The COVID-19 pandemic changed the relationship between Australian society and the telecommunications industry, increasing reliance on telecommunications like never before and accelerating the mix of interactions with businesses and government that take place digitally. It also caused short and long lockdown periods, which have led to widespread remote working and demand surges.22 As a result of these factors, end users are using more data and require plans that deliver faster speeds.
Responding to pandemic challenges and changing user demand patterns, NBN Co has offered more superfast plans and developed a strategic plan that will deliver faster broadband to millions of homes and businesses.
These initiatives are part of the positive overall response by the telecommunications sector, which was vital to Australia's economic performance during the crisis. Telecommunications operators used flexible policies, fast decisions, rapid investment and agile change as they responded to fundamental shifts in the nature of internet usage.
" The COVID-19 pandemic changed the relationship between Australian society and the telecommunications industry, increasing reliance on telecommunications like never before. "
This meant the sector was able to address both the unique challenges of lockdown and some of the pre-existing national digital inclusion issues.
Despite some localised network problems and wider issues with customer service operations, the nation stayed connected.