What this class covers
ANZSIC class 5910 classifies Australian businesses that provide internet connectivity services or operate platforms for searching online content. This includes companies offering broadband, dial-up, or wireless internet access to consumers and businesses. The classification also encompasses operators of search engines and web portals that help users find information across the internet.
Typical businesses in this category include internet service providers (ISPs) that sell residential or business internet plans, companies offering software-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and operators of general-purpose search engines. Examples would include regional ISPs providing NBN services, companies offering mobile broadband solutions, and platforms that aggregate and search web content without creating original content themselves.
This classification is used by Australian government agencies for statistical reporting, by businesses when registering for ABNs, and for industry benchmarking. It helps differentiate between businesses that provide internet access versus those that create internet content or provide related technical services.
Primary activities in plain English
- Providing internet access services to households and businesses
- Operating online search portals and search engine websites
- Offering software-based VoIP telephone services over internet connections
- Managing internet infrastructure for connectivity purposes
- Providing online internet access services through various technologies
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related activities are specifically excluded from this classification. Businesses that publish or broadcast content exclusively on the internet are classified under ANZSIC 5700: Internet Publishing and Broadcasting. Companies providing web hosting services fall under ANZSIC 5921: Data Processing and Web Hosting Services.
Internet and web design consulting services are classified in ANZSIC 7000: Computer System Design and Related Services. Businesses that primarily conduct activities like stock brokerage, travel reservations, or online purchasing using the internet are classified according to their main business activity rather than their use of internet technology.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you'll need to select the appropriate ANZSIC classification, which will determine your Business Industry Code (BIC). For businesses in this class, the corresponding BIC is 59100. This code may affect your tax obligations and reporting requirements.
Workers' compensation insurance premiums in Australia are often based on industry risk classifications, which may reference ANZSIC codes. Businesses in this classification typically face moderate technology sector risk profiles. When applying for government grants or industry assistance programs, your ANZSIC classification helps determine eligibility for technology and telecommunications sector programs.
Keep in mind that if your business activities span multiple classifications, you should determine your primary revenue-generating activity for classification purposes. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides guidance on determining primary activity when businesses operate across multiple ANZSIC categories.