Trends and drivers in the affordability of communications services for Australian households

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

This working paper is the first of four papers creating measures that monitor and report on the affordability of communications services. It builds on analysis from the Productivity Commission's Telecommunications inquiry and Universal Service Obligation inquiry to assess trends in household expenditure, pricing and inclusions for broadband and mobile services.

Looking to the future, 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.