Media release
Grandma connects better with the BoBsquad
New research by iiNet finds nearly half of older Australians struggle to set up their technical devices
12 December 2011 - Sydney, Australia - Despite a keen interest in all things technology, older Australians are struggling to get connected according to a new study commissioned by Australia's second largest DSL broadband provider, iiNet.
A Newspoll study found nearly half of Australians aged 50 - 64 years old bought a technical device or software that they were unable to set up or use by themselves. Of these older Australians, a staggering 93 per cent were unable to set up the technology because it was too difficult and 23 per cent said it took too much time.
Maryna Fewster, iiNet's Chief Customer Officer, said it's evident that older Australians are willing to give technology a go but often run into trouble when trying to set up and connect.
"There's no age barrier when it comes to technology. We're seeing a growing number of grandmas and grandpas wanting to go online and connect with friends and family. They often just lack the technical know-how to do so," Ms Fewster said.
The Newspoll study comes hot on the heels of the comprehensive report, Older Australians and the Internet, which further uncovers older Australian's growing appetite for using the Internet to shop online, pay bills and keep in touch with family.
Professor Trevor Barr of Swinburne University and principle advisor on the study added, "The report, based on credible field research, reveals that the group in society who is progressively becoming more dependent on the Internet to live richer lives is seniors."
Surprisingly, the Newspoll study also found it wasn't just older Australians struggling to set up their technologies. 33 per cent of young adults (18 - 34 year olds) had bought a technology device or software that they were unable to set up or use - and of these, 87 per cent said it was because it was too difficult.
The study coincides with the announcement that iiNet's BoBsquad - a team of tech-loving experts - are now on call for residential customers in Melbourne and Sydney (metro areas only).
"For Australians young and old who aren't huge tech-heads or are just too busy, iiNet's team of experts are on call to make personal house visits and sort out all your tech issues," said Ms Fewster.
For more information on iiNet and the BoBsquad, visit www.iinet.net.au/home.
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For further information, please contact:
Anthony Fisk or Jane Humphries
Communications ‐ iiNet
Ph: +61 8 9214 2210
Email: media@staff.iinet.net.au
or
Grace Gabriel or Laura Fireman
Espresso Communications
Ph: +61 2 9904 4177
Email:
grace@espressocomms.com.au
laura@espressocomms.com.au
About iiNet
iiNet is Australia's second largest DSL Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. We employ more than 2000 inquisitive staff across four countries and support over 1.3 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.
We're a publicly listed company and we maintain our own super-fast broadband network. Our vision is to lead the market with products that harness the potential of the Internet and then differentiate with award-winning customer service.
To achieve this, we employ creative thinkers and true advocates of technology. Our people are a huge part of the iiNet success story, so we've developed a unique and stimulating work culture to ensure they remain engaged and inspired.
A lot has changed since our CEO founded iiNet in a suburban garage back in 1993 and the broadband landscape continues to evolve. What hasn't changed is our passion for the transformative benefits of the Internet and our commitment to helping Australians connect better.