Nbn network boosts digital inclusion & life satisfaction

A new report by Ember Advisors, commissioned by NBN Co, examines the impact of the nbn network on digital inclusion and its associated benefits across Australia.

The study found that 76 per cent of nbn users reported a positive impact on their life satisfaction during the 2024 financial year. The "nbn Social Impact Measurement FY24 report" reviewed a range of areas, including employment, education, health, and social connections, as part of its investigation into the effects of internet use over the past year.

Employment outcomes improved for 78 per cent of nbn users who relied on the network for remote work or job search platforms. The education sector also saw significant benefits, with 85 per cent of users engaging in learning activities from home via the nbn network reporting improved educational outcomes. Health and wellbeing improvements were reported by 77 per cent of users accessing telehealth services and online medical resources. Furthermore, 75 per cent of those using the network for family connections or accessing community information noted enhanced social and community connectedness.

The research suggests that nbn connectivity is also contributing to sustainability efforts. Among users who work or study online, 88 per cent felt that having fast internet helped them lower their emissions.

The proportion of users working from home increased by five per cent to 36 per cent over the previous year, while 19 per cent engaged in formal education from home, a seven per cent rise from the last financial year.

Telehealth service access saw a five per cent boost, with 39 per cent of nbn users now consulting health professionals remotely, citing improved convenience and accessibility. Social disconnection seemed to reduce, with 87 per cent of users maintaining family connections online, leading to 48 per cent feeling less isolated.

NBN Co continues to improve digital access through its network upgrades, offering better and faster connections. Current plans include extending Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) to an additional 622,000 homes and businesses, more than half of which are in regional areas.

NBN Co's expansion will allow more than 95 per cent of these premises to upgrade to full fibre. The upgrades aim to integrate 10 million households and businesses, roughly 90 per cent of the fixed-line network, to nbn's fastest residential wholesale speeds by 2025.

The Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program is delivering improvements for around 800,000 homes in regional and remote areas, including transitioning over 120,000 homes from satellite to fixed wireless services.

The report also highlights the network's positive role in low-income households, with 72 per cent noting increased life satisfaction. In the same context, 74 per cent experienced improved employment outcomes, and 85 per cent saw better educational results.

In efforts to support First Nations communities, nbn has set up 111 community Wi-Fi services with more expansion underway due to a GBP £20 million grant from the Commonwealth Government. Already, 19 of the 23 new sites are operational.

Smart appliances are increasingly being connected to the nbn network, with 26 per cent of users linking various devices such as air conditioners, solar systems, and electric vehicle chargers.

Stephen Smith, Executive General Manager, Safety, Wellbeing, and Sustainability at NBN Co, commented, "The nbn network is critical digital infrastructure which carries 83 per cent of the nation's data and supports the needs of over 20 million people every day."

He further stated, "Fast and reliable broadband boosts industry, creates jobs, enables innovation, and strengthens social and economic participation."

"Our ongoing network investments are designed to uplift the digital participation and capability of Australia, and meet the needs of Australian homes and businesses now and into the future."

Smith added, "This report demonstrates that we are delivering on our purpose – to lift the digital capability of Australia – helping deliver employment, education, health and wellbeing outcomes across the nation."