Optus broadband slowdown snafu strikes

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Tuesday, 26 May 2009 09:56

Opinion and Analysis

I’ll have to call them to find out, but now that Optus’ “accidental deceit” for Naked DSL users has been uncovered, my trust in commercial organizations, governments and more is wearing thinner and thinner by the cyber second.

If there is ever going to be a revolution, it’s the little things like this which will eventually tip us all over the edge.

It’s the little things that end up counting for a lot, after all.

There’s not much ARPU to be earned, Optus, when there’s rebellion in the streets and call centres are on fire.

I hardly think this is going to happen anytime soon, but honestly, can we get a little honesty from our telcos, please?

I mean, I know I'm pouring on the mock "outrage", but a return to basic value, basic fact checking by telco lawyers and more wouldn't go astray!

After all, it isn't the first snafu Optus has made - I managed to catch Optus in another "fine print" error when it originally launched its "Timeless" plans - for details, see this story. Optus did correct that error, too, but not until the media spotlight was brightly shone in its direction!

ACCC – you’ve made your threats to telcos in this regard. Perhaps now is a good time for the ACCC to show that isn’t quite the toothless tiger many have made it out to be?

And yes, I'll be calling Optus to find out whether the 256Kbps "Fusion Plus Plan" shaping promise is for real, or just another snafu. Stay tuned!

Update 26-05-2009: I've called Optus, send them the copy of the PDF of the "Fusion Plus Plan" documentation that I have, and am awaiting as reponse.

Update 27-05-2009: Optus have responded to my question regarind the "Fusion Plus Plan", with a spokesperson noting that "Our guys have cross checked and cross checked again, all speeds covered in the Fusion Ts and Cs and SFoAs are correct for both Consumer and SMB customers."

What this means in English is that the promised "shaped" speeds of 64Kbps on 2GB or 7GB Fusion Plus plans is correct, as is the 128Kbps shaped speed for the 20GB Fusion Plus Plan, and the impressive 256Kbps shaped speed for the "unlimited (30GB) Fusion Plus Plan".

Not too many (if any) other ISPs offer 256Kbps shaped services, so this is good news. It's just a shame it is being highlighted in the midst of a snafu!