Australia has the world’s most expensive internet

Confirming what most rural households know to be true, the World Economic Forum has rated Australia the lowest score for internet access affordability. According to the Forum, around four million Australians live in households without internet access.

The high price of internet access disproportionately affects poor, elderly and Indigenous Australians. It is estimated that 57% of Australian households with less than $40,000 annual income do not have internet. Rural households are also strongly affected by the expense of internet access and the lack of provider options.

Internet in Australia has become a contentious issue, as Australia has consistently performed badly in international comparisons of internet access, reliability and speed. Australia’s broadband speed is currently scored at 59^th place globally and is estimated to fall as low as 100^th in 2020.