During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's digital infrastructure kept most people consistently connected, despite unprecedented network demand.3 Australia's telecommunications providers, regulators and governments acted decisively and effectively to ensure Australia could stay connected during the national lockdown that began in March 2020. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, digital services enabled businesses to continue operating and virtual alternatives to working in the office flourished.
While digital connectivity can unlock economic growth and connect people socially, the pandemic has highlighted significant challenges because of the nation's growing reliance on telecommunications.
Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) research from 2018 indicates over 1 million Australian households could not afford home broadband access.4 Other research shows around 4 million Australians lack the ability or confidence to use digital services.5 During the lockdown, this affected their everyday lives as they had limited general participation in society.