From telehealth consultations to QR code ordering, modern businesses are using digital systems as part of their core offerings every day. But as reliance on these systems deepens, the limitations of outdated connectivity are becoming harder to ignore.

In recent years, internet needs across industries have shifted dramatically, with businesses relying more on cloud-based systems, real-time collaboration, and digital transactions. As a result, fast and reliable internet is no longer a nice to have – it’s essential.

The issue is that internet plans that once met a business’s needs can struggle to keep up with growing demands

In fact, many businesses remain on consumer plans that may not suit their needs out of habit. The impact can be obvious: slower speeds, lower productivity, and regular disruptions that affect both staff and customers alike.

Business Builders asked Steve O’Rourke, nbn‘s general manager of business products and pricing, about the growing gap between connectivity needs and the plans businesses are using.

“Many small business customers are currently using a consumer plan to run their business,” explains O’Rourke. “With most unaware of what nbn can offer to support their rapidly evolving needs.”

From speaking to O’Rourke, we’ve zoned in on five key industries whose internet needs have significantly increased.

1. Health

General practices, physiotherapy clinics, and dental practices rely on secure and reliable internet connections to operate efficiently.
This is particularly evident with the introduction of telehealth consultations as a core part of many medical practices’ services, which has led to a significant increase in connectivity needs.

Beyond consultations, fast and secure internet is also critical in powering cloud-based booking software, processing payments and placing insurance claims.

“With the right internet connectivity solution, health businesses can monitor patient data remotely, send and receive high-resolution digital imaging with ease,” says O’Rourke. “Digitising the whole patient journey from booking to referrals to scripts and beyond.”

2. Small and medium-sized offices

From accounting firms to marketing agencies, internet performance underpins nearly every daily office task.

“Hybrid work is actively contributing to the widespread use of cloud applications, video conferencing, real-time collaboration tools and AI,” explains O’Rourke. “This is driving demand for faster speeds as more activity happens online at the same time”.

With multiple devices connected to the same network, businesses are increasingly relying on shared cloud documents, virtual meetings, and always-on platforms to stay connected across hybrid working environments. Without sufficient bandwidth and reliability, these tools can lag or fail altogether.

The business impact can be significant. According to Ergo Strategy’s research*, the majority of businesses are now only able to tolerate up to three hours of downtime. A business-grade connection helps ensure that teams can collaborate seamlessly, maintain productivity, and deliver a professional experience to clients.

Image: Adobe Stock.

3. Education

The connectivity needs of businesses within the education system have dramatically transformed in the past few years.

“For education businesses, the right internet solution can facilitate real-time virtual classrooms without disruption, educator collaboration with students, parents and colleagues online and support cloud-based learning systems,” says O’Rourke.

Video lessons, online interactive platforms and digital resources are all critical functions an internet plan must support. It’s most felt in educational settings where multiple users often access the same high-bandwidth tools simultaneously.

Without reliable, high-speed internet, learning can be interrupted and engagement impacted, making a strong, consistent connection essential for delivering quality education experiences.

4. Manufacturing and logistics

Manufacturing and logistics are among Australia’s fastest growing industries and operations are increasingly being backed by digitised and connected systems.

“The increased digitisation of production scheduling, monitoring, diagnostics and reporting is driving a strong need for fast and reliable broadband,” says O’Rourke. “That enables business owners to mitigate and respond to challenges in real time.”

A slow or unstable connection can disrupt workflows, delay decision-making and impact delivery timelines. Reliable, high-performance internet is essential to maintain efficiency, visibility and competitiveness in a fast-moving industry.

5. Large hospitality venues

For larger hospitality venues such as hotels, motels and licensed clubs, reliable internet is critical to both front-of-house and back-of-house operations.

While speed matters, consistency and uptime are often even more important.

“Hospitality guests absolutely expect fast, reliable Wi-Fi to be available at the venue,” says O’Rourke. “To deliver the seamless experience they expect, venues need a business internet plan that can support high volumes of concurrent guest activity without buffering or dropping out.”

“Online booking systems, digital check-ins and guest Wi-Fi all rely on stable connectivity, while back-end systems handle payments, rostering and inventory. Many venues also use QR code ordering and integrated delivery service platforms,” says O’Rourke.

“In hospitality, any interruption can directly impact the customer experience and revenue, making dependable internet a must-have,” says O’Rourke.

Fast and reliable internet is critical in maintaining productivity across a wide range of industries and businesses. nbn Business offers plans with high upload and download speeds and business-focused support options through service providers, including fast fault restoration, 24/7 support and case management.

To explore the range of nbn Business Plans available for your business, speak to your internet service provider or check your address on the nbn website.

* This research was commissioned by nbn but does not necessarily reflect the views of nbn or all businesses in Australia. Ergo Strategy is solely responsible for the accuracy of the data presented in the paper.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with nbn.