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The cost of fixed broadband is cited as the main reason why Australia has slipped two places to 18th on the World Economic Forum’s Networked Readiness Index. A total of 139 countries were surveyed.
While the country recorded the same score as in 2014, it has also slipped behind Denmark, Hong Kong, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Iceland and New Zealand in digital readiness.
Singapore took the top rank in the networked readiness index. Making up the top 10 were Finland, Sweden, Norway, the US, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, Luxembourg, Japan and Canada in that order.
The report said that while Australia scored well in individual usage of ICT, with the world’s 10th highest penetration of mobile broadband, it was brought down by the cost of fixed broadband.
{loadposition sam08}Affordability is Australia’s lowest performing digital readiness aspect, being currently ranked at 57th globally.
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A total of 1500 Australian consumers and 130 digital opinion leaders were surveyed online and the views of the 130 were also canvassed in-depth for the survey.
The report said: "As the world’s 13th largest mixed-market economy, boasting an AAA rating from all three global rating agencies, Australia should be further up the global digital rankings.
"Many of the elements are in place for Australia to succeed as a digital economy including outstanding talent, a strong entrepreneurial spirit among aspiring business owners, a national innovation and science agenda, a thriving start-up ecosystem and investment in fixed and mobile networks.
"However, Australia remains caught in the shadow of other advanced nations."
The Australian government was ranked eighth in the world and seventh for the quality, relevance and usefulness of its websites to Australian citizens. But Australian businesses were only ranked 24th for their adoption of ICT.
The survey found that 88% of Australians had a smartphone and 40% of consumers would walk away from a business that did not offer them a high-quality digital experience.
The survey can be downloaded free after registration.
Graphic: courtesy EY.com.
