Report reveals cost of digital services and devices

THE whopping cost of living in the digital age has been revealed in a report, which also shows how much time Aussies spend online in a typical day.

PARENTS forked out an average $3000 for technology bills and devices in the past year, a study has found.

And internet-addicted Aussie adults are now typically spending 4½ hours a day online, doing everything from sending emails to shopping, watching TV and streaming music.

According to Suncorp’s The Cost of Being Digitally Savvy report, Australians on average shelled out $2465 on technology services and digital devices in the past year.

Those in households with children aged under 18 were the biggest spenders, at almost $2995. Singles without kids splashed out $1903.

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Jacqui and Wesley Yuan with children Hanna, 2 and Daniel, 5, and the family’s tech devices. Picture: Tony Gough

The report covered the cost of smartphone and internet plans, digital streaming and online apps and subscriptions.

It also included purchases of digital devices such as smart TVs and phones, computers, tablets, game consoles and home assistants.

Suncorp executive general manager digital distribution Tony Wessling said time online was increasingly regarded as an essential part of life.

“The research found we spend between four to five hours online every day,” Mr Wessling said.

“While this may seem like a lot, it can be easily done considering we use technology for 70 per cent of our everyday activities like paying bills, banking, watching TV and keeping up to date with news.”

Online banking and bill paying is commonplace. Picture: iStock.

The report, based on a survey of 1200 people, also reveals:

HOUSEHOLDS have an average six devices to connect to the ­internet;

CLOSE to half our time online is spent on watching streamed ­entertainment;

ALMOST all used the internet for emails and banking, while two in three paid bills online;

THOSE aged 35-44 were more likely to buy a smartwatch or other wearable technology;

ADULTS living at home with parents were more likely to have bought a games console; and

UNDER-25s were most reliant on free wi-fi when outside the home.

The Yuan family’s digital device tally includes a smart TV, phones, an iPad, desktop computer and Google Home assistant.

“We love music and dancing in our house so say ‘OK, Google’ to play music, and for checking the time and weather,” said mum Jacqui.

The Yuans have an impressive digital device tally. Picture: Tony Gough

“The kids play learning games on the iPad, and we watch a lot of YouTube dance videos.

“We also have Netflix to watch when they’re asleep.”

On weekdays, Mrs Yuan, a risk analyst, spends up to eight hours online at work and home combined.

The research found two in five people reported buying a digital device in the past year.

About one-third of purchases cost more than expected, prompting some consumers to rely on credit cards or raiding savings.

Mr Wessling said given the large number of internet-connected devices and types of services now being used, people had to be mindful about not blowing their budgets.

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@KarenCollierHS