Broadband News
Tue, 18th Dec 2018
Telstra boosts subsea cable portfolio with 25 per cent stake in Southern Cross
Telstra will purchase a 25 per cent stake in Southern Cross Cable Network (SCCN), joining existing shareholders Spark New Zealand, Optus’ parent company Singtel and Verizon Business.
Source: Computerworld
NBN to replace top-tier fixed wireless plan with best-effort service
In mid-next year, NBN will offer a best-effort fixed wireless service that it claims will offer 60/20Mbps in non-busy periods.
Source: ZDNet Australia
New complaint handling rules send a ‘clear warning’ to telcos: ACCAN
Telecommunications consumer interest lobby group the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) says the enforcement of new complaint handling rules for telcos will drive better conduct by the telco industry, and sends a clear warning to the industry that they must take their obligations seriously.
Source: iTWire
Telstra declares Sydney and Melbourne sites 5G-ready
Telstra has upgraded two base stations in Sydney and one in Melbourne in preparation for the expected launch next year of its first 5G services.
Source: ARN
Telcos get final warning over complaint-handling rules
There are 31 telecommunications providers who are facing enforcement action for not documenting its complaint handling processes appropriately.
Source: ARN
Regional NBN users to get faster download speeds, but upload speeds to halve
Despite a technology tweak that promises higher speeds on the NBN fixed wireless network, download rates during the evening busy period are unlikely to change.
Source: ABC News
NBN Co to re-launch fixed wireless at up to 75 Mbps
NBN Co has announced a significant restructuring and relaunch for its fixed wireless services that will see the product reach for 75 Mbps downloads in the year 2020, as revealed by iTnews in August.
Source: iTnews Australia
Mon, 17th Dec 2018
Government gives NBN Co more time to pay off its loan
NBN Co will have an additional three years to pay off a loan from the government intended to plug the gap between the cost of the NBN rollout and the cap on the total equity contributions from Canberra.
Source: ARN
ACCAN: consumers must be first when VHA-TPG merger considered
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network says the proposed merger between Vodafone Hutchison Australia and TPG Telecom must be viewed through the lens of ensuring consumers a competitive and affordable telco sector.
Source: iTWire
Fri, 14th Dec 2018
NBN says 1.3 percent of FttN lines sit below 25Mbps after co-existence ends
The company has also revealed that it has purchased 27,600 kilometres of copper cable.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Vocus’ newest subsea cable hit by fault
Vocus has confirmed a fault on its Australia Singapore Cable (ASC) system.
Source: Computerworld
Coalition of ‘challenger’ telcos campaigns against TPG-Vodafone merger
Telecommunications coalition Commpete has welcomed a decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to seek further input before greenlighting the merger of TPG and Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA).
Source: ARN
NetComm launches NBN-ready modem with 4G backup
ASX-listed networking company NetComm Wireless has unveiled a new dual-mode gateway device that can be used to connect to the NBN or to New Zealand’s Ultra-Fast Broadband network.
Source: Computerworld
Foxtel hit with $25k fine for telemarketing breaches
Broadcast giant Foxtel has been caught in a crackdown on compliance with telemarketing laws and fined $25,200 for breaching requirements for telemarketers to end a call immediately when asked.
Source: iTWire
Thu, 13th Dec 2018
Telstra accuses NBN of charging too much for internet access
Telstra slams the National Broadband Network for doubling the cost of internet access, but NBN Co rejects the allegations and points to improved services.
Source: ABC News
NBN Co reveals 58 percent of HFC network still unserviceable
NBN Co has revealed that 58 percent of its hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) footprint remains unserviceable, seven months after the sales freeze on connections was lifted.
Source: iTnews Australia
TPG, Vodafone $15bn merger met with ACCC 'concerns'
TPG and Vodafone are yet to convince the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) of the merits of their proposed $15 billion merger.
Source: iTnews Australia
TPG and Vodafone plunge as ACCC signals intent to block their merger
Red flags are raised about TPG's plan to merge with Vodafone, leaving open the possibility that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission may block the deal.
Source: ABC News
Vodafone says working closely with ACCC on merger issues
Vodafone Hutchison Australia says it has engaged closely with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about its proposed merger with TPG Telecom, providing significant information about the consumer benefits and challenges faced by providers.
Source: iTWire
Telstra launches revamp of services for small business
Telstra has unveiled a major revamp of its support for Australian small businesses, including a new mobile and tablet plan with no lock-in contract and no excess data charges in Australia.
Source: iTWire
Wed, 12th Dec 2018
Govt estimates fixed voice users in NBN satellite and wireless areas
The government has offered a glimpse of the number of fixed voice services that remain active in the NBN fixed wireless and Sky Muster footprints.
Source: iTnews Australia
Telstra announces T22 small business plans
No lock-in contracts, 24/7 IT support, more small business specialists, unlimited data broadband plans, and Telstra Business Technology Centres have been announced under the telco's new small business offerings.
Source: ZDNet Australia
NBN Co technicians missed 430 appointments a day
NBN Co’s technicians missed an average of 430 appointments a day in the year to June 30 this year.
Source: iTnews Australia
Telstra CEO: No free emergency texts for Queensland
Telstra provides emergency alert text messages to Queensland residents as part of a commercial contract with the state government, with CEO Andy Penn saying it will not do so for free.
Source: ZDNet Australia
ACCC launches pricing inquiry for Telstra copper regulation
The ACCC is considering whether to price Telstra's regulated copper and ADSL services in reference to pre- and post-NBN completion periods.
Source: ZDNet Australia
Competition watchdog prepares for new ruling on Telstra wholesale prices
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched a preliminary consultation on the pricing and non-price terms and conditions of access for a range of services delivered over Telstra’s copper network.
Source: Computerworld
ACCC prepares to gather more NBN data from telcos
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued new rules for Internet service providers (ISPs) that will require them to periodically hand over to the ACCC a range of data relating to services on their networks.
Source: ARN
Tue, 11th Dec 2018
17.5k NBN satellite users have no 3G
Around 17,500 Sky Muster satellite users have no 3G coverage, and NBN has not taken into account obstructions that could also limit mobile coverage.
Source: ZDNet Australia
How your apps and phone could change after ACCC recommendations
Australians consumers could soon become much more active participants in the collection of their data and the selection of the internet tools available on their chosen devices.
Source: SMH
Mon, 10th Dec 2018
Facebook, Google face crackdown as ACCC calls out their market dominance
The internet media giants would be required to make it clearer to consumers how their private information is used, get proper consent and face significant penalties for breaching privacy laws, according to a report by the consumer watchdog.
Source: ABC News