Primus: 'We're ready for NBN'

Stephen Withers
Monday, 15 March 2010 14:00

IT Industry - Development

Primus Telecom is aiming to be one of the first ISPs to offer retail NBN services.

Primus claims to be ready to deliver a variety of services over the NBN, and is preparing a range of retail plans.

Following today's NBN Co proof of concept launch, Primus CEO Ravi Bhatia said "We are thrilled to be partnering with NBN Co to provide state-of-the-art communications in Tasmania. This proof of concept really demonstrates the capabilities of the new generation high-speed fibre network and gives everyone the opportunity to see the potential of services that can be provided over the new the FTTH network."

Services demonstrated by Primus included high-definition video, VoIP, movies on demand, and streaming from the ABC's iView 'catchup TV' site.

"This showcase has demonstrated that Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) services are close to being a reality for Australia, bringing the next generation of internet services to homes and businesses across the country and there is a huge opportunity for customers to receive an internet experience of the future, containing richer media, high-definition video, as well as Internet Television (IPTV) and other advanced services, which we are ready to deliver today," added Bhatia.

Tasmanians should be able to order FTTH services around the middle of the year, according to Primus officials, but there was no indication of the plans and prices the company is planning.

Bhatia suggested the NBN will have a significant impact on the Tasmanian economy. "The availability of reliable bi-directional true 100 Mbps services will lead to the development of new skills, creation of new service industries and hundreds of new high-tech high paying jobs in Tasmania," he said.