Streaming video is increasingly dominating screen time in Australia, while working from home continues to lead in data uploads. Meanwhile, the nation is climbing the ranks in global broadband speed standings. This shift in digital habits comes as NBN Co released a report on Friday detailing the country’s evolving online behavior.
According to the report, broadband downloads are on the rise across Australia, with Queenslanders using more data than any other state or territory. Children may be stepping away from social media, but their demand for streaming content is pushing data usage to new heights. The report also predicts fluctuations in download patterns, with a dip expected at the end of 2025 and a peak in January.
Streaming and Broadband Trends
The findings follow a transformative year for internet connectivity in Australia. Thousands of households received free speed upgrades and transitioned from copper to fiber technology, while satellite providers like Starlink intensified competition. These changes have spurred an increase in streaming entertainment, according to NBN Co’s Chief Technology Officer, Guy Scott. Currently, streaming accounts for 48 percent of all data downloaded from the National Broadband Network, a figure projected to rise to 59 percent by 2035.
Scott highlighted that children are a significant driver of streaming demand, particularly during school holidays when data usage peaks. “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,” he stated. Despite these peaks, the busiest hour remains consistently between 9 PM and 10 PM.
Data Usage and Uploads
In contrast, New Year’s Eve marks the lowest daily peak demand for downloads. More than 76 percent of Australian households subscribe to streaming services, with platforms like Paramount+, Stan Sport, and ad-supported subscriptions gaining traction in 2025. On the upload side, communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom dominated, comprising 24 percent of traffic. Uploads over the NBN grew by 12 percent in 2025, while downloads increased by 10 percent, reaching an average of 508 gigabytes per month—double the amount from 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.
Infrastructure and Speed Improvements
The increase in download speeds across Australia during 2025 was driven by NBN’s free speed tier upgrades for 2.7 million users in September and free fiber upgrades for eligible premises starting in January. Scott noted that about 12,000 households are transitioning to faster and more reliable fiber connections each week.
This development represents a significant shift in Australia’s digital landscape, as faster internet speeds and improved infrastructure facilitate greater access to online content and services. The move also underscores the growing importance of digital connectivity in everyday life, particularly as remote work and online entertainment become more prevalent.
Looking Ahead
The evolution of Australia’s online habits reflects broader global trends towards increased digital consumption and connectivity. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, the demand for high-speed internet and streaming services is likely to grow. This shift presents opportunities and challenges for service providers, policymakers, and consumers alike, as they navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing digital environment.
With these developments, Australia is poised to further enhance its position in the global digital landscape, leveraging improved infrastructure to support the growing needs of its population. The coming years will be crucial in determining how these changes shape the future of online engagement and connectivity in the country.
