Internet in Australia

Australia was recognised as part of the Internet when the .au domain (ccTLD) was delegated to Robert Elz of the Australian Computing Science Network (ACSNet) in March 1986.{{cite web|website=ICANN|publisher=Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers|access-date=24 May 2015|title=ccTLD Agreement Signed with auDA|url=https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2001-10-25-en}} From then on various universities connected intermittently (mostly via dialup UUCP protocol links) to allow for the sending and receiving of email links and for use by emerging newsgroup facilities. Prior to IP-based connection to the greater Internet, there existed a message-based network, linking academic institutions within Australia, known as ACSNet, using the .oz domain and connected to international networks using other technologies. When Australia was fully integrated into the Internet, this domain was moved under .au to become .oz.au and still exists today.{{cite web|url=http://www.rogerclarke.com/II/OzI04.html#7584 |title=Roger Clarke's 'The Internet in Australia' – 4.2 1975–1984 |publisher=Rogerclarke.com |access-date=13 December 2010}}

The first permanent circuit connecting AARNet to ARPANet using TCP/IP over X.25 was established in May 1989. It linked the University of Melbourne with the University of Hawaii via a 2400 bit/s (bits per second) satellite connection. It was later upgraded to 56 kbit/s (kilobits per second), and then 256 kbit/s, at a time during which the US end-point was moved to San Jose at a NASA facility.{{Cite web|url=https://www.internethalloffame.org/blog/2012/07/09/father-australian-internet-warns-address-crunch-0|title=Father of Australian Internet Warns of Address Crunch {{!}} Internet Hall of Fame|website=internethalloffame.org|access-date=2020-04-03|archive-date=21 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321210245/https://www.internethalloffame.org/blog/2012/07/09/father-australian-internet-warns-address-crunch-0|url-status=dead}}

In 1992 there were two commercial ISPs competing with one another. DIALix provided services to Perth, and the other was Pegasus Networks in Byron Bay. In late 1994 the Telstra team led by Max Bosotti commenced negotiations to acquire all the assets of AARNet and establish a fully fledged commercial operation. Under AARNet the internet link to the node in Los Angeles consisted of a 1.5 Mbit/s link, accommodating all the dial-up services for Australia. After extensive negotiations with the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) Telstra Internet commenced operation out of Canberra on 1 July 1995. Prior to this operation the tariffs charged by the then small internet providers was based on time used on the service. Telstra Internet developed a world first tariff in charging by megabits downloaded, soon acclaimed by the rest of the world which followed suit. Some three months after Telstra Internet became operational a new link to the USA was purchased bringing the capacity to 45 Mbit/s and followed three months later by an additional 45 Mbit/s link such was the growth of the internet in 1995/96.

A further early provider was the not-for-profit Australian Public Access Network Association (APANA). Founded in 1992 by Mark Gregson, APANA ran many small, widely dispersed gratis hosts for bulletin board systems and newsgroups, but developed into a provider of low-cost, non-commercial access to the Internet for its members.

In the mid-late 1990s, Telstra and Optus rolled-out separate cable Internet services, focusing on the east coast. The first broadband service over HFC was around 1995 using the Motorola proprietary protocols. In around 2000 DOCSIS was rolled out then in around 2008 the HFC was upgraded to support 30 Mbit/s. In 2000, the first consumer ADSL services were made available via Telstra Bigpond, at speeds of 256/64 kbit/s (downstream/upstream), 512/128 kbit/s, and 1500/256 kbit/s. Telstra chose to artificially limit all ADSL speeds to a maximum of 1500/256 kbit/s. As ADSL required access to the telephone exchange and the copper line – which only Telstra had – this allowed Telstra to be dominant due to the expense of roll-out for other companies and Telstra's established customer base. Other ISPs followed suit soon after; offering a Telstra Wholesale–based service.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}

In 1995, the Western Australian Internet Association (WAIA) was formed (now known as the Internet Association of Australia), and in 1997 it launched one of the first peering points in the country with the Western Australian Internet Exchange service.

Gradually, larger ISPs began taking over more of the delivery infrastructure themselves by taking advantage of regulated access to the unconditioned local loop. As well as significantly reducing costs, it gave the service providers complete control of their own service networks, other than the copper pair (phone line from the exchange to the customer).[http://archive.iinet.net.au/about/mediareleases/00mediarelease6.html "iinet archives"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819232036/http://archive.iinet.net.au/about/mediareleases/00mediarelease6.html |date=19 August 2006 }} Retrieved on 25 September 2008. The first competition to Telstra's DSLAMs was provided by then Optus subsidiary XYZed, launching business-grade xDSL services from 50 exchanges in September 2000.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160120155819/http://www.xyzed.com.au/admin/uploads/pdf/00.09.04.pdf] Press Release – First competitive DSL network opens for business Competition in the residential infrastructure market began in 2003, when Adelaide-based ISP Internode{{cite web|url=http://www.internode.on.net/about/news/20060920-coorongsolar.htm |title=Internode - News and Media - Internode Covers Coorong with Solar-Powered Broadband |access-date=2007-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106010305/http://www.internode.on.net/about/news/20060920-coorongsolar.htm |archive-date=6 January 2007 }} Details on Internode Coorong Network installed a DSLAM in the town of Meningie, South Australia. Several other service providers have since begun deploying their own DSLAMs. The presence of non-Telstra DSLAMs allowed the service providers to control the speed of connection, and most offered "uncapped" speeds, allowing the customers to connect at whatever speed their copper pair would allow, up to 8 Mbit/s. Ratification of ADSL2 and ADSL2+ increased the maximum to 12 Mbit/s, then 24 Mbit/s. {{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}

In 2005, Telstra announced it would invest A$210 million in upgrading all of its ADSL exchanges to support ADSL2+ by mid-2006, though they did not say whether they would continue to restrict access speeds.{{cite web|url=http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/1456|title=Telstra confirms ADSL2+ network upgrade|publisher=Whirlpool News|date=10 March 2005}} However, in 2006, they announced new intentions to substantially alter their copper phone network and set up a Fibre to the Node (FTTN) network. This was later scrapped, with Telstra citing regulations forcing it to provide cheap wholesale access to its competitors as the reason not to invest in upgrading their network.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1708697.htm|title=Telstra scraps broadband network plan|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=7 August 2006}}

In late 2006, Telstra uncapped its retail and wholesale ADSL offerings to the maximum attainable speed of ADSL to 8 Mbit/s, however with a limited 384 kbit/s upstream speed. This has allowed many Australians access to higher speed broadband, while the comparatively lower wholesale rates discouraged competitive infrastructure investment in most cases.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}

Wireless broadband in Australia is widespread, with many point-to-point fixed wireless broadband providers serving broadband-poor regional and rural areas, predominantly with Motorola Canopy and WiMAX technologies. Telstra's 2006 introduction of the Next G HSPA network (which reportedly covers 99% of the Australian population as of September 2008) with speeds advertised of being up to 14 Mbit/s[http://my.bigpond.com/internetplans/broadband/wireless/overview/default.jsp "example of Bigpond plan"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915142650/http://my.bigpond.com/internetplans/broadband/wireless/overview/default.jsp |date=15 September 2008 }} Retrieved on 25 September 2008. stimulated investment in wireless broadband by competitors Optus, Vodafone and Hutchison Telecommunications, who are presently expanding their HSPA networks to cover 96–98% of the Australian population.[http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Optus-extends-3G-mobile-to-rural-Australia/0,130061791,339273307,00.htm "Znet Optus story] Retrieved on 25 September 2008.[http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,22912481-5014109,00.html "Vodafone news.com"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102114131/http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0%2C25642%2C22912481-5014109%2C00.html |date=2 January 2008 }} Retrieved on 25 September 2008.[http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,27753,24211218-462,00.html"Hutchison Telecommunications news.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917035455/http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0%2C27753%2C24211218-462%2C00.html |date=17 September 2008 }} Retrieved on 25 September 2008.

Delivering competitive telecommunications services to regional and rural areas is a major issue, with Telstra often providing the only telecommunications backhaul transmission infrastructure. The large distance and small population means that providers interested in serving these areas often must invest large amounts of capital with low returns. Agile Communications is a pioneer of deploying cost-effective, competitive backhaul networks including their own microwave network in rural South Australia.[http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/soa/New-telco-cuts-intra-state-calls/0,139023165,120217970,00.htm?feed=pt_agile_communications "Zdnet Agile backhaul changes"]{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Retrieved on 25 September 2008. Internode has been active in increasing access in order to be accessible to more people, spending $3.5 million. This expansion will include both "wireless and fixed line-broadband (ADSL 2+)".[https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/internode-broadband-to-rural-sa-rescue/ "Zdnet Internode"] Retrieved on 25 September 2008.

In June 2006, the Australian Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) under the then coalition government called for expressions of interest for discussion of how to invest up to $878 million in funding under Broadband Connect program to provide greater access to broadband services in rural and regional areas at prices comparable to services available in metropolitan areas, $500 million of which was envisaged as being available to infrastructure projects.{{cite web|title=Broadband Connect: Request For Expression of Interest |publisher=Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts |date=June 2006 |url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/39763/Broadband_Connect_EOI.pdf |access-date=14 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901051340/http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/39763/Broadband_Connect_EOI.pdf |archive-date=1 September 2007 }} On 21 September 2006, the government announced they would invest up to $600 million in broadband infrastructure projects in rural, regional and remote Australia under this program. Applications for funding were open until 30 November.{{cite press release|title=$600 million Broadband Connect program launched |publisher=Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts |date=21 September 2006 |url=http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/$600_million_broadband_connect_program_launched |access-date=14 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613182700/http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/%24600_million_broadband_connect_program_launched |archive-date=13 June 2009 }} On 18 June 2007, in the lead up to a federal election, OPEL Networks was announced as the sole successful bidder, receiving the entire $600 million in funding under the program, as well as an additional allocation of $358 million. This was to be combined with $917 million to be invested by the OPEL Networks joint venture.{{cite press release|title=Australia Connected: Fast affordable broadband for all Australians |publisher=Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts |date=18 June 2007 |url=http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/australia_connected_fast_affordable_broadband_for_all_australians |access-date=14 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723074518/http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/australia_connected_fast_affordable_broadband_for_all_australians |archive-date=23 July 2008 }}{{cite web|title=Broadband Access and Choice for rural and regional Australia |publisher=OPEL / Elders |date=18 June 2007 |url=http://www.futuris.com.au/images/presentations/presentation_38.pdf |access-date=14 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830203938/http://www.futuris.com.au/images/presentations/presentation_38.pdf |archive-date=30 August 2007 }} The awarding of additional funding was met with some debate.{{cite news | last = Marris | first = Sid | title = Labor whips up broadband anger | publisher = Australian IT | date = 26 June 2007 | url = http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,21967113-15319,00.html | access-date = 14 July 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070628221253/http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,21967113-15319,00.html | archive-date = 28 June 2007 | url-status = dead }} The funding agreement was signed on 9 September 2007, which was dependent upon further planning by OPEL and confirmation that it would reach the agreed levels of coverage.{{cite press release|title=New OPEL Project Underway |publisher=Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts |date=9 September 2007 |url=http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/new_opel_project_underway |access-date=2 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608194714/http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/new_opel_project_underway |archive-date=8 June 2009 }}{{cite press release | title = Optus 50 percent joint venture signs funding agreement with Government for rural and regional Australia broadband network | publisher = SingTel | date = 10 September 2007 | url = http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20070910/pdf/314g6y38s6qvv3.pdf | access-date = 2 April 2008 }} The then federal opposition communications spokesman stated that they would honour the agreement, a stance maintained after winning government two months later, despite their own competing National Broadband Network proposal.{{cite news | last = Moore | first = Ali | title = Conroy discusses Australia's digital future | work = Lateline Business | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date = 5 December 2007 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/business/items/200712/s2110939.htm | access-date = 2 April 2008 }}

{{Blockquote|We have said all along, will honour existing contracts. There are a number of performance hurdles the OPEL contracts have to meet. That's all part of the contract.|Stephen Conroy, Minister for Communications|[http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/business/items/200712/s2110939.htm Lateline Business], 2007-12-05}}

On 2 April 2008, it was announced that the funding agreement for Opel Networks had been cancelled.{{cite news | last1=Hart |first1=Cath | last2=Foo | first2=Fran | title = Conroy scraps Opel deal | date = 2 April 2008 | url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it-old/conroy-scraps-opel-deal/news-story/35b8943fff4b2f4f0a76675cc491fa65?sv=e87190e35514851e3a3efe1d240d0cd9 | work = The Weekend Australian | access-date = 5 August 2017 }} The minister cited OPEL's failure to meet the terms of the contract,{{cite press release|title=OPEL Networks Funding Agreement not to proceed |publisher=Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy |date=2 April 2008 |url=http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/019 |access-date=2 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404045202/http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/019 |archive-date=4 April 2008 }} a claim refuted by the OPEL joint venture partners, who nevertheless stated that the project would not proceed.{{cite press release | title = Optus responds to Government's termination of OPEL contract | publisher = Optus | date = 2 April 2008 | url = http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=5329f131b8c09110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b54ce67d77677110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | access-date = 2 April 2008 }}{{cite press release|title=Government Advises Termination of OPEL Contract |publisher=Futuris |date=2 April 2008 |url=http://clients.weblink.com.au/clients/Futuris/article.asp?id=3295594 |access-date=2 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520185932/http://clients.weblink.com.au/clients/Futuris/article.asp?id=3295594 |archive-date=20 May 2011 }}

In November 2007 the first Naked DSL product was announced by iiNet.[http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/iiNet-keeps-raincoat-on-ready-to-expose-naked-DSL/0,130061791,339283477,00.htm/ "ZDnet iiNet keeps Raincoat on, ready to expose naked DSL"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028210253/http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/iiNet-keeps-raincoat-on-ready-to-expose-naked-DSL/0,130061791,339283477,00.htm |date=28 October 2008 }} Retrieved on 9 December 2008. Shortly after this other internet providers also started to provide DSL products without telephony service over copper, reducing line rental fees.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wordpressaustralia.com.au/cloud-hosting/|title=7 Cloud hosting providers for Australian websites|work=The Wordpress Blog Guide|access-date=2017-03-21|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/iiNet-leaps-out-and-exposes-naked-DSL/0,130061791,339283842,00.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116113231/http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/iiNet-leaps-out-and-exposes-naked-DSL/0,130061791,339283842,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2007 |title=iiNet leaps out and exposes naked DSL |publisher=Zdnet.com.au |access-date=13 December 2010}}

In a report released on {{nowrap|22 January 2003}} the Howard government's Broadband Advisory Group (BAG) recommended the Federal Government work with other governments and industry stakeholders to form a 'national broadband network'.{{citation |author=Broadband Advisory Group |title=The Broadband Advisory Group's Report to Government |publisher=Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts |date=22 January 2003 |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/media/pressrel/YUC86/upload_binary/yuc864.pdf |access-date=17 June 2011}} A subsequent Senate committee recommend the Federal Government replace the 'increasingly obsolete' copper network with a new network based on fibre to the node (FTTN) or alternative technologies.{{citation |author=Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Senate Committee |title=The Australian telecommunications network |publisher=Parliament of Australia |date=August 2004 |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/ecita_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/tele_network/report/telecommunications.pdf |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-date=16 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070916145126/http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ecita_ctte/completed_inquiries/2002-04/tele_network/report/telecommunications.pdf |url-status=dead }}

On {{nowrap|15 November 2005}} Telstra, the owner of the national copper network, announced a plan to upgrade its ageing networks, including a rollout of a fibre to the node (FTTN) network. At the time, the Federal Government was the majority shareholder of Telstra, but the plan did not involve any additional government investment.{{citation |first=Iain |last=Ferguson |title=Telstra to slash tech costs under review |publisher=ZDNet |date=15 November 2005 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/telstra-to-slash-tech-costs-under-review/ |access-date=30 April 2011}}{{citation |first=Malcolm |last=Maiden |title=Telstra dives as $10bn plans unveiled |publisher=The Age |date=16 November 2005 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/telstra-dives-as-10bn-plans-unveiled/2005/11/15/1132016797364.html |access-date=30 April 2011 |location=Melbourne}} The rollout was later put on hold after the Howard Government refused to exempt the new network from laws requiring third party access, instead saying Telstra could achieve the exemption by applying to the competition regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).{{citation |author1=LeMay, Renai |author2=Ferguson, Iain |title=Telstra says fibre to the node plans on hold |publisher=ZDNet |date=21 December 2005 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/telstra-says-fibre-to-the-node-plans-on-hold/ |access-date=30 April 2011}}{{citation |first=Renai |last=LeMay |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/clock-ticks-on-telstra-operational-separation/ |title=Clock ticks on Telstra operational separation |publisher=ZDNet |date=14 December 2005 |access-date=19 June 2011}} Telstra dropped plans for the new network on {{nowrap|7 August 2006}}, after reaching an impasse in negotiations with the ACCC.{{citation |first=Renai |last=LeMay |title=Telstra fibre talks break down |publisher=ZDNet |date=7 August 2006 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/telstra-fibre-talks-break-down/ |access-date=30 April 2011}} Former ACCC chairman, Graeme Samuel later said the proposal was 'an illusion on cost and on the capacity to truly deliver high-speed broadband to end users'.{{citation |author=Australian Associated Press |title=Telstra broadband plan an 'illusion': ACCC |publisher=The Age |date=15 June 2011 |url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/telstra-broadband-plan-an-illusion-accc-20110615-1g3di.html |access-date=23 July 2011 |location=Melbourne|author-link=Australian Associated Press }}

In {{nowrap|June 2006}} the Broadband Connect policy was announced by the Howard Government with an aim of providing greater access to broadband services in rural and regional areas.{{citation |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/breaking/new-look-broadband-policy-unveiled/2006/05/15/1147545243277.html |title=New look broadband policy unveiled |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=15 May 2006 |access-date=17 June 2011}}

OPEL Networks—a 50–50 joint venture between Optus and Elders—was announced on {{nowrap|18 June 2007}} as the sole successful bidder in tender.{{citation |title=Australia Connected: Fast affordable broadband for all Australians |publisher=Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts |date=18 June 2007 |url=http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/australia_connected_fast_affordable_broadband_for_all_australians |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601230259/http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/australia_connected_fast_affordable_broadband_for_all_australians |archive-date=1 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}

However, on {{nowrap|2 April 2008}} Communications Minister Stephen Conroy of the then recently elected Rudd Government, terminated the agreement because OPEL had 'failed to meet the terms of [the] contract'.{{citation|title=OPEL Networks Funding Agreement not to proceed |publisher=Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy |date=2 April 2008 |url=http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/019 |access-date=17 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404045202/http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/019 |archive-date=4 April 2008 }}

Nine telecommunications companies—AAPT, Internode, iiNet, Macquarie Telecom, Optus, PowerTel, Primus, Soul and TransACT, formerly known as G9—proposed its own FTTN network on {{nowrap|20 April 2007}},{{citation |author=Australian Associated Press |title=G9 telcos release Aussie broadband plan |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=20 April 2007 |url=http://news.smh.com.au/national/g9-telcos-release-aussie-broadband-plan-20070420-8pe.html |access-date=19 June 2011|author-link=Australian Associated Press }} however, it was rejected by the ACCC on {{nowrap|17 December 2007}} because of future unknown conditions for access.{{citation |first=Matt |last=O'Sullivan |title=Regulator rejects G9 plan for a broadband network |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=17 December 2007 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/regulator-rejects-g9-plan-for-a-broadband-network-20071217-1hmr.html |access-date=19 June 2011}}

{{Update section|date=March 2017}}

In March 2007, there were approximately 4.33 million broadband subscribers in Australia and 2.09 million narrowband subscribers.{{cite web|url=http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311135 |title=ACMA - ACMA media release 43/2008 – 28 April |access-date=2008-09-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801025808/http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc%3DPC_311135 |archive-date=1 August 2008 }} ACMA media release Between December 2007 and June 2008 there was an increase in the number of wireless internet subscribers from 433,000 to 809,000.[http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8153.0/ "ABS 8153.0"] Retrieved on 25 September 2008.

Customers on connection speeds of 1.5 Mbit/s have increased from 2.47 million (37% of total) in December 2007 to 3.10 million (43% of total) in June 2008. In December 2008 there were 7.996 million Internet subscribers representing a year on year increase of 13%. There was a decrease of 30% in the number of dial internet subscribers, and an increase of 28% in the number of non-dial subscribers.[http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/8153.0Main+Features1Dec%202008?OpenDocument "December 8153.0 2008"]. Retrieved 11 April 2009. Currently, Australia has a theoretical 5637734.4 Mbit/s of transpacific bandwidth, however lit capacity is much less.

{{Pie chart

| caption=Broadband Services in Australia as of December 2016.

| label1 = DSL

| value1 = 35.1 | color1 = #52D726

| label2 = Cable

| value2 = 7.9 | color2 = #FFEC00

| label3 = Fibre

| value3 = 10.7 | color3 = #FF7300

| label4 = Satellite

| value4 = 0.7 | color4 = #FF0000

| label5 = Wireless

| value5 = 45.5 | color5 = #007ED6

| label6 = Other

| value6 = 0.1 | color6 = #7CDDDD

}}

• Internet service providers (ISPs): 63
• Very large: 10
• Large: 19
• Medium: 10 (June 2008)
• Country code: .au

(a) Data not collected on broadband before 2004–05[http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/8146.0Main%20Features42007-08?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=8146.0&issue=2007-08&num=&view= "8146.0 ABS"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224214049/http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Latestproducts/8146.0Main%20Features42007-08?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=8146.0&issue=2007-08&num=&view= |date=24 December 2008 }}. Retrieved 9 January 2009.

(b)[http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8146.0 "8146.0 ABS"]. Retrieved 1 July 2017.

Internet access and at use at home by age 06-07

In October 2008, the OECD compared countries where more than 50% of offers have bit/data caps. Australia is one of four countries of the 13 with caps where 100% of plan options had download caps, and it ranked fourth in average download limit size (27 GB). It ranked number one by a wide margin in the average price per additional MB after reaching the cap, at US$0.103. The second highest was Ireland at US$0.018 per MB.{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_34225_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html |title=OECD Broadband Portal; Chart 4g. Average monthly bit/data cap size and price per additional MB, by country, October 2008 |publisher=OECD |access-date=23 November 2009}} In a sample comparison of 27 countries, all in Europe and North America along with Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, between 2005 and 2008 inclusive, the fastest DSL service was Japan and Korea at 102,400 kbit/s. Australia was ranked fourth from the bottom at 1,536 kbit/s, above Greece, Spain and Mexico who were each 1,024 kbit/s. Cable internet in Australia ranked third in greatest increase in speed, from 2,880 kbit/s in 2005 to 20,000 kbit/s in 2008, compared to the other 27 countries. While all but two countries lowered their prices by an estimated average of 10% per year, Australia raised its prices by an average of 14% per year.{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_34225_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html |title=OECD Broadband Portal; Chart 4k. Evolution of a representative broadband subscription over time (2005–2008) |publisher=OECD |access-date=23 November 2009}}

In 2010, the Internet was reported as contributing A$50 billion (US$53 billion) or 3.6 percent of Australia's gross domestic product. The contribution is second after the leading mining sector and is half of the value of the mining sector. The Internet industry directly employed 190,000 Australians.http://www.france24.com/en/20110803-internet-windfall-australian-economy{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:FTTX.svg. The building on the left is the central office; the building on the right is one of the buildings served by the central office. Dotted rectangles represent separate living or office spaces within the same building.]]

Residential broadband Internet access is available in Australia using ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and wireless technologies. Since July 2008 almost two thirds of Australian households have had internet access, with broadband connections outnumbering dial-up two to one.{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24064928-12377,00.html | title=Latest Stories From News.Com.Au | access-date=26 July 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922030543/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24064928-12377,00.html | archive-date=22 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} According to the recent ABS statistics the non-dial-up services outnumber dial up services 3.6 to 1.

The most common form of residential broadband is ADSL, which uses existing copper telephone lines. In Australia, the major telephone company, Telstra, owns the majority of landline infrastructure, with Optus (a subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications) owning the rest, making them well-placed to provide the DSLAM technology which facilitates ADSL. Smaller ISPs often resell these wholesaled services, but recently there has been substantial infrastructure investment in DSLAM technology by other providers using local loop unbundling.

Hybrid fibre-coaxial cable networks running at up to 30 Mbit/s exist in all of the major metropolitan regions. Telstra, in November 2009, finished upgrading the HFC Cable network in Melbourne, which will provide speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s, providing the city with the nation's fastest internet. The system was rolled out in December 2009.{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/tbox-unveiled-as-telstra-spruiks-superfast-broadband-20091119-inqp.html?autostart=0 | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Telstra T-Box Digital Set Top Box – Super Fast Broadband For Melbourne | first=Thomas | last=Hunter | date=19 November 2009}}

Various providers offer wireless networks dedicated to broadband, both in metropolitan and rural areas.{{cite news| url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24387699-2682,00.html | work=The Advertiser | title=Wireless broadband a boon for Yorke Peninsula | first=Meredith | last=Booth | date=22 September 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=414129 |title=PLEASE READ > Wireless provider list – Wireless ISPs – Whirlpool Forums |publisher=Forums.whirlpool.net.au |access-date=13 December 2010}} Wireless internet is better suited to the more rural areas of Australia due to the larger distances and lower population density which make traditional lines costly. New business models have been used in order to encourage the take up of wireless internet. Prepaid, a concept that has been seen in mobile phones, is being transferred to wireless internet.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}}

The major mobile phone networks provide 3G data connectivity using HSDPA over 3GSM.[http://apcmag.com/telstras_new_prepaid_wireless_broadband__be_careful_with_the_topups.htm Telstra's new prepaid wireless broadband – be careful with the top-ups] Retrieved on 25 September 2008. These are also considered a solution for providing broadband in regional areas"http://www.misaustralia.com/viewer.aspx?EDP://20080924000030345912§ion=industry"Retrieved{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} on 25 September 2008.

Most Australian ISP plans traffic shape residential customers after a monthly download quota has been exceeded. Shaped connection speeds are typically claimed to be 64-256 kbit/s (kilo-bits) per second, depending on the plan, although 64 kbit/s is barely-usable and an industry standard slow-usable minimum would be reasonable.

Other ISP plans apply "per gigabyte" excess charges to downloads beyond the monthly download quota.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} The duopoly on internet access into Australia was broken in 2009 with the coming into service of the PPC-1 cable to Guam. Despite this there has been significant consumer dissatisfaction with the service due to the obsolete technology used in the network."https://www.acma.gov.au/-/media/Research-and-Analysis/Research/pdf/NBN-consumer-experience_households-and-businesses.pdf"

{{See also|Systemic Infrastructure Initiative#Network}}

Internet in Australia has great differences between urban and rural areas. With the March 2007 announcement of the Broadband Guarantee program, which will replace the Broadband Connect program, many long-term projects to bring Internet to Rural Areas are under review. A week after the announcement, Internode suspended its programs to bring Broadband to the Country{{cite web|url=http://www.internode.on.net/about/news/20070314-ruraldsl.htm |title=Internode - News and Media - Federal Chop to Rural Subsidies Forces Internode to Halt Regional Broadband Rollout |access-date=2007-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518151351/http://www.internode.on.net/about/news/20070314-ruraldsl.htm |archive-date=18 May 2007 }} Internode Announcement of (Temporary) Suspension of Regional Connect program and many others providers are having to follow suit as the cancellation of the Connect program has removed the financial incentive for ISPs to "supply higher bandwidth services in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia at prices

comparable".[http://www.dcita.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/funding_programs__and__support/broadband_connect/broadband_connect_incentive_program Broadband Connect – incentive program] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070527185122/http://www.dcita.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/funding_programs__and__support/broadband_connect/broadband_connect_incentive_program |date=27 May 2007 }}

In March 2007, the ALP announced a new policy, accepting the privatization of Telstra in order to fund a world class national broadband network.{{cite web|url=http://www.alp.org.au/media/0307/pcloo210.php |title=Building a National Broadband Network |author=Kevin Rudd |work=Press Releases, Australian Labor Party |date=21 March 2007 |access-date=24 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328203844/http://www.alp.org.au/media/0307/pcloo210.php |archive-date=28 March 2007 |url-status=dead |author-link=Kevin Rudd }}{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21424785-5011040,00.html | title = Rudd's broadband plan |date=22 March 2007 | author = Gerard McManus and Ben Packham | work = Herald Sun | access-date = 24 April 2007 }}

Due to Telstra's extensive use of pair-gain technology for connecting home landlines from 1994 to 2000, some homes have been excluded from ADSL and are limited to a dialup speed of 28.8 kbit/s.[https://web.archive.org/web/20060815050723/http://www.setel.com.au/site.php?id=320 SETEL]

{{See also|Telecommunications in Australia#International}}

Due to Australia's large size, sparse population, and relative remoteness to other countries, a significant amount of infrastructure is required for Internet communications. The vast majority of Australia's international Internet transit capacity is sourced from undersea fibre-optic communications cables to Asia and the US.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} Until 2009 data costs across the Pacific were constrained by a Telstra–Telecom duopoly on the available cables. The provision of PPC-1 cable in 2009 broke this duopoly and caused the cost of data transmission to fall substantially. Since then due to the obsolete technology used in sections of the network there has been significant consumer dissatisfaction with the service."https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Competition%20and%20price%20changes%20in%20telecommunications%20services%20in%20Australia%202016-17.pdf"

{{See also|Network neutrality}}

In 2006 the top three ISPs stated that they did not discriminate between peer-to-peer internet activity and normal internet activity. Peer-to-peer activity is counted towards a customer's limit and if the customer exceeds that limit then they will have their account shaped. However, Unwired and iBurst confirmed at the same time that they do shape peer-to-peer activity to "smooth the flow of data".[http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,18213133-15318,00.html "Peer to Peer stances the Australian"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302041506/http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,18213133-15318,00.html |date=2 March 2008 }} Retrieved on 25 September 2008. In 2007 Optus changed their policy so that uploads as well as downloads would be counted towards the customers limit. This has been seen as a move to curb the amount of peer-to-peer activity, since other services which upload such as multiplayer computer games are not counted towards the limit if played through certain servers.[http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,22393874-5013037,00.html"Peer 2 Peer stance the Australian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924045100/http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,22393874-5013037,00.html |date=24 September 2008 }} Retrieved on 25 September 2008.

With the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre's Geoff Huston stating that IPv4 addresses will be exhausted prior to October 2010,{{cite web | last=Huston | first=Geoff | title=IPv4 Address Report, daily generated | url=http://www.potaroo.net/tools/ipv4/index.html | access-date=8 June 2008}} IPv6 is becoming increasingly important in the future of Australian Internet connectivity. Despite several companies having applied for allocations of the new addresses,[http://www.sixxs.net/tools/grh/dfp/all/?country=au IPv6 DFP visibility in Australia] presently only a small number organisations have provided retail-IPv6 offerings to their end-customers; Apex Telecom{{cite web|url=http://apextelecom.com.au/home/news/apex-enables-ipv6-across-all-compatible-products.html |title=Apex Telecom - Apex enables IPv6 across all compatible products |access-date=2011-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103074846/http://apextelecom.com.au/home/news/apex-enables-ipv6-across-all-compatible-products.html |archive-date=3 January 2012 }} Apex enables IPv6 across all compatible products. and Internode[http://www.internode.on.net/news/2011/08/238.php] IPv6 hits primetime for ADSL and NBN customers both claim to being the first to offer IPv6 at a retail level. Wholesalers and Educational Networks have also been supplying IPv6 being PIPE Networks, Vocus and AARNet.{{cite web|url=http://www.aarnet.edu.au/Content.aspx?p%3D39 |title=AARNET - Services - IPv6 |access-date=2008-09-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010020320/http://www.aarnet.edu.au/Content.aspx?p=39 |archive-date=10 October 2008 }} IPv6

{{update section|date=August 2015}}

{{Main|Internet censorship in Australia#Federal law}}

On 31 December 2007, Stephen Conroy announced the federal government's intention to censor "inappropriate material" from the Internet.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/31/2129471.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101054613/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/31/2129471.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 January 2008|title=Conroy announces mandatory internet filters to protect children|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=31 December 2007|access-date=3 March 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://blog.engin.com.au/government-claims-data-retention-laws-only-target-extremists/|title=Government Claims Data Retention Laws Only Target Extremists|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129033352/http://blog.engin.com.au/government-claims-data-retention-laws-only-target-extremists/|url-status=dead}} Under the proposed system any Australian who subscribes to an ISP would receive a "clean" version of the Internet. The Federal Government's stated aim is to protect children from accessing violent and pornographic websites. This plan was later abandoned and the Australian government continues to only block websites that violate online laws.

{{Main|National Broadband Network|History of the National Broadband Network}}

The National Broadband Network was initially a fibre to the home (FTTH) open-access network in planning and trial operation in Australia by the federal government. The national broadband network aimed to provide up to 1000 Mbit/s speeds and to connect to 93% of Australian households and businesses.{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/nbn-now-to-reach-93-of-population/ |title=NBN now to reach 93% of population – Communications – News |publisher=Zdnet.com.au |access-date=13 December 2010}} This has since been revised under a Coalition government to a Mixed-Technology system relying largely on Australia's existing and largely deprecated Copper networks. This revision aims for 25 Mbit/s to 100 Mbit/s, with consumer reports ranging from 1 Mbit/s to 100 Mbit/s. The Australian government had previously called for proposals to build a Fibre to the Node (FTTN) broadband network providing download speeds up to 100 and upload speeds up to 40Megabits per second. The government also utilises fixed wireless technology and satellite technology to provide fast broadband connection in rural and remote areas. Fixed wireless provides speeds up to 50/20 Mbit/s.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/network-technology/fibre-to-the-node-explained-fttn.html|website=NBN co.|publisher=NBN co.|access-date=6 July 2016|title=NBN™ Fibre to the Node explained (FTTN) }} Satellite technology uses sky muster communication satellite which was launched in October 2015 to provide fast broadband in very remote area. It provides speeds up to 25/5 Mbit/s.{{cite news|last1=Francis|first1=Hannah|title=Ten cool facts about NBN's forthcoming Sky Muster satellite service|url=http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/ten-cool-facts-about-nbns-forthcoming-sky-muster-satellite-service-20160202-gmjpow.html|access-date=6 July 2016}} The network will be the largest single infrastructure investment in Australia's history.{{cite news | last = Egan | first = Michael | title = A separate company for a broadband network | work = The Age | date = 5 September 2008 | url = http://business.theage.com.au/business/a-separate-company-for-a-broadband-network-20080904-49zt.html | access-date = 7 September 2008 | location=Melbourne}} In February 2017, the Federal Government of Australia funded the project for the NBN in order to build a mixed technology network.{{cite news|last1=Staff Reporter|title=What You Need To Know About NBN|url=http://www.australianbusinesstimes.com/technology/what-you-need-to-know-about-nbn/|access-date=27 March 2017|work=Australian Business News and Times|date=15 February 2017}}

In 2016, the Government released Australia's Cyber Security Strategy.{{cite web| url = https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/australias-tech-future/cyber-security/what-is-the-government-doing-in-cyber-security| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190321172712/https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/australias-tech-future/cyber-security/what-is-the-government-doing-in-cyber-security| archive-date = 2019-03-21| title = What is the Government doing in cyber security? {{!}} Department of Industry, Innovation and Science}}{{cite web| url = https://cybersecuritystrategy.homeaffairs.gov.au/executive-summary| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190228091110/https://cybersecuritystrategy.homeaffairs.gov.au/executive-summary| archive-date = 2019-02-28| title = Executive Summary {{!}} cybersecurity.dev}}

In June 2020 Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that Australian organisations, including governments and businesses, and key infrastructure were being targeted by a sophisticated foreign state-based hacker.{{cite news| url = https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-19/foreign-cyber-hack-targets-australian-government-and-business/12372470| title = China believed to be behind major cyber attack on Australian governments and businesses – ABC News| newspaper = ABC News| date = 18 June 2020}}

In January 2024, Russian hackers launched a major attack on Australian government departments and agencies. This attack, considered Australia's largest government cyberattack to date, resulted in the theft of 2.5 million documents from 65 different government entities.{{cite web |title="Significant Cyber Incidents" |url=https://www.csis.org/programs/strategic-technologies-program/significant-cyber-incidents |access-date=2024-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826015212/https://www.csis.org/programs/strategic-technologies-program/significant-cyber-incidents |archive-date=2024-08-26}} The hackers gained access by infiltrating an Australian law firm that worked with the government.

{{main|Internet censorship in Australia}}

{{see also|Internet censorship}}

Australia is classified as Under Surveillance by Reporters without Borders from 2009 to present.

As of 2024, most used web browsers according to Statcounter were:

As of 2024, most used web browsers according to Cloudflare were:

• Internet access worldwide
• Telecommunications in Australia
• Internet censorship in Australia

{{Reflist}}

• [http://whirlpool.net.au/ Whirlpool] – "Whirlpool.net.au is a fully independent, non-commercial, community website, run by a team of unpaid volunteers, which is devoted to keeping the public informed about the state of broadband in Australia." Australian ADSL news, information, and forums.
• [http://www.internetchoice.com.au/ Internet Choice] – Broadband Comparison website comparing a range of the leading internet providers in Australia.

{{Internet service providers of Australia}}

{{Oceania topic|Internet in}}

{{Telecommunications}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Internet in Australia}}