A new Australian Communications and Media Authority report, Australian household consumers’ take-up and use of voice communication services, has confirmed that young Australians are increasingly choosing not to connect a fixed line phone when moving out of their parental home, relying instead on mobile technology.

The study, published today, presents research findings into the attitudes and behaviours of household consumers concerning their voice communications. It indicates that while 90 per cent of consumers use both mobile and fixed line phones to stay in touch, many Australians aged 18 to 24 are abandoning the traditional phone in favour of more flexible technology.

‘Younger adults are leading Australia’s shift away from fixed-line communications, with many choosing not to connect a fixed-line phone in their new residence when they move out of the parental home,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman. ‘The level of mobile service take-up in this demographic is among the highest in the country, at 95 per cent of 25- to 35-year-olds.

‘This latest research, which builds on previous ACMA research in this area, highlights the role younger people are playing in embracing new communications technology in Australia,’ Mr Chapman added. ‘Young Australians are leading the charge to choose technology that suits their lifestyle, rather than copying their parents.’

Among the wider population, fixed-to-mobile substitution is a multi-stage process, from fixed-line only users to those consumers who rely solely on mobile technology for all communications needs. The report shows a strong relationship between age and consumer attitudes to communication technology and, in particular, reluctance by Australians over 50 to relinquish their fixed line phone.

‘The report’s findings nonetheless underscore the on-going importance of the traditional phone service to the lives of older Australians, even with the high rate of mobile phone use,’ Mr Chapman said.

The report is available on ACMA’s website.