We’re one step away from a robot doing your household chores!
As cool and convenient as IoT is, it demands more of a share of your household internet bandwidth, and it’s only going to get worse.
In this article, I’ll take a look at the types of devices we’re using and how this effects our internet usage, which is surging.
The rise of IoT in Australian homes
In 2023, the average Australian household hosted approximately 24 connected devices, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming years.By 2025, the figure is projected to reach 33.8 devices, driven by the growing adoption of IoT products like:
- smart TVs
- voice assistants
- security cameras
- and connected appliances (fridges, microwaves, etc).
And we haven’t even taken into account other major factors contributing to data usage, such as:
- video streaming (the top use of the nbn® network)
- gaming (consistently breaking records as Australia’s biggest downloaders)
- video calling.
How IoT increases data usage
Here's some examples of IoT at work:- Devices constantly sending and receiving data. IoT devices like smart thermostats and fitness trackers require continuous internet communication for real-time updates and cloud synchronisation.
- High-data-demand devices. Equipment such as smart TVs streaming in 4K or smart security cameras recording in high definition consume substantial amounts of data.
- Smart home hubs managing multiple devices simultaneously. Platforms like Google Home or Amazon Alexa orchestrate numerous devices, from lights to appliances, requiring steady bandwidth to maintain seamless operation across the entire network.
To give you an idea of data consumption, my smart security camera can use up to 2 GB per hour while recording or live-streaming, making it one of the most bandwidth-intensive devices in my home.
However, I value this level of security, so I'm willing to pay for the bandwidth it needs.
Future trends in IoT and their impact on data needs
By 2030, continued integration of IoT technologies, 5G and advancements in AI-enabled devices are expected to boost connectivity further. This will inevitably demand more robust, high-speed internet plans to manage increased data consumption.What you can do to manage data
Here are some tips for managing household data usage:- Adjust device settings (e.g., lower resolution on cameras).
- Schedule updates during off-peak times.
- Use local storage options when possible.
While these can help optimise your data consumption, the best thing you can do to futureproof your household internet efficiency is to upgrade to unlimited data plans to avoid limitations associated with heavy IoT use.
Future-proof your home with Swoop’s high-speed internet
With seamless connectivity that meets the increasing demands of IoT devices, you can take charge of the future of your house. Swoop is my number one - they provide dependable, fast internet services designed for interconnected homes.Why not see if you're eligible for Swoop's nbn fibre upgrade? After all, you've got nothing to lose, and only bandwidth to gain!
Key points:
- IoT drives increasing data usage. Australian households average 24 connected devices in 2023, including smart TVs, cameras, and appliances, with numbers projected to rise significantly by 2030.
- High-bandwidth IoT devices. Smart cameras and TVs are among the most data-intensive, with a single camera using up to 2 GB per hour while recording, adding to the demand for robust internet connections.
- Future-proofing with fast internet. Reliable, high-speed plans like those offered by Swoop ensure households can seamlessly manage multiple IoT devices and stay prepared for future connectivity needs
Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing, and project management.