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Australian subscribers to wireless broadband services rose by 162% in 2008-09 together with the rise in VoIP and 3G mobile services offered, according to the latest report from the Australian and Communications Media Authority.

With the decline in fixed-line services demand in favour of mobile broadband services, the federal opposition questions the necessity for spending $43 billion for the National Broadband Network. 

The 2008-09 report reveals a large increase in subscription for mobile and wireless services, and a decline in fixed-line telephone connections from 11 million in mid-2008 to 10.67 million in 2009. During the same period, Australians with accessibility to VoIP services rose by 1 million to reach 2.5 million. 

For a 12-month period ending June 30, 2009, mobile network services were provided to 24.22 million users, equivalent to a 9% rise from 2008.

According to the report, subscribers also jumped by 1.2 million to reach 8.4 million, 25% of which were   wireless broadband subscribers. 

According to ACMA, there were 12.28 million active 3G mobile services as of June 30, 2009 – representing a massive 44% rise from 2008. 

The report shows that Australian users are currently choosing various types of connections instead of favouring one type over another, like choosing a fixed-line internet connection instead of mobile broadband access, for example. 

Usually, Australian consumers go for a mix up of services.  The report shows that  53% of consumers have a combination of mobile phone, fixed-line phone  as well as home internet services while 18% subscribe to all four means of communications ( internet, VoIP, mobile and fixed line), and 17% go for a combination of mobile and fixed line telephones. 

Tony Smith, the opposition spokesman on communications said that the reported 162% increase in subscription for wireless broadband services contradicts the need for government’s National Broadband Network project.