Broadband News

Tue, 31st Aug 2010

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

Comms Alliance NBN Project to forge ahead

The Communications Alliance NBN Project will seek to assist the Coalition’s broadband plan should it win support of the independent ministers that hold the balance of power to form a minority government.

Source: Computerworld

Government under fire from independents over $43 billion NBN price tag

The Labor Government is set to get intense scrutiny over its $43 billion National Broadband Network with key independent politician, Tony Windsor, singling it out as having a 'fictitious' cost.

Source: ARN

Coalition mulls broadband options

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has remained tight-lipped on any changes to his broadband policy to woo regional independents, but an analysis of his plan shows he could boost rural services in the next three years without a budget blowout.

Source: The Age

Tue, 24th Aug 2010

Spin offers first 2TB ADSL plan - UPDATED

ISP Spin has trumped iiNet and Primus with the announcement of Australia's first 2TB ADSL2+ plan.

Source: iTWire

Katter: Abbott's broadband plan has too much private ownership

Independent politician, Bob Katter, has arrived in Canberra for talks with the major parties and described the Opposition's broadband plan as having 'too much private ownership'.

Source: ARN

Filter takes back seat for independents

As the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of the parliamentary stalemate, only one of the three independent MPs at the centre of the uncertainty has provided an opinion on controversial cyber-security policies.

Source: ZDNet Australia

Internode readies high quota broadband plans

Internode's managing director, Simon Hackett, has acknowledged that the service provider will provide "substantial" upgrades to its broadband plans in response to the recent influx of competetive plans with high monthly data quotas, but said it would be a few weeks until anything is announced.

Source: Computerworld

NBN Co ceases all new operations

The company responsible for the rollout of the Labor Government’s National Broadband Network, NBN Co, has all but frozen new operations. It comes after the company was given a $300 million equity injection.

Source: ARN