ACCAN Research Snapshot: Affordability

Communications affordability is an important issue, especially with many consumers facing cost of living pressures and rising costs of telecommunications services.
ACCAN conducted a survey through Ipsos’ Digital Omnibus survey in March 2023 to better understand consumers’ experiences with communications affordability. This survey sought the views of 1,000 respondents from a variety of age groups, locations, and incomes.
It found:
Phone and internet costs are unaffordable for more than a quarter of consumers.
Consumers are going without other essentials to afford their telecommunications bills.
Consumers are turning to multiple payment methods to pay their phone and internet bills.
92% of consumers believe that telecommunications companies should provide an affordable internet plan.
Based on this and previous research, ACCAN’s recommendations include:
A concessional broadband service for households receiving government financial support.
An independent plan comparison tool for telecommunications services.
Telecommunications providers to offer more flexible payment options for consumers.
Download the Research Snapshot, below, and see our Media Release.
This research can be referenced as: ACCAN. 2023. Affordability Snapshot.