Why internet data usage is skyrocketing in Australian homes
As Bob Dylan once famously sang, “the times they are a-changing.” This is certainly true when it comes to data usage in Australian households and businesses over the last decade.
NBN Co. published a media release on Australian households’ internet behaviour, and there were some telling insights.
To give you a snapshot, in 2013, the average home consumed just 40 GB of data per month. Fast forward to 2023, and that figure has grown to an astonishing 443 GB – more than a tenfold increase.
Let’s take a look at what’s driving this surge in data usage.
Why is there such a high demand for data?
This growth is driven by several key factors.
Streaming services
Streaming is one of the biggest drivers of data use in Australia.
Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Stan have millions of subscribers nationwide, and we’re not just watching on one screen.
Right now I’m subscribed to Netflix, Paramount, Disney, and Youtube Premium (Premium is worth it, as it cancels out the annoying ads). You’re probably juggling a handful of streaming subscriptions yourself.
Connected devices
Results from the NBN report show that the average number of connected devices in Australian households in 2013 was 7.4.
Fast forward 2020, and that number has quadrupled, with the average Australian home hosting a whopping 28.7 devices.
Smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops are just the start.
Now we have the so-called “internet of things”. Many homes rely on smart TVs, home assistants, and even smart fridges (yes, they exist).
As these devices become more common, broadband networks must support their simultaneous use without slowing down.
Online activities
Our internet use has exploded. In 2013, we spent one and a half hours online daily. A decade later, it’s over six hours a day.
Work. Play. Everything in between.
Reliance? Maybe.
Addiction? Likely.
Whether it’s streaming a Netflix series, attending Zoom meetings, or live-streaming video games, households now demand reliable internet that can handle the load.
Work from home
Most of us have some component of our working lives performed at home. I run Orion Marketing from both home and a co-work space. Many people omnly had the option to work from home during covid.
As businesses become more nimble and tech-focused, having employees work from home is ever more common.
With this comes increased demand for reliable home internet. Many households have upgraded to fast fibre to support their growing data needs.
Preparing for a data-driven future
As you’ve probably guessed, the trend doesn’t stop here. As work-from-home and other trends continue to rise, so will the demand for bandwidth.
By 2032, it’s estimated that average monthly data use in Australian homes could exceed 1 TB. This increase will be fueled by:
- The rise of 8K streaming
- Cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Game Pass
- Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR)
- Increasing use of collaboration tools
All of these demand its fair share of bandwidth. As such, Australians will need faster, more reliable internet to stay ahead of the curve.
But what are the best options to ensure your internet doesn’t suffer from data-demand overload?The rise of 8K streaming
Looking forward
The accelerating growth in data usage across Australian households reflects our increasingly digital lifestyles. With streaming, connected devices, and extended online activities, households need more reliable internet to keep up with the future’s data demands.
If you feel like you are in need of speedier internet, you could be eligible for Swoop’s free NBN fibre upgrade. With speeds of up to 1 Gbps, you have nothing to lose—only gigabytes to gain!
Key takeaways points
- Explosive growth in data usage. Household data consumption in Australia has increased over tenfold in the last decade, driven by streaming, smart devices, and increased online activities.
- Rise of connected devices. The average household now has 22 devices, tripling from 2013, significantly boosting the demand for bandwidth.
- Future-proofing broadband. With projected data usage exceeding 1 TB per month by 2032, fast and reliable internet is essential to keep pace with evolving needs.
