NBN Co reports record-high data demand

The COVID-19 lockdown is continuing to push up demand for data over the nbn access network, with NBN Co last week recording a new record peak in usage.

Last Wednesday, data demand peaked at 13.9 Tbps during busy evening hours, as already high usage was driven further by the release of updates to several popular video games.

During the week, peak download throughput during busy evening hours increased by 26% to 13.9 Tbps compared to usage during the last week of February, which NBN Co uses as its pre-COVID baseline.

During business hours, downstream network usage was up by 32% to 10.3 Tbps over the same period. Meanwhile, peak upload throughput on the nbn grew by 36% during busy evening hours to 1.05 Tbps, and by 106% during business hours to 1.03 Tbps due to increased working from home.

On Friday, NBN Co also introduced new changes to its wholesale pricing structure agreed to following last year’s Wholesale Pricing Review.

These changes include increased connectivity virtual circuit (CVC) data inclusions for most discount bundles, as well as a further reduction to wholesale entry-level broadband charges.

CVC is the bandwidth NBN Co’s retail service provider customers purchase per user for each connectivity serving area.

Another change involves national pooling of CVC, which is designed to assist RSPs to procure capacity on a national basis.

“The changes that have come into effect this month demonstrate NBN Co’s ongoing commitment to creating value and ensuring all Australians have access to affordable, reliable broadband,” NBN Co Chief Customer Officer – Residential Brad Whitcomb said.

“This is more vital now than ever, as data demand continues to grow and Australians rely on the network to work, study and play.”

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