APP-HAPPY AUSSIES ADD TO 70% INCREASE IN NEW YEARS' DATA BOOM

Highlights:

• Optus predicts a 70% increase in the use of mobile data on New Years’ Day compared to the same time last year
• Technology will play a big part in keeping Aussies on track with their New Years’ resolutions
• One in five Aussies will head online between Christmas and New Year to research their resolutions (21%)

An Optus study[1] into Aussies New Years’ resolutions behaviour has found health and fitness is the top priority for resolutions, and apps and online resources like social media will help almost  20% stay on track. This is consistent with Optus’ predicted 70%[2] increase in the use of mobile data on January 1^st compared the same time last year. It won’t just be party pics from the biggest party night of the year - one million of us will start the New Year downloading an app to keep track of our resolution and 600,000 will start online blogging in a bid to stay committed to the cause. Throughout New Years’ Eve to New Years’ Day, Optus customers will:

• Use up to 264 terrabytes of mobile data wishing friends and family a happy 2014;
• Send just over 63 million SMSs;
• Make 44 million mobile calls; and
• Spend almost 4.2 million minutes on international calls with the top 3 countries being India, Vietnam and then the United Kingdom.

Optus spokesperson Melissa Circosta said, “Technology is designed to make our life easier, so it makes sense that data is on the rise and that we have embraced it as part of our New Years’ resolutions. In less than a minute you can download an app that provides timely reminders and tracks your progress, so you can stick to good intentions for longer than a couple of weeks.” Gen Y in particular has their eye on the resolution prize

• 67% of Gen Ys plan to make resolutions in 2014, ahead of 59% of Gen X’ers and 49% of baby boomers
• Health and fitness is the top priority for Gen Y (37%), ahead of their love life (20%) or career (20%)
• Gen Ys are most likely to use technology to stay honest, sharing updates of their progress on social media (14%) and following super-fit role models online (11%)

Ms Valeria Ramirez, fitness trainer and blogger at thewellnest.com said, “It can be tough to stay motivated past the New Year’s Day resolutions rush. But technology can really help with advice and inspiration, and also keep you accountable. The wider you share your resolutions the more likely you are to stick to them long-term.” If you’re after an app to help keep on track with your fitness goals for 2014, check out Valeria’s recommendations below:

• Superfoods HD: Do you know your goji’s from your gooseberries? This app teaches you about superfoods and how to get them in your diet. It gives you health information on each superfood, along with images so you can spot them in the supermarket.

• iMapMyRun: If you’re looking for a new running route, want to log the distance or find someone to run with, this app is a must-have. It also suggests foods you should eat before and after your workout, as well as the number of calories burnt.

• Pocket Yoga: With Pocket Yoga you can keep up with your practice in the comfort of your own home. Simply set your device in front of your mat and Pocket Yoga will guide you through your entire session.

Another boom in data between Chrissie and New Year  One in five Aussies told Optus they figure out their resolutions in between Christmas and New Year and are most likely to head online (21%) for research. “We expect a similar rise in data usage of 58% in the period between Christmas and New Year, when a lot of people have the time to research their resolutions and how to keep on top of them.” Ms Circosta said. As for Christmas Day 2013, Optus network stats showed data was definitely king, and that Optus customers were keen for a Christmas chin-wag with friends and family overseas. “Christmas Day is a big day for connecting with family and friends. Data use on the day rose significantly to 53% more than the same time last year, and Optus customers nationally spent more than 4.5 million minutes calling internationally on Christmas Day.” On Christmas Day, Optus customers:

• Used nearly 258 terabytes of data (up 53 per cent year on year)
• Sent more than 60 million SMSs (down 7 per cent year on year)
• Made over 31 million mobile calls (down 1 per cent year on year)
• Made more than 21 million local and national calls (down 15 per cent year on year)

  Contact Details: Optus@fuelcommunications.com.au Julia Clarke: 0438 427 986, jclarke@fuelcommunications.com.au Sophie Walsh: 0403 276 656, swalsh@fuelcommunications.com.au