Latest news with #AustralianHouseholds
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
100 days to go before massive NBN internet speed upgrade for Australians
Massive upgrades in internet speeds are now just 100 days away for Australian households. From September, government-owned telecommunications company NBN, which supplies internet providers like Telstra and Optus with the physical infrastructure that connects households to the internet, will deliver massive upgrades to its network speeds. The accelerated, high-speed wholesale products will be available to providers to sell to eligible residential and business customers connected to the NBN network via fibre to the premises or hybrid fibre coaxial options. The Home Fast package will increase speeds from 100/20Mbps to 500/50Mbps, delivering a five times improvement in downloads and 2.5 times faster uploads. The Superfast package will increase speeds from 250/25Mbps to 750/50 Mbps, while Ultrafast will double upload speeds from 50Mbps to 100Mbps. The Hyperfast offering will deliver 'blazing-fast speeds for top-tier connections', with 2000/200Mbps (on fibre to the premises) and 2000/100Mbps (on hybrid fibre coaxial). It is expected Hyperfast will be sold to retailers for a wholesale price of $115 per month. Customers who purchased one of these higher speed tiers, or choose to upgrade, would automatically accelerate to the new, faster speeds when the plans were made available by the retailers, the company said. NBN general manager Jane McNamara said the speed changes would 'future proof' Australia as the world moved online. 'Back in 2015, the typical Australian home had two or three internet-connected devices,' she said on Friday. 'Today, the average number is about 25 and includes devices like smart phones, laptops, TVs and smart speakers, all of which need the internet to work. 'With people in Australia averaging more than 6½ hours a day online, streaming and gaming more than ever before, the number of connected devices (is) expected to rise to more than 44 by the end of this decade.' But the company has warned that the technological boost will only be available to certain households. 'Higher speed plans are only available on NBN's fibre to the premises and hybrid fibre Coaxial technologies,' it said. 'Check your address to see if higher speed plans are available at your place, and for those customers on fibre to the node or fibre to the kerb, whether you are eligible for a fibre upgrade.' Some households might need to upgrade their home equipment to make the most of the new speeds, the company added, and simple adjustments to a home's set-up, such as how modems and routers are placed, could also impact speed. 'Many objects and materials in the home can reflect or absorb your wi-fi signal, either slowing the speed as they pass through or blocking it altogether,' the company said. 'Metal doors, appliances, mirrors, solid walls, floors, and ceilings can significantly reduce signal efficiency and effective distance. 'Interior walls, furniture and even windows can do the same but to a lesser degree. 'Liquids, like those in fish tanks, fridges, hot water systems and even bottles can absorb wi-fi signal, preventing it from reaching your devices. 'Other technology, including radios, baby monitors, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, use signals that can interfere with your wi-fi.' The NBN advises to keep wi-fi routers out in the open.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Kmart shoppers obsess over $5 item: 'Instant glow up'
Forget expensive renovations or major upgrades - the easiest way to give your home a glow-up is with a $5 lighting trick that's taking over Australian households. Kmart's range of motion sensor lights, starting at just $5, has quietly become a cult favourite among budget-conscious shoppers looking to modernise their space without spending a fortune. From bedrooms and wardrobes to stairs and hallways, these clever little gadgets are proving that even the smallest additions can make a big difference. The range includes the popular motion sensor light ($5), a sleek LED light with sensor ($12), and the premium motion sensor light kit ($39) - all designed to automatically illuminate dark corners when movement is detected. Whether you're tired of fumbling for switches in the dark or simply want to add a bit of ambience to your space, these lights are a quick, affordable solution. One shopper wrote: 'Love these lights, they work extremely well and look great.' Another added, 'I use this in the bedroom to give enough light to guide me to the ensuite without turning on the light switch. It's VERY bright.' The appeal is obvious: with no electrician required, these lights are easy to install using adhesive pads or screws, and can be popped onto virtually any surface - wardrobes, walls, cupboards, under stairs, and even above mirrors. The range includes the popular motion sensor light ($5), a sleek LED light with sensor ($12), and the premium motion sensor light kit ($39) - all designed to automatically illuminate dark corners when movement is detected They're especially popular among parents and light sleepers who want subtle illumination during the night. One mum wrote: 'I bought this item to light up my stairs at night so the family doesn't have to turn the main lights on to go up or down. They work well and I'm super impressed with them.' Others love the impact on their morning routines. 'Loved this little addition to my wardrobe. I attached one to the wardrobe side wall and now I can just slide open the doors and voila - let there be light! I can now look for my clothes without waking up everyone else in the room,' one shopper said. Even the $5 entry-level light has received glowing reviews, with customers praising its reliability and practicality. 'Such a good product. We put two in the hallway so we don't have to keep turning the lights on. Love the auto sensor,' said one user. 'I put one above a mirror so it brightens the hallway. One in the floor close to our bedroom.' While many rave about the crisp glow of the LEDs, a few have suggested improvements. Even the $5 entry-level light has received glowing reviews, with customers praising its reliability and practicality With the rising cost of living, Australians are increasingly turning to DIY home upgrades that deliver instant results, and motion sensor lighting fits the bill perfectly 'Works great, but wish there was a warm white setting,' one person said. And others noted that while the adhesive tabs included are convenient, they may not be strong enough for long-term use. 'The sticky bits that come with them do not hold too well, so you're better off screwing them in,' one shopper advised. Still, for the price, most agree the payoff is huge. 'Well worth the money. It works great! Just enough light when a little is needed in the middle of the night. I've bought a few and use them around the house. Even in my kitchen,' one review read. With the rising cost of living, Australians are increasingly turning to DIY home upgrades that deliver instant results, and motion sensor lighting fits the bill perfectly. A simple stick-on sensor light can bring convenience, style, and a touch of modern flair - all for less than the price of a coffee and muffin. Whether you want to elevate your hallway, add functionality to a wardrobe, or make midnight bathroom trips a little easier, Kmart's motion sensor range is your go-to. And judging by how fast they're flying off shelves, it's clear Australians have found their new favourite home hack.
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Woolworths slashes prices on popular staples
Woolworths has announced it will slash prices on hundreds of popular grocery items in a major cost-of-living move aimed at easing pressure on Australian households. From Wednesday, the supermarket giant will introduce lower shelf prices on almost 400 essential products both in-store and online, including family favourites like chicken schnitzels, Greek yoghurt, frozen berries and 2L bottles of Coca-Cola. Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell said the average price drop across the selected products will be 10 per cent. She said a family spending $150 on their weekly shop is expected to save around $15 each week when purchasing from the discounted range. 'Individually, each lower shelf price might not seem like a dramatic difference, but they will add up to real savings,' Ms Bardwell said. She said customers consistently tell them they need more value from their shop, and that 'they expect us to do more to help'. 'This isn't just a short-term promotion, it's a long-term commitment to delivering genuine, dependable value for our customers,' she said. 'We've focused on highly rated family favourites and everyday essentials such as flour, bread, rice and nappies.' She said the savings will add up to 'meaningful relief' at the checkout. The company said the price cuts will remain in place until at least 2026, with hundreds more products to be added to the lower shelf price program in the coming months. The move comes as Woolworths faces increasing public and political scrutiny over grocery pricing, with many Australians struggling to manage rising household costs. In addition to the price cuts, the retailer will continue to offer other savings opportunities: • Woolworths own brand alternatives (which are up to 30 per cent cheaper than similar branded items) • The Odd Bunch range of discounted fresh produce • Online tools like the best unit price filter • Everyday rewards points and boosted offers Ms Bardwell said the lower shelf price initiative is 'just the beginning' and part of a wider effort to provide more consistent value to customers every time they shop.
