Between downloading movies, doing work and homework, playing video games online and visiting social media sites the demand for fast and unlimited broadband is at an all-time high, according to new figures from Optus.

The average household in regional NSW owns 6.8 internet enabled devices and on a typical evening, more than a quarter of homes have three or more people using the internet at the same time.

The figures have been boosted by the launch of movie streaming services such as Netflix and Stan.

About 45 per cent of people are now using the internet to enjoy entertainment services, including these movie sites.

About 90 per cent of home broadband users said having sufficient data was on the top of their wish list.

“We use our data package up every month,” Col Pethers From Bolwarra Heights said.

“Most months we use it up before we even reach the end of the month.”

The Pethers are your average family, mother and father both work and the two boys are school-aged.

Mr Pethers said he spends the most time behind a screen compared to the rest of his family because of his job as a mining engineer.

His wife Stacey also uses a lot of mobile technology such as the ipad in her role as a real estate agent.

The boys spend most of their technology time in front of games consoles to play and watch films, but are limited to one hour of screen time on a school night.

“It is difficult to have family time,” Mr Pethers said. “You have to be organised really and plan it in advance.

“I would definitely suggest giving kids a limit on how long they can play on the PlayStation or Xbox.”

Installation of the National Broadband Network is under way in Maitland and vice president of fixed marketing for Optus Ben White said the NBN should result in faster upload and download speeds, a more reliable and consistent connection and a better streaming experience.

11 hours screen time per day

5 - 8 hours screen time per day

1 hour + school use per day

1 hour + school use per day