Long, hot days under bright blue skies. Plenty of spare time to video call friends and family. And the chance to stream some of the matches, movies and TV series missed during the year.

With the nbn™ broadband access network edging ever closer to its 2020 rollout completion date, this summer, more Australians than ever before have access to fast broadband: and, no doubt, they intend to make the most of it.

“Connected Australians take advantage of increased downtime during the summer break to catch up online with family and friends, get their hands on new smart devices, and stream content,” says NBN Co’s Chief Technology Officer Ray Owen.

“To ensure people have their broadband set up for a summer of streaming, we encourage those connected to do their research to ensure they’re on the right speed and data plan for their streaming requirements, as well as take some simple steps such as checking their modem setup.”

There are steps you can take to help ensure the fast broadband experience in your household is optimal.

Check, Select, Connect: Tips to help improve your in-home broadband experience

Step One
Check your usage, particularly between 7pm and 11pm – before connecting to an nbn™ powered plan from an internet provider, it’s important to choose a speed based on usage. Think about evening usage particularly between 7pm and 11pm when internet traffic is at its peak; how many people will be online together; the devices being used and for what purpose.

Step Two
Select the right speed plan from your internet provider – once you’ve checked your usage, get in touch with your internet provider to see which speed plan best suits your needs.

Step Three
Once connected, remember to put your modem in an ideal place and check your setup. The placement of your Wi-Fi router/modem, and the quality of your existing in-home cabling, can help improve your online experience. Make sure you put your Wi-Fi router/modem in a central position, away from thick walls and furniture.

Preparing for even more data in the future

While we can expect a 34 per cent spike in data consumption this summer, overall, the trend for data demand will continue upwards.

By 2020, the number of connected devices in the average home is expected to rise to 29, while we’ll also likely see the arrival of 8K video content and more data-heavy streaming services in industries like video gaming.

To help the end-user experience improve as data demand grows, NBN Co is working on a number of initiatives:

• Additional focus on improving the installation experience;
• Using machine learning and big data technology to better detect and fix faults;
• Enhanced case management to speed up the time between an issue being reported and resolved; and
• Undertaking a study to determine the impact of in-home wiring on the internet experience.

Yes, it’s going to be a big summer of data, but with the right in-home preparation, and continued assessment and evolution here at NBN Co, it’s set to be a summer to remember.