Broadband Guide

Times Up... Telstra NBN Bid submitted!

Ronnie — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:54:00 GMT

Telstra has left their NBN bid submission go until literally the eleventh hour before lodging a 'non compliant' proposal. In what seemed like an eternity, the NBN bidding deadline is now closed.

Industry analysts say that it comes as no surprise that Telstra lodged a bid, even after they continuously said they would not do so until they obtained reassurance from the government that the successful applicant would be separated (Structurally or Functionally). Funnily enough, it is believed that Telstra shares would of plummeted significantly, almost to the tune of $10 billion dollars, if Telstra didn't commit to the NBN tender process.

Telstra now joins the likes of Terria, Optus, Axia Netmedia, Acacia and TransACT along with the Tasmanian Government who have also lodged bids as proponents for the upcoming $4.7 billion dollar tax payer funded National Broadband Network project.

The successful applicant is expected to be announced by March 2009 and will have a 5 year window to roll out the entire broadband network. With the NBN bidding process already delayed by several months, and with who knows what type of obstacles (both legal and otherwise) around the corner, the NBN might take longer to implement than we think.

iiNet IPTV service to launch soon

Ronnie — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:41:00 GMT

Australia's third biggest Broadband Internet Service Provider, iiNet, is certainly going through some arduous times at present, and despite facing a massive lawsuit from leading national and International Movie/TV production companies, they've just announced a soon to launch IPTV service.

iiNet's managing director 'Michael Malone' said the company was experiencing rapid growth with their Naked DSL services from disgruntled users who are fed up with paying exorbitant line rental fees. Now with more than 307 DSLAMs across Australia offering broadband speeds fast enough to support IPTV, it's no wonder that many subscribers are leaving their ISPs in droves for iiNet.

Once iiNet's Internet Protocol TV services are launched, users can expect content such as the latest TV Shows and Movies on Demand, live and interactive TV, news, weather and a host of other channels and features. This is not to mention the fact that iiNet IPTV will go head-to-head with Channel 7's Tivo as iiNet's IPTV service will come with a dual tuner free-to-air personal video recorder which is similar to 7's set top box.

See what all the commotion is about and check out iiNet's Naked DSL Plans right here at youcompare Broadband

TransACT TPG runner leaves Terria souless

Ronnie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:29:00 GMT

TransACT and TPG-Soul join AAPT as the mass exodus of Telecommunication Providers who continue to leave the Terria Consortium in droves appear to leave any chance of a successful bid all but diminished.

The impression coming from the Terria camp appears to be quite dire as iiNet's managing director Michael Malone says he's convinced the NBN bidding process is corrupt by stating the government had failed to define the rules for such.

Although Terria chairman Michael Egan said the current spate of withdrawals will not affect their ability to fund the NBN if successful, however on the surface one could be easily forgiven for thinking the Terria consortium is washed up. In any case the NBN show will still roll on with the bidding deadline scheduled for late November.

"The one thing that everyone in the industry agrees on is that this is a bad investment and it's a completely corrupt process. The government is just pissing money up against the wall with this project because it failed to define the rules of the bidding process," Mr Malone said.

Source: AustralianIT

Faster Broadband demanded from Australian Businesses

Ronnie — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:19:00 GMT

Results from a recent survey conducted by AiGroup and Deloitte show that almost 75% of Australian businesses would upgrade to faster broadband if it were available. The highest demand came from remote and provincial regions.

Many businesses are under the impression that they would benefit significantly from faster broadband and that it would also increase financial activity. It's believed that a new national high speed broadband network would assist Australian businesses substantially to compete on a global level.

Source: AustralianIT.com.au

Telstra delivers NBN ultimatum

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:04:00 GMT

The debate on the National broadband Network heats up....

Telstra has mounted what might be its strongest attack to date on any attempt by the government to deny it the right to build the national broadband network on its terms, claiming it will refuse any other builder access to the copper pairs connecting customers and that it will compete vigorously with a non-Telstra NBN using alternative infrastructure. Read more here....

iTWire - Telstra delivers NBN ultimatum

Estimates on NBN costs down says Conroy

Ronnie — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:46:00 GMT

Although the current global financial downturn has witnessed the fall of the Australian dollar, Communication Minister Stephen Conroy has rejected claims by Telstra chief financial officer that it would increase costs for the proposed development of the new national broadband network.

Mr Conroy argues that some of the estimates have actually come down to between 10 and $15 billion, and that it wasn't that long ago when there was speculation that suggested the NBN would cost around $25 billion.

With proponents having until the 26th November to enter bidding submissions, Mr Conroy remarked that there will be a lot more public commentary surrounding the $4.7 billion project that the government will not be buying into.

Many industry analysts are now suggesting that Telstra has tightened up as a favourite to win the broadband network tender rights due to the unsteadiness of the financial market along with the fact that the Terria consortium is now finding it difficult to secure funding. It's also been stated that it would not come as any surprise to see the government relax regulatory guidelines that could of potentially seen Telstra structurally separated.

The current eventuations certainly do make it appear that the government wants the NBN project put to bed and commenced ASAP! I guess it's only a matter of a few months until we see an outcome (finally!).

Vodafone reduces Mobile Broadband prices

Ronnie — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT

In what appears to be an impromptu counteraction to the recent Optus wireless price hikes and in a bid to lure their unhappy wireless broadband campers, Vodafone have reduced monthly costs on their 1GB & 5GB Mobile Broadband Plans by $10 per month respectively.

Without any prior indication, Vodafone Australia implemented the $10 price cuts to both plans only one day after Optus released their price hikes. In some instances it doubled the pricing for a prepaid wireless plan.

The new prices are $19.95 (previously $29.95) for 1GB of data using Vodafone's 3G network on a 'Light Use' plan, while for $39.95 (previously $49.95) you can expect to receive a massive 5GB of data and a free USB modem stick.

What's more, if you do happen to drop out of range on the Vodafone 3G network, you are automatically placed on their 2.5G network opposed to being charged additional fees for roaming on to another network such as Telstra.

Checkout and compare Vodafone's Mobile Broadband Internet Plans right here at Broadband Guide! http://broadbandguide.com.au/vodafone

New guidelines for $76b infrastructure spend

Ronnie — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:05:00 GMT

The current global financial crisis which has left the economy of many countries in turmoil has also forced Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to re-evaluate the distribution of the $76billion for infrastructure projects.

Mr Rudd has indicated that tough and unpopular decisions would have to be taken as a result of the financial crisis. Additional assessment criteria will also cover facets for the new national broadband network project along with many other developments. These guidelines include: How projects expand Australia's productivity; build global competitive advantages; develop cities and regions; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and improve our quality of life. All proponents will be expected not to overstate benefits and underestimate costs for potential infrastructure grants whilst being able to back up all their claims.

It appears that the time of rhetoric and talk is now over and the time for action is upon us. At least we may see commencement on the NBN project sooner rather than later if this latest announcement is anything to go by.

ADSL EXCHANGE INFORMATION

Ronnie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:37:00 GMT

Telstra wholesale have a range of ADSL reports, ADSL Exchange reports and Exchange plans available for Telstra Wholesale customers. Keep in mind that these documents and files are typically for prospective ADSL2 Providers and Broadband Internet Service Providers in general, so if you're not one of these businesses, you should contact you're prospective ISP for associated ADSL information.

Along with a list of enabled ADSL Exchanges, Telstra wholesale will soon be releasing a list of ADSL2+ enabled Exchanges too. Some of their reports, which are updated weekly, include ADSL Capacity; ADSL Relief Plans; Proposed ADSL Enabled Exchanges; DSLAM Unhubbing and Migration Plans; along with ADSL equipment, supporting documents and much more. There is even an information section on Unconditioned Local Loop Services as well.

The Telstra Wholesale documents cover the entire range of Australian Telephone Exchanges and reference State, Town/City area, Exchange description, Broadband range, new zone classifications, HIBIS and Broadband Connect initiatives and enablement dates.

If it's a Broadband Guide to ADSL2 Exchange information that you're after that we can't supply, your next best bet is to check out the ADSL Exchange information at Telstra Wholesale.

New ACCC Access Guidelines for ADSL Exchanges

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:21:00 GMT

Migrating to Unbundled Local Loop services (ULL) such as 'Naked DSL' products from Line Sharing services should only take a maximum of three hours says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission after reviewing Telephone Exchange capping. This is only one of the new guidelines expected to be overhauled for the upcoming NBN regulatory framework.

The ACCC has recently acted upon mountaing complaints from Telstra's rival Telecommunication Providers who argue that Telco is blatantly lying about the number of ports available at their ADSL Exchanges. Installing DSLAM equipment and DSL infrastructure at the ADSL Exchanges has also been a nightmare for frustrated ISP's, especially after waiting in line for months (sometimes over a year) to be told by Telstra that the Exchange has been declared full.

If the NBN is to succeed for the public and provider alike, all Australian ADSL Exchanges will need to be facilitated through regulatory rules. This way every Broadband Provider and Broadband user can be guranteed a fair and prosperous Broadband Industry for all.

ADSL2 Exchanges

admin — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:38:00 GMT

If you're a newcomer to ADSL Broadband Internet and its associated technologies, understanding the jargon may get a tad confusing. To dispel the complexities behind Australian ADSL Speeds and ADSL2 Exchanges, I guess it's important to first understand the difference of such. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), as you should know, is a protocol for delivering data communications over copper lines. ADSL2 & ADSL2+ are improved versions of ADSL and increase coverage distances, broadband speed and bandwidth limits.

ADSL Speeds range from 256k up to 8Mbps (anything below 256k is not deemed as Broadband)
ADSL2 Speeds range from 8Mbps up to 12Mbps (ADSL2 was quickly superseded by ADSL2+)
ADSL2+ Speeds range from 12Mpbs up to 24Mbps (Not available in all areas)

ADSL2 Exchanges are otherwise known as Telephone Exchanges, as ADSL technology currently uses the traditional PSTN telephone line to deliver broadband connectivity. Australian Telecommunication Operator 'Telstra' owns the telephone line infrastructure and wholesale ADSL Broadband to other Telecommunication Providers. In order to obtain ADSL2 Broadband or ADSL2+ Broadband Internet from ADSL2 Providers other than BigPond (such as Optus, iPrimus, Dodo or AAPT), these Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must first install their own DSLAM* (Digital subscriber line access multiplexer) equipment in Telstra's Telephone Exchanges before being able to offer ADSL2 services to you. Otherwise the only other alternative is to become a Telstra reseller (if they let you) and sell ADSL2 plans that way.

More and more Australian Internet Exchanges are being equipped with ADSL2 Broadband connections everyday. Churning ADSL Providers (Internet Transfer of service), is now a faster process with ADSL2 churns starting to become available. Naked DSL Exchanges are the same as an ADSL Exchange, in fact Naked ADSL is not a new technology, moreover a new service that incorporates the home phone line.

Unfortunately there is no assured way (nor resource) for confirming ADSL2 eligibility at this stage. You can use the prospective Provider's coverage checker that's usually located on their site, or search for Plan right here at Broadband Guide. On the other hand if you want to know which Telephone Exchanges are ADSL enabled, you can download the Telstra Wholesale spreadsheet to find out. ADSL Enabled Exchanges : http://www.telstrawholesale.com/products/docs/access_broadband_adsl_en_ex.xls

Search for ADSL, ADSL2 or ADSL2+ Plans in your area right here at Broadband Guide Plan Search.

* Digital subscriber line access multiplexer hardware allows telephone lines to produce faster connections to the internet

gotalk Broadband now listed on Broadband Guide

Ronnie — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:14:00 GMT

Broadband Guide is pleased to announce the inclusion of gotalk to our list of Broadband Internet Service Providers. gotalk was established back in 2000 and is well known for their ADSL and Naked DSL range of products. They are now one of Australia's premier Telecommunication Providers with more than 300 staff and in excess of $160 million in sales per year. gotalk are well on the way of becoming a regular household name by providing top quality and highly competitive products.

Check out gotalk's range of broadband plans right here! http://broadbandguide.com.au/gotalk/adsl/plans

Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans now listed on Broadband Guide

Ronnie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:43:00 GMT

Broadband Guide is pleased to announce the inclusion of Australian Mobile Broadband giant 'Vodafone' to their list of Mobile Broadband Providers. Not only does Vodafone offer a huge range of competitive Mobile Phone Plans, but they're also a leading force behind Australian Mobile Internet Services.

Now you can compare Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans against other leading Australian Mobile Internet Service Providers and find a Mobile Broadband deal that's right for you! Included in the Vodafone Plan range is their extremely popular 'Heavy use 5GB Mobile Broadband Plan' which starts at $49 and boasts 'No Set Up Fees' and a 'Free' Mobile Internet Stick or 'FREE' Mobile Data Card!

See this Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plan, and others just like it, right here! http://broadbandguide.com.au/vodafone/mobile-broadband/plans

Unwired National Network Next Year

Ronnie — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:56:00 GMT

Wireless internet company 'Unwired' plans of deploying a national WiMax network in all metropolitan areas have taken a nose dive as parent company, the 'Seven Group', stated that commercial services might be still up to one year away.

After two delays already, Unwired is now aiming on expanding their WiMax infrastructure beyond Melbourne and Sydney into other capitals but maintain they wish to roll out the new wireless network 'right' opposed to 'rushed'. It's believed the WiMax network improvements have been now set back to late 2008 or early 2009.

The wireless internet company's media parent, Seven Group, said it had begun testing the new network but commercial services might still be up to a year away. A Seven Group spokesman said trials currently under way would enable the company to build a financial structure for the project that was expected to proceed "in the current financial year".

"We're very pleased with the technology and the opportunities with Unwired. We'll do it right, not rushed," the spokesman said.

source: australianit.com.au

ACCAN - New Voice for Telecommunication Complaints

Ronnie — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:21:00 GMT

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) - That's a name you just might need to remember, as the chances are you may need it at some point! The Telecommunications Industry, namely that of Broadband, is the most complained about sector of Australian Business and with a new national broadband network around the corner an agency such as this will be a much needed resource and voice for Australian consumers.

The Federal Government established the new group under growing concerns that consumers were not being given a satisfactory platform in which to voice their discontent. If the unacceptable amount of complaints within the associated industry wasn't enough to provoke the formation of such a group, the future NBN and all it's issues leading up to the transition will certainly warrant the ACCAN's inception.

"What we need is an effective voice for residential and small business consumers, particularly in light of NBN migration, choice and complexity issues," Ms Sinclair said.

“The selection of ACCAN’s founding board members will provide a driving force for the establishment of a more powerful voice in the development of telecommunications policy and industry processes,” Senator Conroy said.

source: New body for telco complaints

"It's TV, Jim, but not as we know it"

Ronnie — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:01:00 GMT

Prepare yourself for the 'TV Wars', and the new content delivery methods which are rapidly emerging with it. That's right, your good 'ol beaut TV set and the way in which your favourite shows are transmitted to you could soon become obsolete as new content devices and technologies appear on the horizon.

Channel Seven's today tonight recently aired a segment that was meant to showcase Kerry Stoke's latest marvel - TiVo. At the same time it appeared to take a swipe at FOXTEL's Pay TV services by educating the masses on where to watch much of the content that currently appears on Pay TV. If you guessed WWW, your exactly right! Much of the content that's currently airing on FOXTEL and AUSTAR can be viewed on the Internet, and for free! Seek and ye shall find.

Terms such as IPTV, TiVo and VOD have, uptil recently, only been used by the internet savvy and broadband enthusiast alike. However this is all about to change as the mainstream gets a taste of things to come in the realm of Broadcast TV content and delivery.

Internet TV is just that. TV content that is stored online and of which can be streamed (downloaded) from the Internet to you. The ABC's new iView service acts as an Internet TV library that allows you to watch anything that was aired on the ABC/ABC 2 over the past 30 days. The service if completely free, all you have to pay for is the data usage.

TiVo is a device which has been pretty much over marketed as a Pay TV competitor, although it's more of an indirect alternative to such. It's a brand of digital video recorder that basically gives a user the ability to capture TV shows (with time shift recording) onto a hard drive. There is also an electronic TV Guide which many people will find quite useful along with many other flexible and helpful features. Perhaps the biggest draw card for TiVo over that of Pay TV is it's future potential with Internet compatibilities. This can be best described by it's ability to connect to a local area network and download content from the internet. The TiVo device is set to become an extremely popular content media portal down the track.

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) uses the Internet to transmit digital television telecasts (opposed to radio waves). Television content is delivered through network infrastructure often using broadband connections. Many people nowdays use media centres and LCD/Plasma TV's to watch content downloaded from the Internet. IPTV is becoming very popular in countries such as the United States and is usually packaged within broadband type services.

VOD (Video on Demand) services can either stream content (for real time 'live' viewing) through a set-top-box, or allow content to be downloaded to a device such as a PC or Digital Video Recorder (e.g. TiVo). It appears to be a very practical method for watching content on demand such as new release movies and live entertainment/sporting events.

Pay TV in Australia has been around for quite a number of years and has enjoyed growing popularity more recently. These other services are relatively new to the scene and still play second fiddle to Pay TV. There is an enormous 'X' factor here that is bound to effect the respective industry in the not so distant future. This factor plays a huge role in the prospects and protocols of many of the services discussed in this article. It's called Broadband, more importantly 'Bandwidth'.

With a new national network just around the corner which is expected to bring robust broadband speeds and capabilities, a flourishing broadcast industry will be sure to follow. So expect these services, and more like them, to bob up and down from time to time, and once the NBN kicks in over the next couple of years, it will be "beam me up Scottie!"

ISP Content Filtering Tests - Results Flawed

Ronnie — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:07:00 GMT

The Government's proposed ISP filters which are meant to safeguard young probing eyes from illicit content found on the web have come up thumbs down after initial test results showed shortcomings. The findings have suggested that the products tested could in fact filter websites that produce illegal content or block peer-to-peer networks, however they could not identify content that is being shared across the P2P networks such as BitTorrent.

The report, released today by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, showed ISP filtering technologies were improving, however it also highlighted significant holes in current technologies to automatically filter content shared over peer-to-peer networks.

source: zdnet.com.au

ABC iView - Video On Demand

Ronnie — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:23:00 GMT

The Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) has unveiled their new iView service which gives users the ability to watch ABC1 and ABC2 programs online for free and up to 30 days after appearing on TV.

iView is a free service that requires nothing more than a high speed internet connection (ABC recommends 11Mbps for optimal viewing) and audio. Despite streaming a resolution that appears to be below that of standard television, even though the ABC has advertised it as 'high definition', iView still transmits a very good quality picture and has a great potential as a free resource nonetheless.

What I would like to point out and make clear to unsuspecting users is, that although the service may be free to use it's still going to guzzle through your usage limit. So unless you're with a provider such as iiNet who doesn't count download usage from the ABC, you could incur a very hefty monthly bill from your ISP if you're not careful.

For example, watching an average iView program could use approximately 300MB per hour (or per episode). For users who are on a basic broadband plan, even one episode could blow your monthly limit. What's worse, if you with a provider who charges (opposed to shapes) your broadband internet connection after you exceed your limit, the charges could be severe.

E.g. Watching 3 x 1 hour iView programs online whilst on a 500MB limit that charges 10c per MB for excess use, could end up and cost you an additional $50 for that month!

The ABC's iView service is very convenient and a leap in the right direction toward IPTV, however, if you intend of using this service be absolutely sure you know how much data you're going to go through! More importantly, know what you're excess usage conditions and limitations are with your Broadband plan otherwise you could be watching nothing online for sometime to come!

source: http://www.abc.net.au/iview

Broadband Internet Access for Cars

Ronnie — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:12:00 GMT

Car manufacturers in Europe and the United States are scrambling to equip new model vehicles with internet access. Although raising grave concerns over safety issues from driver distraction, it's expected that the option of having fast broadband in fast cars will be very enticing.

Australia's current highways and freeways are still a few miles off from having the 'superhighway' in their cars just yet, however it's believed that some Australian car makers are very interested in the possibility of including this feature into their designs.

Chrysler Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis said: "We're very interested in looking at it. With all types of new technology, we always push for them to come here."

Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy said he expected internet access would come to their cars "but there's no timetable as yet".

Source: News.com.au

Wireless Broadband Explained

Ronnie — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:28:00 GMT

We often receive enquiries from those who are new to broadband or don't fully understand how wireless broadband technology operates. In this short article, I'll endeavour to explain the fundamentals of wireless broadband in an attempt to help out novice users and in effect, assist them toward making an informed choice.

Let's start with a rundown on wireless broadband and the benefits and disadvantages of using this type of technology.

Benefits
If there's one word that best describes wireless broadband, it's 'convenience'. The mobility and flexibility that wireless broadband offers is perhaps the main reason behind most decisions for acquiring this type of service. What's more, wireless broadband access has the additional bonus of just that, a 'wire-less' environment. Assuming you have a laptop (notebook) which has a built in battery and are in your wireless broadband providers' coverage area, you will have the ability to use the internet almost anywhere. E.g. Cafés, Car, Bush, Park, Backyard.

Disadvantages
At this point in time fixed (cable) broadband internet technology types such as 'ADSL2+' and 'Cable' are still considered much faster than wireless here in Australia. For example, current accessible broadband speeds for fixed internet connections are up to 30Mbps which is near 20 times the speed of common wireless connectivity (1.5Mbps). Installation difficulties and especially unsecured network protection can act as a deterrent for some prospective broadband buyers. Maintaining a stable connection is also another area of concern, as drop outs or black spots (areas with with no coverage) can become extremely furstrating.

Pros
Wireless environment (absence of network leads)
Ability to roam around without limitations
Convenience of use anywhere and everywhere

Cons
Limited Speeds (considerable slower than fixed line broadband)
Stability/Black Spots (drop outs and areas with no coverage)
Value-for-money (can be considered expensive for a quality service)
Installation/Network Protection (difficulties to install and security/intrusion threat)

Understanding Wireless Broadband Options
There are many people who just want a 'wireless environment' at home so they can roam from room-to-room or relax by the pool whilst surfing the net on their laptop (sound like you?). From various enquiries that I receive here at Broadband Guide, it appears that a significant amount of people also think they need to acquire a 'wireless' broadband plan to have a wire-free environment. Well have I got news for you! A wireless home (house/backyard/back shed), or a small area such as this, can be made wireless by simply using a wireless modem. Yes, most of you know this, but some of you don't!

For example, users have the ability to join up on a Cable or ADSL2+ broadband plan and purchase a wireless modem and thus create a wireless home environment. Whereas true mobile wireless plans gives you the same ability, however, with the correct hardware such as a wireless PCI card or USB adapter/modem, this type of plan additionally gives you the ability to roam anywhere within your providers' coverage area with internet access.

Final Word
Wireless Broadband isn't for everyone. Sure it's can be very convenient, however do you really need it? When taking into consideration the disadvantages like slower speeds, expense or drop outs, and not making full use out of it's mobile nature, the novelty may soon wear off. On the other hand, if it's the freedom of internet access anywhere, for work or leisure, then wireless broadband could be the internet technology type for you.

Compare wireless broadband plans and bundles right here at Broadband Guide. http://broadbandguide.com.au/wireless

AAPT ADSL2+ Broadband Internet Plans now listed

Ronnie — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:16:00 GMT

Broadband Guide is pleased to announce the recent addition of AAPT to the comparison site. AAPT is one of Australia's leading Telecommunication providers who offers internet coverage to most regions of the nation. They are currently being represented on Broadband Guide by five ADSL2+ broadband plans with either a month-to-month contract or discounted 24 month option.

Offering broadband internet speeds of up to 20Mps down, and 1Mbps up, their plans also encompass data usage limits that range from 1GB to 50GB (with no excess usage charges), and also gives you the ability combine a home phone service at a discounted broadband rate.

You can view what AAPT has to offer by visiting here. http://aapt.broadbandguide.com.au/

Message Loud & Clear - Split Telstra!

Ronnie — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:25:00 GMT

The demand for the functional, or structural separation, of Telstra has been a very precariously debated and wide spread topic over recent months. If these calls weren't made loud and clear enough back then, you can bet you're bottom dollar that almost everyone who reads online technology news will know about them now as regulatory submissions for the new national broadband network have now been made public by the government.

These submissions came from a variety of sources ranging from internet service providers, individuals, business and corporate entities including the likes of Google and Intel, through to state government departments. Funnily enough, the majority of the submissions all shared a common theme (or should I say suggestion), separate Telstra either operationally or structurally. The respective submissions (including two from Telstra), will make for interesting reading, especially for those who wish to be further informed on the issues surrounding the national broadband network process and it's regulations.

Industry and public interest groups were invited to provide submissions on regulatory issues associated with the National Broadband Network process.

The Government has reserved the right to not publish submissions or parts of submissions where it considers it appropriate to do so for confidentiality or other reasons.

The views contained in the submissions are those of its authors, and may not represent the views of the Commonwealth or its officers. The Government continues to reserve all of its rights in respect of the Request for Proposals.

Read the Regulatory Submissions at the DBCE

iPrimus Broadband Plans now listed on Broadband Guide

Ronnie — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:12:00 GMT

Broadband Guide is pleased to announce the introduction of iPrimus broadband plans to the site. The new iPrimus Internet products deliver ADSL2+ speeds along with exceptional usage limits and value for money such as that witnessed with the iPrimus ADSL2+ Big Kahuna plan. This plan boasts a massive usage limit of 200GB and can be purchased at a low price of $69.95 when bundled with home phone and mobile services!

Browse and Compare this plan and more iPrimus Broadband 2+ plans right here http://iprimus.broadbandguide.com.au

iiNet Naked DSL Plans - Popularity Soars

Ronnie — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:09:00 GMT

Naked DSL Broadband Internet is a rapidly growing broadband alternative as it gives a user the ability to save extra money by ditching the traditional home phone service. It's popularity is growing so much that it's caused an unexpected profit for iiNet. Subscribers are now ridding themselves of a Telstra landline in favour of their mobile phone, or for those who used their home phone more frequently, a VoIP (Voice of Internet Protocol) Broadband Phone service.

iiNet's Managing Director 'Michael Malone' recently stated that the company is signing up around 1,000 Naked DSL subscribers per week. He also added that iiNet has been very surprised with the Naked DSL uptake as they thought the new service would only appeal to the tech savvy broadband enthusiast therefor remaining a niche product.

If you're interested in Naked DSL and considering an iiNet Naked DSL plan, click on the link below and compare iiNet Naked DSL Internet against other Naked DSL Providers right here at Broadband Guide.

http://iinet.broadbandguide.com.au/adsl/plans

Iinet is claiming Naked DSL subscriber numbers of "over 23,000" customers, from a total customer pool on iiNet DSLAMs of 170,209 customers. So, roughly thirteen percent of iiNet's customers are now living without a PSTN phone line.

"We initially saw Naked DSL as a very niche product", he said. "We expected that the tech geek crowd who loves broadband would go for it, along with Generation Y and their mobile phones. Instead, it's appealed to a much broader audience who don't want to pay line rentals. They see it as dead money. It's not so much to do with saving money as it is not wasting it."

source: iiNet profits bulge from unexpected naked growth

Japanese Satellite Broadband: Fast Broadband or Fastest Broadband?

Ronnie — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:37:00 GMT

High speed broadband internet has been heavily debated in Australia over recent times, especially in conjunction to the upcoming new National Broadband Network project. It's been established that super fast broadband internet will become a valuable and useful tool in the future for our individual needs and business prosperity. The question is, how fast is fast enough and what type of upgradeable, efficient and environmentally sound Broadband technology should we adopt?

Internet speed and technology leaders, on a global scale, appear to have always emerged from Asia, such as Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Other countries currently researching potential broadband technologies for future use could possibly look toward these respective nations for the lead . After all it's these countries who, for years, have previously developed and utilised the likes of FTTN & FTTH broadband networks over a national coverage to achieve speeds in excess of 100Mbps.

One of these technological leaders, Japan, is reaching for the stars by currently trying to harness the potential of satellite broadband technology and is making substantial progress. Forget about wired, fixed or wireless internet because according to the Japan Exploration Agency and the National Institute of Information, a 1.2 gigabits per second satellite speed was achieved in a recent test which is believed to be a record for satellite communications.

In the test conducted back in May this year, a combined up and down satellite speed transmission was recorded at 1.2Gbps (1244Mbps)! In actual terms this figure equates to a whopping 622Mbps each way! Although speeds of this magnitude might not be available to us mere peasants anytime soon, Japan, nonetheless, is intending to offer satellite broadband services to homes and businesses in remote areas (in the event of disaster) along with providing satellite broadband speeds up to 155Mbps by this coming July. This invigorating news makes Australia's plans for a FTTN network already look outdated. A satellite network of this type appears to have the potential which would be ideal for Australia's conditions and it's vast regions whilst providing an 'environmentally friendlier' and 'wire free' environment that would sufficiently meet all our personal and business requirements. However the underlying issue here could revolve around network (load) sustainability. Could the future mean satellite broadband? Didn't we kind of already envisage this the whole time?

In the tests done on May 2, data was transmitted on two 622 Mbps channels, both up to the satellite and down to a receiving antenna. Together, the combined data transmission speed was 1.2 Gbps, according to PC World. Japan launched the Kizuna satellite in February and plans to use it to offer broadband services to homes and businesses in remote areas in the event of disaster. The aerospace agency said it should be able to provide homes with speeds up to 155 Mbps by July.

source: Japan tests super fast satellite broadband