Broadband News

Wed, 01st Sep 2010

Analysts explains why some telcos don't want an NBN

Analysts have provided lukewarm responses to an open letter from senior telco executives that criticises the Government's National Broadband Network.

Source: ARN

Telcos back coalition-style NBN, slam Labor

A new telecommunications lobby group laden with telco chiefs has trashed the $43 billion National Broadband Network (NBN) and backed a privately-run wireless network worth some $3 billion that is reminiscent of coalition policy which it dubbed NBN 3.0.

Source: ZDNet Australia

NBN3 Wireless plan needs 4G spectrum fast-track

A wireless National Broadband Network proposal aired late yesterday called for the expedited release of 4G spectrum by regulators as well as access to Telstra backhaul and mobile towers to cut out further costs.

Source: iTnews Australia

Telcos lob broadband grenade: Abbott may be right

An alliance of large telcos has lobbed a last-minute grenade into talks around who will form the next government by proposing a new broadband plan that appears more aligned with the Coalition's policy than Labor's national broadband network.

Source: SMH

Tue, 31st Aug 2010

Rebel yell: NBN 3.0 is a much better idea

A splinter group of rebel telecommunications players have broken with their Australian brethren's long-standing support for Labor's National Broadband Network policy, publishing their own NBN 3.0 model in an apparent attempt to influence the independent members of parliament who may decide the next Federal Government.

Source: ARN

Gillard cautions against "savage" NBN cuts

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has argued that the national broadband network should not be cut or savaged "just when it's making a real difference".

Source: iTnews Australia

20 things to do with a big, fast Internet plan: Listen to Internet radio

Digital radio might offer access to a few dozen stations, but internet radio over broadband brings the world to your doorstep.

Source: PC Authority

Vividwireless goes social, open source to attract uni students

University students will form the target demographic of vividwireless' push into the Sydney and Melbourne market as it ramps up the national rollout of its WiMAX network.

Source: Computerworld

Broadband ranks low in Kennedy

Bob Katter won't find a single paragraph devoted to broadband in a briefing prepared by two local government officials.

Source: Australian IT

NBN top priority for Wilkie

Key independent Andrew Wilkie has named completion of Tasmania's National Broadband Network in a list of requirements to win his support.

Source: Australian IT

Mon, 30th Aug 2010

NBN to survive but not intact: Budde

The National Broadband Network appeared likely to survive a fierce debate over its immediate future but would not escape unscathed, said telecommunications analyst Paul Budde.

Source: iTnews Australia

Internode unveils FetchTV trial

National broadband provider Internode will follow its larger rivals Telstra and iiNet into the brave new world of online entertainment, revealing plans tonight to kick off an internet television trial in late September.

Source: Delimiter

Nationals blast Labor's NBN project

Nationals leader Warren Truss has blasted Labor's National Broadband Network project as increasing signs continue to build that the clutch of independent MPs who will decide the next Federal Government are highly concerned about telecommunications and broadband as an issue.

Source: Delimiter

Telstra unveils "unlimited" wireless broadband for business

Telstra was targeting business buyers with a familiar consumer strategy by revealing an "unlimited" wireless broadband deal today for fleet purchasers of its new Ultimate USB modems.

Source: iTnews Australia

Tassie NBN makes Wilkie wish list

Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has placed the completion of the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Tasmania as one of his top priorities, in a list delivered ahead of meetings with both Labor Leader Julia Gillard and Liberal Leader Tony Abbott this week.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Exetel chief: Ageing Australia doesn't want 1Gbps

The fiery chief executive of internet service provider Exetel has opened fire on the National Broadband Network's support for 1Gbps speeds, saying those excited by the higher speeds are "unthinking and just plain stupid", with wireless broadband waiting in the wings.

Source: ARN

Broadband now a utility like power and water?

Should we now consider Broadband a necessity of life, a utility in the same way we consider water, electricity and gas? According to a newly released poll, the answer is a resounding yes.

Source: iTWire

FetchTV proves a big hit at iiNet

Internet service provider iiNet's trial of internet-delivered pay-TV service FetchTV has been a resounding success, according to iiNet.

Source: Australian IT

Video: Telstra tests 'Ultimate' Next G modem

In this video, Telstra wireless engineer, Jared King, speed tests the telco's Ultimate USB modem around Melbourne. The modem isn't on sale yet, but when it is released it should provide a significant speed boost through its use of dual-carrier technology.

Source: Delimiter

NBN doubts hit property developments

Uncertainty over Labor's $43 billion National Broadband Network is causing chaos in new commercial and residential property projects.

Source: Australian IT

Fri, 27th Aug 2010

Independents to get NBN cost briefings

After several days of back and forth between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Coalition leader Tony Abbott, an agreement has been reached to amend caretaker conventions and provide the three independents at the centre of the electoral crossfire with policy costing briefings, including a look into the true cost of the National Broadband Network and the Coalition alternative.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Final independent backs Labor's National Broadband Network

The final potential independent MP that may decide which party becomes the Australian Government, Andrew Wilkie, has come out in support of Labor's National Broadband Network.

Source: ARN

NBN speeds not necessary for healthcare identifier service

The Labor government's proposed $43 billion national broadband network (NBN) isn't necessary for the rollout of the health record identifiers, according to the head of the National eHealth Transition Authority (NEHTA).

Source: Computerworld

NBN 101: Floating the submarine cable question

A look at the international submarine cable situation, and why it isn't an argument against the NBN.

Source: Computerworld

Thu, 26th Aug 2010

The Internet in 2025, according to Cisco

Cisco and the Monitor Group's Global Business Network have published "The Evolving Internet, a report that "examines the driving forces and uncertainties that will shape the Internet - and the $US3 trillion market it enables - from now through 2025."

Source: iTWire

TransACT to upgrade Canberra fibre network

TransACT will add half a terabyte to its fibre network capacity as part of a network upgrade.

Source: iTnews Australia

Windsor pings Abbott; asks for NBN costings

New South Wales independent MP Tony Windsor says he would be surprised if Opposition leader Tony Abbott doesn't submit his election promises to Treasury for costing, calling it a poor start to discussions he may have with the Coalition over forming a government.

Source: iTWire

A broadband compromise is a good thing

Last week the electorate had to choose between two broadband plans. This week, independent MP Rob Oakeshott says it's not a choice between rock or paper, there can also be scissors.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Wed, 25th Aug 2010

Windsor challenges Gillard on NBN price tag

Independent MP Tony Windsor has challenged the Gillard government to provide "the real figure" for its broadband plan for Australia.

Source: iTnews Australia

iiNet to take on 60 AAPT staff

Less than two months after transitioning from Microsoft Exchange to Gmail, some AAPT employees will have to switch back.

Source: Computerworld