Australian internet usage

Over the past decade, household data consumption in Australia has seen an exponential increase, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behaviour, and a significant rise in connected devices. As more people work and play online, the demand for data has surged, making broadband capacity and performance a priority for households. 

NBN Co put together some internet usage statistics to show you what Australian internet use looks like now compared to ten years ago – and what it means for the future.

Average household data consumption over the nbn network in Australia

The rise in connected household devices

The explosion of smart technology has made it easier for us to stay connected and manage our home environment, from security systems to climate control. 

• In 2013, the average number of connected devices per household was seven. 
• Fast forward to 2023, and that number has jumped to 22, more than tripling over the last ten years. 

This shows just how essential the internet has become in everyday life, powering not just phones and computers but smart TVs, home assistants, gaming consoles and smart appliances.

As these devices become more affordable and accessible, their integration into daily life will only grow. With more devices connected, the strain on household data increases, as each one demands a share of the available bandwidth.

Australians are spending more time online

Not only has the number of connected devices increased, but so has the amount of time we spend on the internet in Australia each day.

• In 2013, the average daily time spent online was one hour and 35 minutes.
• By 2023, that figure had jumped to six hours and 13 minutes.

This uptick in online time means you need fast, reliable internet that can support constant online activities, such as video streaming, video conferencing and gaming. To meet that demand, our nbn® is available with the fastest Australian internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps – more than enough to keep you moving online.

Find a high-speed fibre plan to suit your needs

Streaming services are big data users

Streaming services, particularly video-on-demand platforms, have been a significant factor in driving up household internet data consumption. 

In 2013, we hadn’t even heard of Netflix, but today the platforms have amassed millions of Australian subscribers.

• As of 2023, Netflix and Disney+ alone boasted 9.8 million subscribers in Australia.
• Similarly, Kayo, Stan, Binge, and Optus Sport had a combined 6.5 million subscribers.

With households subscribing to multiple services and opting for higher resolution content, internet usage for streaming activities has skyrocketed. As streaming platforms continue to invest in producing original content, the demand for high-speed, reliable broadband will remain a priority for Australian households.

nbn® data consumption trends

According to NBN Co, the average household data consumption has seen a tenfold increase in just the last decade.

• In 2013, the average monthly data consumption was just 40 Gb
• By 2023, this figure had climbed to 443 GB, a rise driven by the growth of streaming services, connected devices and more time spent online.

The rapid rise in internet data consumption shows no signs of slowing down. NBN Co predicts that by 2032, average household data consumption could reach 1067 Gb per month, more than doubling from current levels due to activities such as streaming in higher resolutions (4K and beyond), cloud gaming and virtual reality (VR) applications.

At Swoop, we are committed to enhancing our services by supporting the latest speed upgrades to meet Australia’s growing internet needs. We are dedicated to upgrading our own fixed wireless technology and towers, ensuring that our customers benefit from faster, more reliable connections as we stay at the forefront of innovation.

As households become more connected and data-driven, the need for strong, future-proof internet in Australia will only increase – and we’re here to support it.

Australian internet usage FAQ

What is the average internet cost per month in Australia?

The average Australian household pays $76 per month for their nbn® plan, which works out to be $912 per year. Users in Queensland and Tasmania pay the most on their internet ($78), while those in South Australia pay the least ($73). At Swoop, that amount will get you an impressive 100 Mbps plan.

How much time does the average Australian spend on the internet?

As of 2023, the average Australian was spending six hours and 13 minutes online every day. With all those hours online, you want to be connected to fast, reliable internet – like our fibre plans – to make the most of your time. 

How many internet users are there in Australia in 2024?

As of 2024, there are 25.21 million internet users in Australia, according to Data Reportal. This means 94.9% percent of the population is using the internet. A whopping 20.80 million people are social media users as of January 2024, which is 78.3% of the total population.

How fast is the average internet speed in Australia?

The average internet speed in Australia is 66.58 Mbps, which ranks Australia 82 on SpeedTest’s June 2024 index of fixed broadband speeds worldwide. For faster internet speeds, look to our fibre internet plans.

Why Choose Swoop?

• Awesome value internet, 30 day money back and no lock-in contract!
• The best internet performance with one of Australia’s fastest growing, Fixed Wireless networks
• Reliability and peace of mind with high capacity, exclusive Swoop networks and locally-hosted content 
• Seamless nbn® performance with no data caps and no overcrowding