Media Room

Rural and regional Australians are unprepared for the impact a faster internet service will have on their businesses and everyday lives when the National Broadband Network (NBN) is introduced – with many seeming confused about what the changes will mean for them.

These are the findings of a recent survey of 1030 rural and regional Australians conducted by FatCow.com.au, an online business directory servicing the Australian farming, agricultural and horticultural sectors. The survey revealed confusion over the NBN with contradictory opinions surfacing about whether any impact will even be noticeable, especially to their businesses.

Over a third of rural and regional business owners said they would not take advantage of the NBN to promote their business even though over half of all the business owners surveyed claim to be found by customers via the internet.

Commercial Manager for FatCow.com.au, Paul Ryan, said, “Regional and rural Australians don’t seem to understand the incredible potential of the NBN. Many business owners don’t believe their customer numbers will increase and the majority believes competition will stay the same, which shows a real lack of education about what the NBN can actually lead to.”

When business owners were asked about the NBN and possible increases in competition and customer numbers and orders:
· Almost 54 percent stated they did not think their business would be negatively impacted by customers buying products from overseas online stores.
· 71 percent did not believe the NBN would create more competition for their business.
· Over half believed the NBN would not help to deliver more customers or orders.

Although more than 70 per cent believe owning a business website is important and 85 per cent will continue to engage online, 60 per cent of regional and rural Australians are worried about the cost of the NBN.

“The NBN will bring fantastic opportunities for all regional and rural Australians. It will bring forth the potential for increased revenue in business, faster internet which will improve productivity and a much wider scope for business services. Yet many Australians are unwilling to pay for it,” said Mr Ryan.

While almost 96 per cent of non business owners believed the internet was a viable channel for buying and selling agricultural products online, 72 per cent would not consider starting a business regardless of faster internet access.

Rural and regional Australians were surveyed about the effects of major issues on their town including the economy, environmental issues and cost of resources.

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For more information please contact:
Lauren Milne
CP Communications
P: 02 9922 1063

About FatCow.com.au and the survey
FatCow.com.au is an online business directory servicing the Australian farming, agricultural and horticultural sectors. Owned and operated by Catch, an online division of Reed Business Information Australia, FatCow.com.au provides a comprehensive central online source containing the latest product, company and industry news updates.

The survey of 1030 rural and regional Australians over the age of 18 years was carried out over the months of August, September and beginning of October, covering all states and territories of Australia and representing all demographics.
 www.fatcow.com.au