NBN Co today released a Connecting Older Australians Expression of Interest to more than 50 Retail Service Providers (RSPs) and Consumer Groups with the aim of co-developing comprehensive and innovative solutions that encourage more seniors to get online.

NBN Co Chief Customer Officer, Residential, Brad Whitcomb, said: “Following feedback from industry stakeholders and nbn’s own analysis of customer segments that make up the unconnected, nbn is prioritising the over 65-year-old segment of the community, as part of the first phase of a broader strategy to lift the digital capability in underserved segments of Australia.

“Our research found the over 65-year-old segment is the fastest-growing demographic in the country that is unconnected.  “ABS data shows 15.9% of Australians are aged 65 and over, while there are 2.5 million older Australians who receive an Age Pension for income support. Research from the 2019 Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows that people aged 65+ are Australia’s least digitally included age group. “These statistics are concerning for us and the reason we have decided to prioritise the over 65s segment.”

The EOI paper takes into account feedback NBN Co received from its Wholesale Pricing Review 2019 and aims to advance discussions with interested groups.

Specifically, we want to work with industry to get a better understanding about this segment and to explore ways to address their needs, such as suitable broadband speeds, data inclusions, pricing structures, support for the installation and connection of nbn service and digital education.        

“We see this EOI as a great opportunity for industry to provide input that will help create meaningful change for this segment, and we encourage all RSPs to get involved."

RSPs and Consumer Groups are invited to submit their responses to the Expression of Interest by 9 March, which will be followed by a period of co-design with interested groups.