Fixed line downloads still dominate

INTERNET users in Australia use mobile networks for most of their connections but, with 5G construction ongoing across the country, still stick to fixed lines for large downloads.

A consumer watchdog report released yesterday showed mobile devices accounted for 61 per cent of internet connections over the three months to December 31, but only six per cent of data downloads.

Instead, fixed line broadband dominated data download volumes at 91 per cent – from just 18 per cent of connections.

“This report provides a clear indication that while consumers are most often using their phones to access the internet, when downloading significant content they currently favour fixed line connections,” ACCC commissioner Cristina Cifuentes said.

“The volume of data downloaded is expected to grow exponentially as the result of the increased usage of content streaming services such as Netflix, social media such as Facebook, and applications including online gaming that continue to incorporate content-rich and video components.”

But the imbalance could be short-lived, with super fast 5G connections just around the corner.