iPhone 3G: Telstra slams Optus over allegedly misleading 3G claims

by Alex Zaharov-Reutt

Thursday, 12 June 2008

Page 1 of 3 ! Exclusive: Telstra has seriously questioned Optus statements over its 900MHz 3G network, saying it is “concerned that Optus may represent to customers that they can enjoy a range of 3G features and services... [but that those] features and services will not be available if the 3G device is incompatible with Optus’ 3G 900 Mhz network”. Although Telstra didn’t mention the iPhone 3G, the timing coincides with recent comments from Optus CEO Paul Sullivan. From analyst firm Ovum warning rural and regional Australians that an iPhone 3G from purchased from Optus or Vodafone will not work in 3.5G HSDPA coverage serviced by 900MHz towers, through to our own questions on the matter in an article yesterday, through to much other similar media concern, questions remain over the iPhone 3G merely being the iPhone 2G for some Optus and Vodafone customers. Part of this potential scandal has emerged thanks to comments by Optus CEO Paul Sullivan who, in a joint press release with Apple Australia announcing launch of the iPhone 3G, who said: “iPhone 3G is the handset Australians have been waiting for.” Sullivan continued: “With Optus, more iPhone users can enjoy 3G services as we expand our network to 96 percent of the population by December 2008 and 98 percent by December 2009. We look forward to providing our unique services and content to consumers and business customers via this outstanding handset.” In a previous article, iTWire asked “How exactly will around 40% of people in rural and regional areas people soon to be enabled with 900MHz 3.5G be able to take advantage of “enjoy[ing] 3G services” when the iPhone won’t work in the 900MHz frequency?” Now Telstra has decided to pounce and warn Optus it is wondering the same thing, with Peter Taylor, Telstra spokesperson saying: “A lot of new devices are now supporting 850 and 2100 frequencies as many carriers around the world follow in Telstra’s footsteps after the launch of the Next G network.” Taylor continued: “It’s important that consumers understand when they are choosing their mobiles that some of these new phones simply won’t work properly on other frequencies like 900”. Taylor ended by saying that: “Just this week Singtel Optus’ CEO was claiming a new mobile would operate on its proposed 3G network but failed to mention it was on the wrong frequency. It’s like someone claiming they can get cable TV without a cable.” Although Taylor has put it lightly, it’s a different story when the legal eagles get involved, and iTWire has received a copy of a faxed letter sent to Ms Trudi Bean, Corporate Counsel of SingTel Optus Pty Ltd, which is re-printed in full on the next page. Please read on to page 2. << First page <   1 2 3 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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