Broadband News
Fri, 04th Jun 2010
NBN needs more focus on wireless and satellite: Coutts
Big question marks still hang over how the seven to 10 per cent of the Australian population not covered by optical fibre under the National Broadband Network (NBN) will receive high-speed broadband.
Source: Computerworld
Foxtel, Telstra wrestle with net TV
Foxtel has asked the ACCC to approve a deal that would make its service available only to Telstra broadband customers.
Source: Australian IT
Telstra pumps up network for IPTV
The nation's largest telco, Telstra, has unveiled plans to substantially rework its network infrastructure to deal with a massive influx of data expected to flow through its pipes as part of its IPTV strategy, which will this month see its flagship T-Box device launch.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Thu, 03rd Jun 2010
Telstra reveals homegrown content delivery network
Telstra has rolled out a new content delivery network (CDN) across its Next IP network, and plans to extend its content distribution using a dozen small data centres spread throughout Australia's major cities.
Source: iTnews Australia
Optus 'unlimited' claims land it in court
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has instituted legal proceedings against Optus for wrongly advertising "unlimited" calls.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Only 45% accept free NBN fibre connection
Only 45 per cent of the 5000 households included in the first phase of the Tasmanian National Broadband Network have consented to NBN Co conducting free installation of a unit on the outside of their dwelling, which would allow them to connect to the network.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Telstra shock: cheaper broadband trial
Telstra's new naked DSL trial hints at a change of strategy. See how much it costs and why it's grabbed broadband users' attention.
Source: PC Authority
iiNet to offer Cisco routers to business customers
iiNet is ramping up its services for business customers by offering a range of Cisco routers as add-ons to its 'Business Pack' bundles of Internet, voice and other services for SMEs.
Source: iTWire
Telstra hard man to head NBN battle
Telstra's hardened regulatory pugilist Tony Warren has been appointed to head the telco's national broadband network negotiating team.
Source: Australian IT
Wed, 02nd Jun 2010
Exetel moves to terminate unprofitable accounts
Australian ISP Exetel has moved to terminate a number of unprofitable accounts, asking some users of its broadband service to move to another provider. In addition, according to a newsletter sent to customers yesterday, the "off-peak" period, which does not count towards an account holder's main usage quota, will be cut from 12 hours to six for new customers and will no longer be unlimited.
Source: PC World
Proxy-based search engine joins local filter battle
A Netherlands-based meta-search engine has opened its doors in Australia for the first time in an effort to help users circumvent the Government's proposed mandatory Internet filtering scheme.
Source: Computerworld
Conroy denies NBN election sweetener claims
The Federal Government has dismissed reports its roll-out of the national broadband network in Tasmania is being altered to win votes in the state's marginal northern electorates.
Source: ABC News
Telstra BigPond trials naked DSL
Telstra's BigPond yesterday launched a four-to six-week trial of two kinds of naked DSL to "assess customer demand".
Source: ZDNet Australia
Govt's sweet $16m for NBN ads
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's office confirmed yesterday that the government will be embarking on a $16 million advertising campaign to increase awareness about the National Broadband Network.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Is Telstra's DNS server borked?
My company uses a wide-area Telstra private network. This is Australia's largest telecommunications carrier but maybe they don't visit their own site. As far as I can tell, Telstra's DNS server is not giving out any addresses for telstra.com - but differing Telstra departments say it's not their problem.
Source: iTWire
Tue, 01st Jun 2010
iiNet, Primus split on filter
Primus CEO Ravi Bhatia has made a rare and brave show of support for Senator Conroy's plans to introduce a mandatory ISP-level internet filter, in stark contrast to the position taken by fellow service provider iiNet.
Source: iTnews Australia
Network operations centre for NBN up and running
The Tasmanian network operations centre (NOC) for the National Broadband Network (NBN) has been launched by Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy.
Source: Computerworld
Internode rolls into Mount Gambier with ADSL2+, SHDSL and hotspots
Internode has installed its own DSLAM at the Telstra exchange in Mount Gambier, 450kms from Adelaide, enabling it to offer ADSL2+ services to consumers and businesses, symmetrical SHDSL service to businesses and WiFi hotspots.
Source: iTWire
OptiComm's Tasmanian NBN network ops centre opens
OptiComm has opened its network operations centre for the Tasmanian NBN, in the Hobart suburb of Cambridge.
Source: iTWire
iiNet confirms NBN pricing
National broadband provider iiNet this morning confirmed its final pricing plans for its National Broadband Network fibre offerings in the early stage roll-out sites in Tasmania, noting also that it had signed up its first customers of the service.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Broadband bargain hunters neglect customer service
Consumers are too fixated with cut-priced broadband and neglecting the importance of good customer service, according to industry groups.
Source: ARN
NBN shortlists satellite operators
NBN Co is weeks away from issuing a request for tenders to satellite network operators hoping to get a slice of the $43 billion project.
Source: Australian IT
AAPT hopes to lure iPad users to unlimited broadband
AAPT is hoping is the final straw that convinces Australians to make the final leap to unlimited broadband.
Source: PC Authority
Mon, 31st May 2010
Conroy's outright lie: iiNet does not support net filtering
National broadband provider iiNet today rejected Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's claim over the weekend that it welcomed the Government's filtering project.
Source: APC Magazine
Optus' blurry iPhone pics are unacceptable
Optus' decision to minimise network congestion by reducing the quality of website images displayed on devices like the iPhone, without mentioning the adjustment in its terms and conditions, is unacceptable.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Opticomm readies NBN Tasmania NOC
The NBN Tasmania network operations centre will officially launch tomorrow with three staff, according to contracted operator Opticomm.
Source: iTnews Australia
NBN could force govt's hand on LTE
Telcos are clamouring for clarity around plans for next-generation wireless spectrum, but Stephen Conroy has been so distracted lately that enabling the NBN's 4 per cent seems to be on the back burner. The right approach could kill two birds with one stone - and keep Australia from missing yet another broadband boat.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Hotels skimp on better broadband services
While pressures from the global financial crisis have eased, major hotel chains still aren't rushing to update in-room technology, and there's no immediate relief in sight for tech-starved travelers.
Source: iTnews Australia
iiNet: Conroy misrepresents our filtering stance
iiNet has rejected public statements from Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, that it supports the Government's proposed Internet filtering policy.
Source: ARN
Calls for internet access to be enshrined as a fundamental right
Internet use has become so woven into everyday life that some technology experts say online access should be legally protected, even to the point of considering it a human right.
Source: SMH