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Queenslanders are turning to wireless technology at home, and are willing to pay more for higher download speeds and greater monthly capacity to meet their needs, according to the 2009 Queensland household survey of computer and internet usage.

Minister for Public Works and Information and Communication Technology, Robert Schwarten, said the ninth annual survey showed ADSL uptake plateaued in 2009 while the number of wireless connections has almost doubled every year since 2006.

‘Although ADSL remains the most popular form of internet access at home (43%), it is being quickly overtaken by wireless connections, which have grown from 3% in 2006 to a current 23%,’ Mr Schwarten said.

The survey also revealed that, of those people with an internet connection, 44% pay more than $50 per month for the service – up from 36% in 2008.

‘This shows Queenslanders are keen to pay more for their broadband services, perhaps reflecting the importance placed upon high-speed internet access and the growth in online services and entertainment,’ Mr Schwarten said.

The survey also showed retirees are enjoying the digital age. More than half (53%) of people aged 65 years or older now have access to the internet or email at home – up from 49% in 2008.

‘We recognise Queenslanders are internet savvy and enjoy interacting online, so we have worked with the federal government and telecommunications suppliers to ensure the right infrastructure is in place for our community.

‘Engaging online with Queenslanders is also a priority under Toward Q2 through ICT, our five-year strategy for government ICT.

‘Within the next three years, we aim to double to 50 per cent the number of government services available online,’ Mr Schwarten said.

Other highlights from the 2009 Queensland household survey include:
• access to a computer at home has risen slightly to 87% of the Queensland adults (up from 85% in 2008)
• access to the internet at home has continued to rise slightly to 83% of adult Queenslanders (79% in 2008)
• broadband now accounts for 90% of household internet connections in Queensland (80% in 2008).

The survey of 3,600 households throughout the state was conducted by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research on behalf of the Queensland Government Chief Information Office.

Full results of the survey are available at the Queensland Government Chief Information Office website: www.qgcio.qld.gov.au.