Broadband News

Thu, 27th Aug 2009

Woolworths to sell Optus 3G and data deals

Woolworths' chief executive Michael Luscombe says uptake of its talk-and-text prepaid mobile packages, which rely on Optus' 2G network, has been so successful that it will now offer 3G and data packages.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Photos: Inside Telstra's Global Operations Centre

Exactly ten years ago, Telstra completed consolidating its network operation management to a single site in Clayton, Victoria.

Source: iTnews Australia

NBN Survey: Seven top ICT analysts think the NBN will be worth the money spent

Seven of Australia's top ICT analysts agree the social and economic benefits of the Federal Government's planned National Broadband Network (NBN) will outweigh the forecast $43 billion cost.

Source: ARN

Blog: Facts on the iiNet AFACT case

This week's Twisted Wire podcast looks at some of the claimed facts surrounding the controversial lawsuit against iiNet regarding copyright infringement by its customers.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Wed, 26th Aug 2009

To improve broadband speeds, don't fiberise, optimise

The local head of wide area network optimisation specialist, Riverbed Technology, has delivered a stinging attack on the government's National Broadband Network project claiming end users are unlikely to see real benefits simply from fatter pipes and that the performance of existing broadband services could be greatly improved by widespread deployment of wide area network optimisation technologies.

Source: iTWire

Adelaide commuters get internet bus trial

A trial of a bus passenger information system that also provides free onboard internet access has begun today in Adelaide. The system has been developed by a group of companies that includes Cisco.

Source: iTWire

Taxpayers may need to subsidise Tassie broadband

The objectives of the new Tasmanian National Broadband Network Company include delivering "affordable" broadband services and setting prices, prompting claims services may be subsidised.

Source: Australian IT

Riverbed: NBN alone won't fix poor speeds

WAN optimisation vendor, Riverbed, has slammed the lack of breadth in discussions on the Federal Government's planned National Broadband Network (NBN).

Source: ARN

Don't make NBN "another Optus": residents group

A community group in Sydney's inner west that prevented Optus from stringing aerial hybrid fibre coaxial cables in its streets has warned the Government not to make the NBN a repeat performance.

Source: iTnews Australia

UK Govt proposes cutting Web access to file sharers

Repeat offenders who persist in illegally downloading music from file-sharing sites such as Limewire could be blocked from accessing the Web under British government proposals issued on Tuesday.

Source: iTnews Australia

Tue, 25th Aug 2009

ISPs should pay no mind to the cap

One of the great anomalies of the Australian broadband industry is the existence of usage caps, which around the world are virtually non-existent.

Source: The Age

TIO: We're doing the telcos' job for them

The telecommunications sector has copped flak once again after it was revealed that telcos have been slacking off on minor complaints, leaving the work to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO).

Source: ARN

Internode ramps up enterprise offerings in the eastern states

In a bid to woo enterprise customers in the eastern states, Internode has tripled its NSW datacentre capacity and is unleashing its symmetrical broadband service in Sydney and Melbourne.

Source: ARN

NBNco joins Communications Alliance

NBNco has become a member of Communications Alliance, a telecommunications industry body.

Source: ARN

ACCC pricing process 'ridiculous' and 'stupid'

The consumer watchdog's draft pricing for fixed-line wholesale services will kill new investment in copper-based broadband, punching a big hole in any interim planning in the lead up to the years-away NBN roll-out, access seekers say.

Source: iTWire

Telstra gears up for zettabyte era: deploys Cisco ASR 9000 edge routers in Next IP

Cisco has announced that Telstra is deploying its ASR 9000 multiservice edge routers to support a range of bandwidth intensive, content-based services, such as video.

Source: iTWire

TIO names and shames Australia's worst telcos

The Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has released a report that reveals how Australia's top ten telcos have fared when it comes to resolving customer complaints.

Source: iTnews Australia

Dutch ISP heralds end of net neutrality

A Dutch ISP intends to severely restrict users' bandwidth when accessing certain web sites.

Source: PC Authority

Pipe in turf war over oval

Residents are unhappy over the state of their oval after Pipe took it over for a year for construction work.

Source: Australian IT

Mon, 24th Aug 2009

Telstra local loop access prices tipped to rise

The ACCC has proposed a three-year "adjustment path" to cushion the impact of increases in the cost of ISPs accessing unconditioned local loop services on the Telstra fixed network.

Source: iTnews Australia

Telco complaints grow 1.8 percent in three months

Telcos have drawn the Communications Minister's ire for failing to deal with 'small' complaints before they are escalated to the telecommunications industry ombudsman (TIO).

Source: iTnews Australia

NBN Co joins Communications Alliance

NBN Company has joined Communications Alliance, the peak body for the Australian communications industry.

Source: iTWire

How to Get a Good Broadband Deal, Part 7: Avoid the 24 month lock-in

Pre-paid wireless broadband is in vogue right now, and offers an attractive way to get a good deal without a 24-month contract. But how much are you really saving?

Source: PC Authority

Telstra should plan for separation

If Telstra is serious about engaging with the Federal Government over the National Broadband Network it should immediately start the work needed to break itself in two.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Photos: Optus D3 satellite blasted into orbit

Optus' D3 satellite successfully entered orbit over the weekend after lift-off from the Arianespace facility in French Guiana.

Source: iTnews Australia

ACCC calls for industry comment on fixed line services pricing

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued draft pricing principles and indicative prices for six fixed line wholesale services, which allow Telstra competitors to provide fixed voice and broadband services over Telstra's copper network.

Source: Computerworld

Pipe Networks PPC-1 fibre sees first light

Pipe Networks initiated testing of its Sydney to Guam optic fibre link with a successful first light transmission.

Source: ARN

Australian Optus D3 satellite launched on Ariane 5

The latest Optus satellite was put into orbit this weekend by an Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift launcher.

Source: iTWire

Sat, 22nd Aug 2009

The ISP Q&A Series: Telstra

The ISP Q&A Series is a look at the opportunities Australian ISPs have for resellers.

Source: ARN

Smooth sailing for NBN Works program

A month after its inception, the Communications Alliance's National Broadband Network Works program (NBN Works) is running on schedule.

Source: ARN