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Australian householders are accessing the Internet more frequently, according to a survey by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). It says an increasing number of households are recording “heavy” use, which ACMA rates as 8 or more times per week.
Some 54 per cent of Australians accessing the Net in the quarter ended March 2008 bought a product online an increase of 8 per cent from 2006, ACMA said. Paying bills, airline ticket purchases and accommodation bookings were among the most popular activities.
The report, Telecommunications Today: Internet Activity and Content, examines the impact consumer use of the Internet is having on the growth of the digital economy in Australia.
It claims Internet users report a reduction in their use of traditional forms of media for entertainment and information, such as watching TV, listening to the radio or reading magazines and newspapers.
The Internet has also become a significant social medium for Australian consumers, with the majority nominating e-mail and “socialising” as activities they perform online, according to ACMA chairman Chris Chapman.
“Changes to social interaction have been identified with a large number of Internet users participating and using social networking sites, instant messaging, blogs and VoIP as communication tools,” Chapman said.
The survey found Australia’s heavy Net users are more likely to have a broadband connection (62pc); be aged between 18 and 34; earn $40,000 or more; and have some university education (62pc).
