Australian households and the affordability of telecommunications

Digital technologies are transforming how we interact as communities and how businesses and governments operate. Communications services are essential for everyday living and are a primary means of accessing information, employment, markets and key services. Affordable communications services are critical for digital inclusion but assessing affordability is complex due to the diversity of Australian experiences, needs and wants.

This is the third of 4 reports in a series of papers creating measures to monitor and report on the affordability of communications services. This report uses econometric modelling to identify the demographic and socioeconomic factors impacting household spending on telecommunications services and their risk of potential digital exclusion.

Strong consumer demand for telecommunications services is anticipated to continue. The outlook for affordability will depend on a number of factors including regulatory settings, technology developments, competitive pressures and broader income growth.