Streaming video is increasingly dominating screen time in Australia, while working from home continues to lead in data uploads. Meanwhile, the country is steadily climbing the global broadband speed rankings. This shift in digital behavior was detailed in a report released by NBN Co on Friday, highlighting significant changes in internet usage patterns across the nation.
Despite children reportedly moving away from social media, broadband downloads in Australia are on the rise. Queenslanders, in particular, are consuming more data than users in any other state or territory. The report also revealed that while downloads are expected to dip at the end of 2025, they are anticipated to peak again in January.
Broadband Evolution and Streaming Trends
The findings come after a transformative year for internet connections in Australia. Thousands of households have been offered free speed upgrades and fiber installations to replace outdated copper technology. Additionally, growing competition from satellite providers like Starlink has further fueled these changes.
According to Guy Scott, NBN Co’s chief technology officer, these reforms have spurred an increase in streaming entertainment, which now accounts for 48% of all data downloaded from the National Broadband Network. By 2035, streaming video is predicted to make up 59% of all NBN downloads.
“When the kids are off school, the network tends to get busier – in April, July, September, and January, they’re all busy times for us,” Scott noted. “What doesn’t change is the busy hour – the busy hour stays consistently between 9pm and 10pm.”
Impact of School Holidays and Busy Hours
Children are a significant source of streaming demand, with downloads expected to peak during school holidays. In contrast, the NBN reports a dip in downloads on New Year’s Eve, marking the time of its lowest daily peak demand.
More than three in four Australian households (76%) now use streaming video services, according to Worldpanel ComTech. Services like Paramount+, Stan Sport, and ad-supported subscriptions are experiencing growth in 2025.
Uploads and Broadband Speeds
On the upload front, communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom dominated in 2025, comprising 24% of traffic. Uploads over the NBN grew by 12% during the year, while downloads increased by 10%, reaching an average of 508 gigabytes per month—double the data downloaded in 2019.
Queenslanders downloaded the most data on average for the third consecutive year, followed by Western Australia and the ACT, while Tasmanians downloaded the least.
Download speeds across Australia also saw an uptick in 2025, driven by the NBN’s free speed tier upgrades for 2.7 million users in September and free fiber upgrades for eligible premises starting in January. Approximately 12,000 households are transitioning to faster and more reliable fiber connections each week, according to Scott.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Australian Internet Usage
The evolution of Australia’s online habits reflects broader global trends towards increased digital consumption and connectivity. As broadband infrastructure continues to improve, and with the proliferation of streaming services, the demand for faster and more reliable internet is expected to grow.
Experts suggest that these changes could have significant implications for various sectors, including entertainment, education, and remote work. The ongoing investment in broadband technology is likely to support these shifts, ensuring that Australia remains competitive in the digital age.
As the nation looks towards the future, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum of these advancements while addressing challenges such as digital equity and network security. The developments in Australia’s internet landscape are a testament to the rapid pace of technological change and its impact on everyday life.
