The emergence of next generation networks (NGN) is giving rise to a new wave of innovative applications and services that are changing the way we interact with one another.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a report Developments in next generation applications and services , which is the fourth in a series examining the pressures of technology changes and developments on current regulatory arrangements, and outlines how the development of a common accessible broadband infrastructure can facilitate the creation of next generation applications and services.

The Australian and Media Communications Authority (ACMA) has released its report regarding it’s latest research into online shopping by Australians.

Some of the key findings include:

• Most purchasing online occurs via acomputer with online shopping via mobile handsets still relatively small
• The most likely age group to shop online are those aged between 35-44 years old (73 per cent of internet users in that age group purchasing online)

• Ninety-one per cent of online shoppers used either credits cards or direct money transfer services to pay for their purchases online.

To the majority of Australians, going online is the norm, facilitating everyday social and economic interactions. The research suggests that consumer confidence about making online transactions is growing and Australian businesses have a real opportunity to develop their businesses and engage with consumers in the online space.

The full report can be accessed from ACMA’s website here.