Broadband News
Wed, 20th May 2009
Netspace turns on Tasmanian ADSL2+
Melbourne-based internet service provider Netspace today said it had switched on ADSL2+ broadband services in Tasmania, making it one of the first to do so in anticipation of the launch of the Basslink fibre-optic cable across the channel.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Democrats launch anti-filtering site
The Democrats party has launched an anti-censorship web site in the hope of rallying the opponents of internet filtering to its cause.
Source: iTnews Australia
AAPT busts out unlimited off-peak broadband plans
AAPT has fast-tracked the launch of its 'unlimited' ADSL2+ plans which offer users six hours of quota-free downloads per day.
Source: iTnews Australia
Tue, 19th May 2009
NBN panel didn't discuss $43bn NBN ROI
Communications Minister Nick Minchin has attacked the government over reports that the expert panel didn't give any advice on the viability of its $43 billion fibre-to-the-home plan.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Sol sent packing six weeks early
Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo has jetted back to the United States some six weeks earlier than anticipated.
Source: iTnews Australia
Optus makes pitch for Telstra break-up
Optus has added its voice to the chorus calling for the structural separation of Telstra, outlining four key regulatory changes it considers necessary for the success of the Government's $43 billion national broadband network.
Source: Australian IT
Telstra 'will be involved with NBN'
Two of the pivotal figures in persuading the Federal Government to build the national broadband network have said the network will not be rolled out unless Telstra is involved.
Source: The Age
Optus calls for Telstra split by 2010
Optus has made a submission to the Federal Government's review of telecommunications regulation calling for Telstra to be structurally separated by 2010.
Source: iTnews Australia
Pipe's $200m PPC-1 cable lands despite "personal threats"
PIPE International chief Bevan Slattery said that being "personally threatened by a tier one" carrier in October strengthened his resolve to build the $200 million PPC-1 subsea cable, which made its landing in Sydney today.
Source: iTnews Australia
Mon, 18th May 2009
Stephen Conroy's stab in the dark
Federal Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has confirmed what was suspected: in arriving at its estimate that the cost of the revised National Broadband Network (NBN) would be $43 billion, the Rudd Government essentially dreamed up a big number and then added to it.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Telstra has incentive to frustrate broadband plan, Optus says
Optus chief Paul O'Sullivan says he expects Telstra will try to delay the planned national broadband network to maintain its stranglehold on the industry.
Source: Australian IT
Security will make or break NBN potential
E-security is high on the Federal Government's agenda as it prepares for the country's digital future, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said at the region's largest security conference in the Gold Coast this morning.
Source: iTnews Australia
Alcatel-Lucent appoints new chief to head up NBN activities
Alcatel-Lucent has appointed an executive to a newly created position to head up the company's activities on the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Source: iTWire
Security specialists to help NBN build
Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says IT security specialists will help with the detailed design, operating and identity security arrangements needed to underpin the new National Broadband Network.
Source: Australian IT
Sat, 16th May 2009
Government clueless on broadband costs: Minchin
The Federal Opposition is doubtful of the latest government assessment on the cost of upgrading Australia's internet services.
Source: ABC News
Fri, 15th May 2009
Broadband advisers collect $700,000
Taxpayers have been left to front almost $703,000 worth of expenses racked up by the panel of experts who terminated the tender process for the original national broadband network.
Source: Australian IT
Farmers: dig your own trench for NBN access
Telecommunications analysts say there may be one way to ensure regional Australians can connect to the fibre network that underlies the NBN - by digging their own trenches.
Source: iTnews Australia
iiNet refutes AFACT case 'delay' claims
iiNet has sought to discredit claims made by a spokesperson for the film and music industry last week that the ISP had tried to delay its high-profile copyright case in the Federal Court.
Source: iTnews Australia
Minchin to lodge NBN FOI
The Federal Opposition has revealed it will file a freedom of information request Monday to attempt to retrieve the National Broadband Network expert panel and ACCC reports, as cross-bench senators consider whether they will support the Coalition's bid to stall NBN legislation.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Thu, 14th May 2009
Singtel profit dips as Optus grows
Optus owner SingTel has reported a dip in full year net profit, while its Australian-based operations put in a "resilient performance".
Source: Australian IT
Telstra chief takes on ACCC
Telstra's new CEO David Thodey has shown the first signs that he is cast from the same combative mould as his predecessor, after the telco yesterday lodged an appeal to overturn an ACCC ruling on access pricing.
Source: Australian IT
Is telco advertising out of control?
Dodo has been taken to task for misleading advertising. It's one of many cases handled each year by the ACCC.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Adam Internet calls for wider NBN fibre net
Adam Internet has put a case forward to the Federal Government to fast-track broadband infrastructure rollout to towns on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula.
Source: iTnews Australia
Wed, 13th May 2009
Industry groups jostle for NBN influence
Australia's ICT industry groups all want to claim credit for the NBN and play a strategic role in its development. But who has sway over the industry or Government?
Source: iTnews Australia
Rivals fear Telstra broadband grip
A national broadband network born of a union between the federal Government and Telstra would be bad for competition unless regulatory reform accompanied it, according to industry observers.
Source: Australian IT
$53m NBN study incomplete: Opposition
The Federal Opposition has criticised the government's plans to spend $53 million on its National Broadband Network implementation study, claiming the document would be flawed due to the lack of an included rigorous cost/benefit analysis.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Minter Ellison wins Tassie NBN work
Law firm Minter Ellison has been awarded $330,000 worth of work with the federal broadband department for work, which appears to relate to the Tasmanian portion of the National Broadband Network roll-out.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Rural NBN plan gets $80m boost
The federal Government will funnel $80.3 million into a new initiative aimed at promoting broadband take-up in rural and regional Australia.
Source: Australian IT
Tue, 12th May 2009
Federal Government plan to split up Telstra
The federal Government will offer Telstra the chance to buy up to 49 per cent of its national broadband network, if it agrees to voluntarily hive off its wholesale arm.
Source: News Limited
Nathan Rees establishes NBN taskforce
The New South Wales State Government has established a taskforce to ensure Sydney is prepared for the roll-out of the National Broadband Network and to pitch to host its company headquarters.
Source: ZDNet Australia