply chains of bulk number resellers.
The improved detection of scam identifiers may reduce the frequency of unwanted calls reaching Australian mobile users. Customers are advised to remain cautious as scammers continue to rotate numbers through bulk resellers.
The takeaway
Telecommunications providers are under increasing pressure to audit the distribution of bulk phone numbers to prevent scam proliferation. Consumers should continue to report suspicious activity to help carriers identify and block malicious traffic more effectively.
Further reading
For more information on industry updates, visit the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Live Poll
Do you trust that telecommunications companies are doing enough to stop scam calls?
