The Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn announced the decision on Tuesday, several weeks after reports that commercial broadcasters planned to abandon the service in a cost-cutting move expected to save them up to $500,000 each.

Mr Killesteyn said online advances meant the service based at Exhibition Park was used as little more than a visual backdrop for many outlets, making it hard for the commission to justify its $1.2 million price tag.

“I have confirmation that none of the television networks intend to host their 2013 election coverage from the [national tally room],” he said.

“Notably this includes the ABC.”

The ABC confirmed last month that it would be moving its election broadcast to Sydney.

Mr Killesteyn acknowledged the tally room’s place as a “Canberra institution”.

AEC spokesman Phil Diak had previously described the service as a non-integral part of the “practical business of generating the results” and networks had to fund their own broadcast and equipment.

“It is an expensive exercise,” he said.

ABC election analyst Antony Green had also voiced concerns for the future of the tally room.

“There will be less media wanting to go to the tally room and there's no need for that big space,” he said. “It'll just disappear.”

The AEC will continue to provide online election results and a call centre and media team will also be on duty on election night.