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Dodo Services

Dodo Services Pty Ltd is an Australian telecommunications and utilities company founded in 2001 and headquartered in , . It specializes in providing affordable residential and business services, including (NBN) internet plans, , home phone lines, and electricity and gas supply. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Limited since the 2016 completion of the merger between its then-parent M2 Group and (with Vocus acquired by a private consortium in 2021), Dodo Services operates as a value-oriented provider emphasizing bundled offerings and no-lock-in contracts to attract cost-conscious consumers across . The company has grown from its origins as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and dial-up internet provider into a diversified telco with a focus on fixed-line broadband and mobile services utilizing networks like Optus for 4G and 5G coverage. Its energy division, trading as Dodo Power & Gas, supplies electricity and natural gas to households in multiple states, often bundled with telecom services for discounts up to $10 per month. Dodo Services has faced notable challenges, including a significant cyber incident in October 2025 that compromised email systems and affected over 1,600 customer accounts, prompting enhanced security measures by parent company Vocus. Despite such events, it maintains a reputation for competitive pricing in the Australian market, serving hundreds of thousands of customers with unlimited data options and international call inclusions on select plans.

Corporate Information

Founding and Headquarters

Dodo Services was founded in September 2001 by , Michael Slepoy, and Igor Gilenko, who brought extensive business experience from prior ventures in property development and to the sector. The company emerged as a response to the high costs of broadband services dominated by major providers like in at the time, aiming to deliver affordable dial-up and early options to underserved markets. Initially established as a privately held (ISP), Dodo targeted residential customers and small businesses with cost-effective plans, positioning itself as an accessible alternative in the nascent Australian online landscape. The company's headquarters are located in , , , serving as its primary operational base since inception. Specific office addresses have included facilities at Collins Street West and, more recently, Level 14 at 600 in Melbourne's , where core administrative and service operations are managed. This Melbourne-centric structure has supported Dodo's focus on national service delivery while maintaining a strong local presence in . Over time, the firm has evolved to offer broader and utility services, though its roots remain in affordable provision.

Ownership Structure

Dodo Services Pty Ltd operates as a wholly owned of Vocus Group Limited (ASX: VOC), which provides retail and energy services under the broader Vocus infrastructure umbrella. This full ownership structure was established following the 2016 merger between Vocus Communications and M2 Group, valued at approximately AU$3.75 billion, creating a vertically integrated entity with enhanced scale in and . Prior to the merger, Dodo Services was acquired by M2 Telecommunications in for AU$203.9 million on a debt-free, cash-free basis, with an additional AU$44.1 million allocated to the associated acquisition of Eftel assets through an off-market offer. This transaction integrated Dodo into M2's portfolio, positioning it alongside other retail brands and expanding M2's market presence in and telephony services. Under Vocus's ownership, Dodo Services focuses on consumer-facing offerings, leveraging the parent company's extensive to deliver services efficiently. Post-acquisition integrations have enabled Dodo to Vocus's nationwide fiber —spanning over 51,000 km—and (NBN) capabilities, improving service reliability and speed for residential customers without requiring independent investments. This structure allows Dodo to operate as a specialized arm, benefiting from Vocus's enterprise-level assets while maintaining brand-specific customer engagement.

Products and Services

Telecommunications Offerings

As of November 2025, Dodo Services provides a range of options primarily through the (NBN), offering unlimited data across all plans to cater to households with varying speed requirements. Entry-level NBN plans start at speeds of 25/4 Mbps for a promotional price of $46.99 per month (standard $71.99) for the first six months, escalating to higher tiers such as 50/17 Mbps ($60.99 promotional/standard $85.99), 100/17 Mbps ($62.99 promotional/standard $92.99), 500/48 Mbps ($62.99 promotional/standard $92.99), and 700/49 Mbps ($74.99 promotional/standard $99.99), with promotional discounts of $25–$30 off for the first six months on select plans ending December 2, 2025. These plans support various connection types including Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), and are designed for affordability, allowing customers to bring their own compatible to reduce setup costs. For mobile services, Dodo offers SIM-only postpaid plans on the 4G and 5G network, which provides coverage to 98.5% of the Australian population, including regional and rural areas. Available plans include 25 GB for $25 per month (with $100 international call ), 40 GB for $30 per month (promotional $15 for the first six months, $200 ), and 80 GB for $40 per month (promotional $20 for the first six months, $400 ), featuring unlimited standard national calls, texts, and MMS, along with unlimited banking and no excess charges. Additional perks include $10 daily roaming packs for 1 GB in over 100 countries and free inbound SMS while , positioning these plans as flexible, no-lock-in options for users seeking value without long-term contracts. Dodo's home services utilize Voice over (VoIP) technology, bundled at no extra cost with eligible NBN plans to provide integrated functionality over the connection. This includes a dedicated phone number and pay-as-you-go rates for standard local and national calls (local at 25 cents untimed, national at 29 cents per minute plus flagfall), with competitive rates for calls—such as pay-as-you-go options or packs for destinations in the top 25 countries—to maintain connectivity for traditional users transitioning to NBN . The service ensures seamless integration, allowing calls to operate alongside usage without additional hardware beyond a VoIP-compatible . Dodo relies on strategic network partnerships to deliver its telecommunications services, utilizing the wholesale 4G/5G for coverage and NBN Co's fixed-line network for , enabling nationwide reach without owning physical . This model supports reliable delivery while keeping costs low for consumers. A key differentiator in Dodo's offerings is the emphasis on bundling discounts to appeal to cost-conscious households, such as a $5 monthly reduction on plans when combined with an active NBN , alongside broader savings when pairing with options for streamlined billing.

Energy Services

Dodo Services entered the retail in 2013 through its subsidiary Dodo Power & Gas, offering and services primarily to residential customers in . These services complement the company's telecommunications portfolio by enabling bundled multi-utility packages that emphasize affordability and convenience. As of November 2025, plans are available for residential customers in (NSW), (VIC), (QLD), and (SA), featuring both fixed-rate and variable-rate tariffs to suit different budgeting needs. Fixed-rate options provide predictable pricing over the term, while variable rates adjust with conditions; customers can also opt for GreenPower add-ons, sourcing 10% or 100% of their from renewable sources to support goals. Billing occurs quarterly in most states, with online tools like MyDodo allowing users to monitor usage and manage accounts digitally. Natural gas services are more limited, offered in and select regions of NSW, often bundled with for dual-fuel discounts that reduce overall costs. These bundles integrate energy with Dodo's nbn internet plans, providing up to $10 monthly savings—equivalent to $120 annually—while consolidating billing into a single statement for added convenience. Green Gas options are available to offset usage with renewable equivalents. As an authorized retailer under the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), Dodo Power & Gas complies with national energy market rules, focusing on competitive pricing to challenge larger providers like AGL and . The company positions its energy offerings as add-ons for existing customers and small households, prioritizing simple, no-lock-in contracts without large-scale commercial supply.

Historical Development

Establishment and Growth (2001–2013)

Dodo Services was established in September 2001 in , , initially as a dial-up provider targeting residential customers with affordable access plans. Founded by and Michael Slepoy, the company quickly gained traction through low-cost offerings in a dominated by larger incumbents, achieving rapid in its early years by focusing on price-competitive dial-up services resold via wholesale agreements. In the mid-2000s, Dodo expanded its portfolio to capitalize on and adoption. It launched services in July 2004 by reselling Vodafone's , followed by unlimited plans in 2005 and VoIP around 2006, which enabled bundled home phone and packages. These additions diversified revenue streams and attracted budget-conscious consumers, with the company introducing insurance products—such as home and car coverage—in 2011 to further integrate non-telecom services. By emphasizing aggressive marketing campaigns and undercutting prices from competitors like and , Dodo navigated intense market rivalry through strategic wholesale partnerships, including a significant 2009 deal with for , voice, and resale worth $160 million over four years. The late 2000s marked Dodo's entry into energy retail, broadening its "one-stop-shop" model amid rising demand for bundled utilities. Electricity services launched in in 2010, expanding to and in 2011, while gas retailing followed in later that year. These moves addressed competitive pressures in by to existing customers, though the company faced challenges like high complaint volumes in 2007 related to , which it mitigated by outsourcing call centers and investing in . By 2011, Dodo served approximately 320,000 households with around 900 staff globally. Through sustained focus on low-cost plans and bundling, Dodo reached over 400,000 customers and 660,000 active by early 2013, including more than 45,000 accounts, while operating independently alongside Eftel as a related for business-oriented . This period solidified its position as a key challenger in Australia's residential market, relying on wholesale access and to drive expansion without major acquisitions.

Acquisitions and Expansion (2013–Present)

In March 2013, M2 Telecommunications Group acquired Dodo Australia Holdings for A$204 million on a debt-free, cash-free basis, as part of a broader A$242 million transaction that also included an off-market of . This deal enhanced M2's wholesale network access and integrated Dodo's customer base, bolstering its position in the Australian and market. In September 2015, M2 Group announced a merger with Vocus Communications, valued at approximately A$3 billion, which was completed in February 2016 following regulatory approvals. The merger provided Dodo, as part of M2's retail portfolio, with access to Vocus's extensive fiber network and international connectivity capabilities, significantly expanding its infrastructure footprint. Post-merger, Vocus further strengthened its NBN rollout participation through the October 2016 acquisition of Nextgen Networks for A$861 million, which added critical backhaul capacity to connect more NBN points of interconnect, from 68 to 112 nationwide. Following these developments, Dodo benefited from Vocus's investments in mobile network upgrades, introducing 5G-compatible plans in October 2024 across select postpaid options, enabling faster data speeds and broader coverage on partner networks like Optus. In the energy sector, Dodo Power & Gas deepened market penetration with operational enhancements, including a 2024 partnership with Gentrack to implement advanced billing and customer experience systems, facilitating innovative product offerings and efficiency gains. As part of Vocus's retail arm, Dodo and sister brands like iPrimus served approximately 804,000 NBN customers as of June 2025, contributing to an overall portfolio exceeding 1 million active services across telecommunications and energy. In October 2025, Dodo experienced a significant cybersecurity affecting over 1,600 customer and accounts, leading Vocus to suspend services, notify affected users, and implement enhanced protocols. Recent adaptations include responses to telecom regulations, such as NBN wholesale pricing adjustments effective July 2025, which prompted Dodo to raise retail NBN plan prices by A$1 to A$6 per month to offset increased costs while maintaining competitive bundling options. In sustainability efforts, Vocus committed to net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of 2025, with Dodo Power & Gas promoting 100% GreenPower options to help customers reduce their through sourcing.

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