At least 5.6 million Australians can't access video streaming, according to a new report.
This means 22 per cent of the nation's population has insufficient connectivity or data allowances to stream video on demand, the modelling conducted by Deloitte found.
As well, many Australians are worried about the cost of streaming with 58 per cent concerned about subscription prices, the report released by lobby group Free TV found.
The average yearly cost of subscriptions to the likes of Netflix and Stan grew to $660 in 2021.
In releasing the report on Monday, Free TV chair Greg Hywood warned there was little to stop streaming giants from winning exclusive rights to iconic sports events.
The current anti-siphoning rules, expiring in 2023, wouldn't stop them from acquiring exclusive rights to the NRL, AFL, Olympics or even the Melbourne Cup, he said.
"Australians need the list extended and expanded to stop live and free sport disappearing exclusively behind paywalls," Greg Hywood said in a statement.
The report also found more than three-quarters of people believe coverage of major sporting events should be free to access.
