Results showed NBN saw the biggest spike in data usage in December as statistics showed there was a third of more data being used in comparison to usage last year. Research from AlphaBeta’s Connecting Australia report, commissioned by NBN Co, found Australians connected to the NBN network were using the internet for online entertainment 23 per cent more than those not connected. In December, Queenslanders have used the NBN data equivalent of listening to Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas 87,500 times. The report also suggested NBN-connected Australians were at least 30 per cent more likely to use the internet to stay in touch with loved ones, with video-conferencing services such as Skype helping reduce social isolation across the holidays. NBN Queensland spokesman Ryan Williams said there were a number of reasons why the sunshine state was crowned the biggest data users on the NBN but finding one sole reason was a mystery.

"There's many factors that come into play but the weather in Queensland can play a huge role, " he said. "The last thing Queenslanders want to do in summer is to go outside in the middle of the day so instead we stay inside and watch some Netflix or watch your sports in an airconditioned room. "Christmas time can also play a role because usually you receive new devices whether it be a smartphone or iPad and you want to use it." The report suggests NBN-connected Australians were at least 30 per cent more likely to use the internet to stay in touch with loved ones by using video conferencing services like Skype, helping reduce social isolation across the holidays. "It could also be the time of year where many people have time off work and stay home to relax or have connect with family and friends overseas using Skype," he said.

"Being the highest data consumers and being above the average, it remains a mystery why Queenslanders want to stay connected and online more. "It really is a mystery, you can't pinpoint it to one reason." Streaming gaining popularity Mr Williams said data usage on the NBN was also growing rapidly across Australia with the popularity of streaming. Foad Fadaghi, managing director of Australian technology analysis firm Telsyte, said Australia's subscription video on-demand market grew more than 50 per cent since last year, with Australians taking up more than 9.1 million subscriptions in one year.

“According to Telsyte research, users on the NBN access network that have subscribed to streaming services are already using 22 per cent more data per month than those not yet connected, making use of services such as Netflix, Stan as well as a range of sporting services," he said. "With people spending more time at home over the holidays, we can expect to see this figure continue to rise over the summer. “Telsyte expected demand for streaming services to continue to grow strongly with over 22 million subscriptions predicted by 2022, covering everything from TV shows, movies, sports and special interests.” Mr Williams said the statistics showed Queenslanders were using the NBN to stream now more than ever before as the network was continuing to be rolled out. "This just proves there is a need for data and people are wanting to stay connected and we hope to have everyone connected across the country by 2020," he said.