By
May 28, 2019
Since the beginning of 2016 we’ve reported new highs of data consumption, and now it seems that 100GB is the new normal. The national monthly household data consumption average on our network has grown by almost 100% since the beginning of 2015 and it shows no signs of slowing.
Cracking the 100GB mark is a major milestone in the evolution of better broadband in New Zealand. To put things in perspective, back in 2011 New Zealand households were using on average 10GB of data per month on our network. That’s enough data to watch two episodes of Game of Thrones and then post about it on Facebook – but that’s it. For a whole month.
So, in the short space of five years, we’ve started using ten times as much data which highlights two things. First, broadband is playing an increasingly important role as an essential utility in the heart of today’s home. And second, the evolution of our network – increasing VDSL availability and the ongoing fibre rollout – is enabling more Kiwis to get online and do a lot more, faster. This exponential rate of growth places New Zealand among some of the most internet data hungry countries in the world.
Data hotspots
While the country’s urban centres tend to be the heaviest data users, the fastest growth* is happening more regionally. Masterton set the pace with a massive 134% growth, going from an average data consumption of 39GB per household per month in January 2015 to 92GB in May 2016 on our network. While the averages in some of these top five areas sit below the 100GB mark, the rates of growth will see them quickly close the gap on some of the bigger centres.
The five fastest growing regions were:
Masterton: 134% (39GB to 92GB)
Dunedin: 128% (47GB to 108 GB)
Waitaki (Oamaru): 123% (28GB to 63GB)
Timaru: 122% (37GB to 82GB)
Rotorua: 119% (50GB to 109GB)
The future is just around the corner
100GB may be the new normal today but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. With technology continuing to evolve – hello, virtual reality and 360 video – and the number of devices per household also creeping upwards, we predict households on our network will be using almost 170GB on average per month by June 2017.
And we’re not the only ones seeing a digital future on the horizon. The Government recently announced that digital technology will be formally integrated into the NZ curriculum – a positive step towards ensuring we’re preparing the next generation for what’s coming down the line.
With growth in data consumption forecast to continue, it pays to take a look at your current broadband plan. Make sure you have enough data included to meet your needs and then check your connection to ensure you’re getting the best broadband available at your place.
If you would like to know more about data usage on the Chorus network, have a read over on the Download here
*percentage growth measured by data usage on the Chorus network in May 2016 compared to January 2015