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16 February 2007

ABS survey shows Australian appetite for Broadband

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today welcomed the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Internet Activity Survey report showing broadband Internet use is booming in households and businesses across Australia.

The report shows far more Australians are subscribing to broadband (3.91 million) as opposed to dial-up (2.75 million). This represents an increase of 1.8 million broadband subscribers from March 2005 to September 2006.

“There is increasing demand for broadband Internet as Australian consumers are now looking for always-on, anywhere access to the Internet, online businesses and entertainment tools,” Senator Coonan said.

Broadband subscribers represent 59 per cent of the total number of Internet subscribers in September 2006 compared to 30 per cent in March 2005. Wireless technology (mobile and fixed) is also showing growth with 4.8 per cent of broadband subscribers using wireless.

“The rapid take-up of broadband Internet shows Australians want the latest technologies and infrastructure to support it,” Senator Coonan said.

“But as the increase in take-up of wireless broadband shows, consumers want to access what they need, at a price point they can afford and via a technology that suits their individual needs.

“That is why the Australian Government has also allocated $1.1 billion to the Connect Australia package and $2 billion to the Communications Fund to provide the platform for investment in next generation broadband infrastructure for all Australians.”

According to the report, 6.65 million Australians were Internet subscribers (826 000 businesses and 5.83 million households) at the end of the September 2006 quarter.

“The Internet allows organisations—both large and small—to adopt more flexible ways of working and connects communities in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago,” Senator Coonan said.

“But we must ensure all Australians, regardless of where they live can access broadband that suits their needs. Through our historic investment in the Connect Australia package, the Australian Government is helping to secure Australia’s communications needs both now and into the future.”