Most consumers don't understand nbn speeds

According to new research, most Australians are unable to choose the right broadband speed for the needs of their household.

Commissioned by nbn co, the research reveals that although more than three-quarters (76%) know there is a range of speed tiers on offer, two-thirds of Australians (66%) don’t know how to select a plan based on their household’s internet usage.

nbn co has launched a new public information campaign to help people select the right broadband speed tier and to understand some other factors that can affect their experience.

The three-step campaign — Check, Select, Connect — will run nationally across TV, print and digital media to encourage Australians to:

• Check their internet usage habits and the number of devices connected during peak usage times between 7 pm and 11 pm.
• Select the right speed plan for their household’s needs with an internet provider.
• Connect the right Wi-Fi router/modem in the right place and contact their provider to get help with any further in-home set-up.
   

It will target Australians who can now connect to services over the nbn access network as well as those already connected to remind them to speak with their phone and internet provider and check they are on the right speed plan to suit their internet usage.

“With almost three-quarters of Australian households now able to connect to services over the nbn access network, it has never been more important for people to speak to their internet provider about the steps they need to take to get the ideal plan to suit their needs in the evening peak periods,” said nbn co’s Executive General Manager of Marketing, Channels and Sales, Kent Heffernan.

“Our new campaign is another step in our ongoing efforts to help ensure Australians have the right information to get a great experience when they connect to the nbn access network. In some instances, even calling an internet provider to upgrade to a higher-speed tier could dramatically improve their experience.

“We’ve seen a significant shift in people on higher-speed plans in the past year, with the amount of wholesale plans of 50 Mbps or above almost tripling from 16% to 47%. At the same time, the average bandwidth network congestion has reduced from almost five hours in December to consistently less than 30 minutes per service, per week (excluding nbn Sky Muster satellite).”

The nbn access network is almost three-quarters built with more than four million homes and businesses already connected. nbn co remains on track to complete the rollout in 2020.

Image credit: ©alphaspirit/Dollar Photo Club

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