The internet has revolutionised how we live, work and communicate, and its impact has been felt worldwide. From its early beginnings in the 1960s to its current status as a cornerstone of modern society, the internet has undergone a fascinating transformation right here in Australia. 

Early beginnings of the Internet in Australia (1960s–1990s)

Early development

In the 1960s, the Australian government started investing in computer technologies to improve communication and data processing capabilities. One of the notable initiatives was the establishment of the Australian Computer Society in 1966, which aimed to promote computer science and education.

Packet switching

In the 1970s, computer scientists introduced the concept of packet switching, which involved breaking down data into smaller packets for transmission. This development led to the creation of the first international packet-switched network, the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), which linked universities and research institutions in the United States. 

TCP/IP

In the 1980s, the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) became the standard protocol for computer networking. The adoption of TCP/IP enabled different networks to communicate with each other, paving the way for the creation of a global network of networks—the Internet. In Australia, the first internet connection was established in 1989, linking the University of Melbourne to the University of Hawaii. 

The World Wide Web

In 1989, the World Wide Web was developed by Tim Barners-Lee, allowing users to access and share information on the Internet through a graphical interface—a display of text alongside images on a web page. The adoption of the WWW in Australia was facilitated by the establishment of the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet). Developed by computer science departments, AARNet provided high-speed internet connections to universities and research institutions throughout the ‘90s.

Internet service providers

Australia’s first publicly available Internet service provider (ISP) was launched in 1989. Pegasus Networks served as a gateway to emerging online networks, initially offering only local internet access before expanding its offering nationwide in September of 1989. By the mid-1990s, there was a wide selection of commercial ISPs available across Australia. These companies provided dial-up and broadband internet access to households and businesses, leading to a significant increase in internet usage and the number of internet users in Australia.

The internet as we know it in Australia (2000s–now)

E-commerce and online transactions

In the early 2000s, e-commerce and online transactions began to gain popularity in Australia. Retailers and businesses started to offer online shopping and payment services, which allowed consumers to purchase goods and services online. This development was facilitated by the growth of secure online payment gateways such as PayPal and BPAY, which made online transactions safer and more convenient.

Today, e-commerce has become an integral part of the Australian retail landscape, with online sales accounting for a significant portion of overall retail sales. Many retailers have expanded their online offerings, and new online-only businesses have emerged, offering consumers a wide variety of products and services at competitive prices.

4G & 5G connectivity

The internet in its current state has completely revolutionised the way we communicate and access information in Australia. In the early 2010s, the rollout of 4G mobile networks significantly boosted internet speeds and reliability. This allowed for more seamless and efficient internet usage on mobile devices, paving the way for the rise of social media and mobile apps. The introduction of 5G in recent years has only further enhanced the global internet experience, providing even faster speeds and more reliable Australian internet connectivity.

Social media

Social media platforms started to gain popularity in Australia in the mid-2000s with the launch of platforms such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. These platforms quickly gained traction, providing Australians with new ways to connect and communicate with each other. 

In the current internet landscape in Australia, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are everywhere, allowing people to connect with friends, family, and communities around the world. Mobile apps like WhatsApp and Skype have made it possible for people to communicate and stay in touch with each other from anywhere, at any time. Online forums, discussion boards, and websites like Reddit and Quora have created virtual communities where people can share their experiences, ideas and knowledge on a vast array of topics.

National Broadband Network (nbn)

The nbn (national broadband network)—introduced to replace Australia’s aging broadband infrastructure—has also played a crucial role in bringing high-speed internet access to people across the country. This has allowed people in rural and remote areas to have access to the same level of internet services as those in urban areas, opening up new opportunities for education, business and entertainment. The national network has also enabled the growth of online streaming services, telecommuting, computer science and e-commerce, making it easier for people to access content and services from the comfort of their own homes.

Remote work and study

Fast internet speeds and internet-connected devices have made remote work and remote study more feasible and accessible for all Australians. With high-speed internet, employees and students can work and study from the comfort of their homes or any location with a stable internet connection. This has provided many benefits, such as reduced commuting time and expenses, increased productivity, and improved work-life balance. 

Remote work and study have also been instrumental in providing opportunities for people living in regional and remote areas to access education and job opportunities that were once limited to metropolitan areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, with many companies and educational institutions adopting remote work and study practices to minimise the spread of the virus. As a result, remote work and study are likely to become increasingly popular and normalised in the future, creating new possibilities for Australian businesses and educational institutions.

Wireless devices

With the spread of the internet across the globe, we’ve seen the rise of new and exciting internet-connected devices well beyond the classic Macintosh desktop computer. Wireless devices have been a major contributor to this trend. From smartphones and tablets to smartwatches and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the options for internet-connected devices have exploded in recent years. The convenience and flexibility offered by wireless technology have allowed these devices to become deeply integrated into our daily lives, giving users remote access to information and the ability to communicate with each other at all times, from anywhere. 

One such device is the internet-connected Apple Watch, which has become increasingly popular for its ability to track fitness, provide notifications, and even make phone calls. This has also created new opportunities for businesses and organisations to reach their audiences in more personalised and interactive ways. As wireless technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative devices that will change the way we live, work and interact with each other.

The future of the Internet in Australia

The current state of the internet in Australia is strong, with high levels of connectivity and a wide range of services available to users. The future of the internet in Australia looks bright with the advent of 5G technology set to bring about a new era of connected devices and services. Whether it is used for communication, commerce or entertainment, the Internet is sure to continue playing a significant role in Australia’s development for many years to come.