More than 3 million broadband services connected: ACCC
The take up of broadband services has passed three million connections, according to the latest Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Snapshot of Broadband Deployment issued today.
"The report shows that as at the end of March 2006, there were 3,161,600 broadband services connected across Australia", ACCC Commissioner, Mr Ed Willett, said.
"As with the results of the previous quarter, this represents an increase of over one million customers, or 78 per cent, over the preceding 12-month period. However, the bullish growth reported throughout 2004-2005 as a result of a more competitive broadband market has steadied somewhat".
Total quarterly growth in broadband was 13.5 per cent for the March quarter. This is marginally up from the December 2005 growth (12.1 per cent).
"While the take up of ADSL services continues to outstrip other broadband technologies, an increasing number of customers have elected a wireless connection. Take up of other broadband technologies, including wireless, grew by 34 per cent in the quarter, albeit off a low base".
Media inquiries
Mr Ed Willett, Commissioner, 0414 559 999
Mr Michael Cosgrave, Group General Manager, Communications Group, (03) 9290 1914or 0416 043 160
Ms Lin Enright, Director, Media Unit, (02) 6243 1108or 0414 613 520
The report details the deployment of broadband services throughout Australia as at 31 March 2006 and is based on data provided by major carriers of broadband services. The report includes aggregated data in relation to the availability of broadband services and gives estimated numbers of services in operation in respect of cable, satellite, ADSL, other DSL and miscellaneous offerings (including additional wireless figures). It should be noted, however, that not all broadband providers are included in this survey and therefore, the ACCC considers that the figures presented may understate total subscriber numbers.
Main findings:
As at 31 March 2006 total broadband take-up was 3,161,600.
Broadband take up has increased by 1,384,800 or 78 per cent, from the March 2005 figure of 1,776,800.
The take up of ADSL services is now at 2,295,200.
Total quarterly growth in broadband was at 13.5 per cent for the March 2006 quarter: - This is marginally up from the December 2005 figure (12.1 per cent).
