Telstra replies to broadband slam column

Stan Beer
Monday, 26 February 2007 17:48

IT Industry - Deals

Dear iTWire,

The inaccurate and intemperate column posted by Adam Turner, even presented as 'opinion', cannot pass uncorrected.

It wrongheadedly bases its 'argument' on the premise that customers planning significant internet downloads are somehow restricted by 'entry level' or 'lite' plans with limited download allowances.

While low cost, limited download plans are an industry standard, there is a huge range of plans with varying download allowances available across the ISP marketplace. While BigPond members have access to 'unmetered' downloads from our music, movies, games and sport content sites, those customers with moderate or significant downloading requirements can access "Liberty" (10GB or 12GB then shaped), 20GB, 25GB and 60GB plans.

Our unmetered content means that most BigPond customers can download BigPond Music, Movies, Games and Sport without incurring any additional access charges.

Our market leadership and growing market share would indicate consumers agree.

Turner also is wrong to suggest BigPond members are locked into 24 month plans. They can, and do, change between speed and download allowance plans without charge, as their needs change.

Finally, it is utter nonsense to link Reeltime’s reported difficulties with BigPond download allowances, particularly given that Reeltime had extensive arrangements with other ISPs for free download traffic. BigPond customers are free to use any service they want and we have plans that allow for that. The fact is, with BigPond's music, movies, games and sports sites, are all about offering consumers choice. Any serious analysis of Reeltime would look at its business model, cost structure, content deals, marketing and product offering rather than scapegoating competitors.

In closing, Telstra and BigPond are committed to improving broadband for Australian consumers. We have taken our network speeds as far as the current regulatory environment facilitates. If we are to progress to the cutting edge of high speed broadband with a 100Mbps network (and Telstra is ready and willing to take Australia there in an appropriate regulatory environment), the likes of ITWire and Adam Turner would best put their efforts to helping us achieve this outcome, which will benefit all Australians.

Yours sincerely

Craig Middleton

Corporate Affairs Manager

Telstra BigPond