Four in five businesses still on residential NBN plans

More than four-fifths of Australian businesses continue to utilize residential internet plans, even as advanced technology offers superior alternatives. Reliable and swift access to systems is crucial for Project Epic, a Sydney-based disability support service and community day program provider in the Sutherland Shire. The demand for their services skyrocketed faster than anticipated since it was founded in 2022 by sisters Abbey Johnston, a former pediatric nurse, and Alana Chandler, a special education teacher.

Ms Chandler explained to AAP that their operations are intense, with the company running 51 weeks a year and supporting around 70 participants with disabilities, handling over 250 shifts weekly. Effective communication within the team is vital as they rely on the internet for various data, such as participants' pick-up addresses, epilepsy plans, allergy information, and incident reports. Ms Chandler emphasized that everything is online and must function smoothly.

Project Epic's network is continuously updated to ensure uninterrupted access to crucial data. Ms Chandler's brother-in-law Mitch Johnston, who initially joined as a volunteer to build the digital backbone of the company, recommended switching to a business internet plan. This change proved highly beneficial, enabling the team to update information and share it with each other instantaneously.

The company now leverages artificial intelligence to streamline data entry and analysis, significantly reducing manual efforts and allowing the team to focus on other essential aspects of their business.

Flexible work arrangements, live networks, and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the business landscape, with NBN Co reporting a 300% increase in high-speed business plans during the financial year ending June 2026. Ms O Rourke, NBN Co's general manager for business products, noted that nearly 90% of Australian businesses now employ hybrid or remote working options.

He explained that employers strive to maintain the same level of output and experience for remote workers as they would have in an office setting. The significant surge in high-speed business plans is a clear reflection of the evolving ways in which businesses operate. More than two-thirds of companies now utilize cloud-heavy workflows, which necessitate higher upload speeds typically not found in residential plans.

If internet connectivity is compromised, businesses cannot function, transact, or interact, posing significant challenges. For Project Epic, the importance of a stable network extends beyond efficiency and revenue; it is vital for delivering quality services to their young participants who eagerly anticipate their outings.