Data Usage Grows in Latest ACCC Report

Australians are digital savvy and a huge number are subscribed to movie or music streaming services, all of which can heavily consume data from their current monthly plan.
Consumption of data by Australians is still steadily increasing, according to a recent report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about the state of telecommunications in Australia. The report details that data and bandwidth consumption are growing with the availability of high data allowance out in the market.
Figures reported by The Australian revealed an increase in data download volumes, specifically 52 per cent and 69 per cent for fixed broadband and mobile services. The growth in data download volumes came from the increase in usage of music streaming, video services and social media use.
Among the interesting figures cited in the ACCC report are telecommunication service prices driven by consumer retail:

• A 1.5 per cent overall decrease of prices for internet, mobile and fixed line services by telcos amidst a 3.1 per cent recorded average on price decrease over the last 10 years.
• 7 per cent increase in real prices paid for internet services over the specified year.
• Data inclusion in Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) increased by 32 per cent.
• Data inclusion in cable services increased by 19 per cent.
• A 4.4 and 6.4 per cent increase on real prices paid in nbn^® and fixed wireless services respectively.
• Data inclusions on nbn^® have risen dramatically by 75 per cent, while fixed wireless services saw a 91 per cent increase.

Even though there have been gains in the Internet sector, mobile services are leading via consumer consumption in terms of price to the data allowance as the ACCC reported.
Consumers connected via broadband are willing to pay extra to get more data to consume.

 “While the increase in prices paid for internet services goes against the recent downward trend in prices, the increase in data inclusions suggests that some consumers are paying more to receive more.”

ACCC via The Australian

In sampling a number of retail bills, the ACCC reported its early observation about the increase in the averaged monthly bill paid by a group of nbn^® connected households with entry-level plans proving to be a popular choice for some.
ACCC boss Rod Sims is encouraging consumers to research and compare nbn^® plans when migrating to an nbn^® connection.

“Consumers need to shop around and find the offer that suits their needs rather than just getting flipped (from ADSL to NBN) by their existing service provider.” 

Rod Sims, ACCC via The Australian

Music and video streaming services are huge contributors to the bandwidth diet of a digital savvy Aussie and this reinforces the need for a digital diet checkup. The checkup includes listing down our favourite websites, social media habits and streaming services used for recreation. Having that self-checkup, consumers can find their ideal nbn internet plans that suits their digital diet and online habits.
Fast nbn^® broadband Internet provides countless benefits for Australians.  Activ8me can provide you with the right advice to connect you to the nbn^®. To check availability, go to www.activ8me.net.au