Take up of 3G mobile and wireless broadband rises 162%
Consumer take up of 3G mobile and wireless broadband services was strong during 2008-09, growing by 162 per cent, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
The latest Communications Report 2008-09 released by ACMA also found that during the June quarter of last year, Australians downloaded 99,993 terabits of data, an 80 per cent rise on the same period in 2008.
The report says wireless broadband subscribers accounted for 25 per cent of all internet subscribers during June 2009, up from 11 per cent in June the previous year.
Nearly 80 per cent of Australians have an internet service at home, most of which (90 per cent) are broadband enabled. Broadband (non dial-up) internet subscribers have risen from 5.66 million to 6.72 million.
The latest findings highlights the need for faster broadband in order to meet with increasing demand.
Last year, the Government revealed its $43bn National Broadband Network plan to deliver super fast internet speeds to fixed lines.
Chris Chapman, ACMA chairman, said: “During 2008-09, Australians continued to adopt new communication and media services and adapt their usage patterns to meet their specific lifestyle needs.
“Services such as 3G, VoIP and wireless broadband internet are being increasingly used, with factors such as lifestyle, age and family type shaping these choices.”
Other key findings in the report:
- Online data and information services generated $1.37bn in revenue during 2008-09, while online advertising expenditure increased by 27 per cent to reach $1.7bn at the end of 2008.
- Growth in mobile services has been driven by a continuing surge in the take-up of 3G mobiles, with 12.28 million services in operation at June 2009 compared with 8.55 million at June 2008, reflecting in part increased 3G network coverage and handset functionality.
- There were 8.4 million internet subscribers in Australia at June 2009, up from 7.2 million at June 2008.
- The number of Australians banking and shopping online has increased from 63 per cent in 2008 to 67 percent in 2009.
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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