Macao's telecommunications industry has developed for over 40 years (1981~2025). In the first 20 years (1981~2000), all public telecommunication services were provided by an exclusive operator. Following the trend of international telecommunication liberalization, Macao has entered the stage of progressive liberalization since 2000, excluding the exclusivity given to cable TV service since 1999. After more than 20 years of liberalization (2001~2025), the telecommunications market and regulatory system had undergone significant changes, with one new law and four new administrative regulations for the operation of fixed network, mobile network, internet services and data center services. The telecommunications network and service operators have grown from one to five. However, as one operator withdrew from the Macau market in 2025, the current number stands at four, while cable TV remains unchanged. The type and quality of service, as well as the technology are providing stable and high quality communication services for the daily life of the public and the economic development of the whole society. For more details, please refer to the overview chart of telecommunication regulatory system and service development.

As the pace of market liberalization is continuing to move forward, the regulation of telecommunications infrastructure has also moved with the times, especially the use of basic telecommunications networks. According to the relevant provisions of Midterm Review of Concession Agreement of the Public Telecommunications Service (the Concession Contract), the concession assets’ underground ducts and related facilities are already available for access and use by all licensed telecommunication operators, the MSAR Government has also approved the usage principles and major tariffs in 2011. As for the use of other Concession networks and assets, there is a sharing mechanism in the Concession Contract and the industry can ask for the use of these facilities from the facility manager.

Looking ahead, 5G mobile telecommunications services will be predominant, and Macao will enter the era of rapid development of information and communication. The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will uphold its purpose to promoting the development of advanced technologies and services, and will do a job well in the existing telecommunications regulation and optimize laws and regulations in a timely manner. In order to create a more favorable regulatory and development environment for the sustainable development of the telecommunications industry.