BuddeComm analysis on Optus IP Index 2008.
As revealed in the Optus IP Index 2008, wireless broadband is becoming increasingly popular but access prices, via either proprietary wireless broadband access from the likes of Unwired or 3G HSDPA from the mobile operators (which is where the real growth is coming from), although coming down, are still significantly more expensive than their fixed-line counterpart plans. In particular the data caps, are making these broadband services less attractive.
Broadband is less developed in Australia than in other developed countries. Its availability is not yet widespread, and certainly not at the level of quality and speeds available in other developed markets. Although prices have fallen over the last two years, and Hutchison has initially led the market in this respect, this service still remains too expensive for the majority of the residential market. It certainly is taking off amongst the business market and the top-end of the residential market, particularly amongst professional people.
Statistics on wireless broadband access revenues from the likes of Telstra can be very deceptive, as only a small proportion of users (less than 5% estimated by BuddeComm), use their 3G wireless broadband access as their primary Internet connection at this stage.
Working from home via remote access is on the rise as revealed in the IP Optus Index, but still there remains a negative attitude to this, especially among the larger corporate organisations in Australia. Over the next five to 10 years however this trend to work from home will increase dramatically, as corporates tap into big savings, and also there is more emphasis on environmental issues (less travelling to reduce greenhouse gases etc).
There will also be a greater demand to travel to and from work at non-peak times to relieve transport congestion, so partial work from home will also have strong demand.
Interest in VoIP in the business arena is clearly increasing as revealed in the survey, but is still along way off being able to truly challenge traditional PSTN voice access.
Phil Harpur, Senior Analyst
See also:
Tagged in: Australia, Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific
