Internode calls an end to 'fraudband' plans

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 08 December 2009 05:42

Your IT - Home IT

National ISP Internode has dropped its old 256Kbps and 512Kbps plans, and will deliver a minimum of 1500Kbps to new customers. The company has also announced a "truly unlimited" plan.

ADSL2+ is decidedly speedy - at least for those who are outside the existing cable and fibre networks - but it isn't available everywhere.

Regular ADSL can provide speeds of 1500Kbps, but some carriers artificially restrict the speed according to how much a customer is prepared to pay.

Internode has announced it will no longer offer speed-restricted plans to new customers, who will instead receive at least 1500Kbps service.

"Internode has eliminated 'fraudband' and now offers all new customers at least a 1.5Mbps ADSL service, plus options to go much faster for those who need it," said Internode managing director Simon Hackett.

"256K and 512K ADSL speeds are so '2001' – and now they're gone!" he added.

Internode's Home ADSL Standard (1500Kbps maximum) plans now start at $49.95 for 5GB downloads and unmetered uploads, with no extra charge if the quota is exceeded (shaping applies instead), and range up to the "truly unlimited" plan at $149.95 per month.

Also new are 200GB download plans for Extreme and NakedExtreme ADSL2+ services.

The company also announced a $10 discount for customers that take NodeLine phone service as well as an ADSL Fast (ADSL2 or ADSL2+) or ADSL Standard plan.

"These revisions give our customers greater choice without the complexity that previously existed" said product manager Jim Kellett.

"The introduction of bundles for broadband and telephony services reflects Internode stepping up to meet a broader range of our customers' needs. It rewards their loyalty to Internode, which we value highly," he added.