Broadband News and Technology

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) - That's a name you just might need to remember, as the chances are you may need it at some point! The Telecommunications Industry, namely that of Broadband, is the most complained about sector of Australian Business and with a new national broadband network around the corner an agency such as this will be a much needed resource and voice for Australian consumers.

The Federal Government established the new group under growing concerns that consumers were not being given a satisfactory platform in which to voice their discontent. If the unacceptable amount of complaints within the associated industry wasn't enough to provoke the formation of such a group, the future NBN and all it's issues leading up to the transition will certainly warrant the ACCAN's inception. 

"What we need is an effective voice for residential and small business consumers, particularly in light of NBN migration, choice and complexity issues," Ms Sinclair said.

“The selection of ACCAN’s founding board members will provide a driving force for the establishment of a more powerful voice in the development of telecommunications policy and industry processes,” Senator Conroy said.

source: New body for telco complaints

Prepare yourself for the 'TV Wars', and the new content delivery methods which are rapidly emerging with it. That's right, your good 'ol beaut TV set and the way in which your favourite shows are transmitted to you could soon become obsolete as new content devices and technologies appear on the horizon.

Channel Seven's today tonight recently aired a segment that was meant to showcase Kerry Stoke's latest marvel - TiVo. At the same time it appeared to take a swipe at FOXTEL's Pay TV services by educating the masses on where to watch much of the content that currently appears on Pay TV. If you guessed WWW, your exactly right! Much of the content that's currently airing on FOXTEL and AUSTAR can be viewed on the Internet, and for free! Seek and ye shall find.

Terms such as IPTV, TiVo and VOD have, uptil recently, only been used by the internet savvy and broadband enthusiast alike. However this is all about to change as the mainstream gets a taste of things to come in the realm of Broadcast TV content and delivery.

Internet TV is just that. TV content that is stored online and of which can be streamed (downloaded) from the Internet to you. The ABC's new iView service acts as an Internet TV library that allows you to watch anything that was aired on the ABC/ABC 2 over the past 30 days. The service if completely free, all you have to pay for is the data usage. 

TiVo is a device which has been pretty much over marketed as a Pay TV competitor, although it's more of an indirect alternative to such. It's a brand of digital video recorder that basically gives a user the ability to capture TV shows (with time shift recording) onto a hard drive. There is also an electronic TV Guide which many people will find quite useful along with many other flexible and helpful features. Perhaps the biggest draw card for TiVo over that of Pay TV is it's future potential with Internet compatibilities. This can be best described by it's ability to connect to a local area network and download content from the internet. The TiVo device is set to become an extremely popular content media portal down the track.

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) uses the Internet to transmit digital television telecasts (opposed to radio waves).  Television content is delivered through network infrastructure often using broadband connections. Many people nowdays use media centres and LCD/Plasma TV's to watch content downloaded from the Internet. IPTV is becoming very popular in countries such as the United States and is usually packaged within broadband type services.

VOD (Video on Demand) services can either stream content (for real time 'live' viewing) through a set-top-box, or allow content to be downloaded to a device such as a PC or Digital Video Recorder (e.g. TiVo). It appears to be a very practical method for watching content on demand such as new release movies and live entertainment/sporting events.

Pay TV in Australia has been around for quite a number of years and has enjoyed growing popularity more recently. These other services are relatively new to the scene and still play second fiddle to Pay TV. There is an enormous 'X' factor here that is bound to effect the respective industry in the not so distant future. This factor plays a huge role in the prospects and protocols of many of the services discussed in this article. It's called Broadband, more importantly 'Bandwidth'.

With a new national network just around the corner which is expected to bring robust broadband speeds and capabilities, a flourishing broadcast industry will be sure to follow. So expect these services, and more like them, to bob up and down from time to time, and once the NBN kicks in over the next couple of years, it will be "beam me up Scottie!"

The Government's proposed ISP filters which are meant to safeguard young probing eyes from illicit content found on the web have come up thumbs down after initial test results showed shortcomings. The findings have suggested that the products tested could in fact filter websites that produce illegal content or block peer-to-peer networks, however they could not identify content that is being shared across the P2P networks such as BitTorrent.

The report, released today by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, showed ISP filtering technologies were improving, however it also highlighted significant holes in current technologies to automatically filter content shared over peer-to-peer networks.

source: zdnet.com.au

The Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) has unveiled their new iView service which gives users the ability to watch ABC1 and ABC2 programs online for free and up to 30 days after appearing on TV.

iView is a free service that requires nothing more than a high speed internet connection (ABC recommends 11Mbps for optimal viewing) and audio. Despite streaming a resolution that appears to be below that of standard television, even though the ABC has advertised it as 'high definition', iView still transmits a very good quality picture and has a great potential as a free resource nonetheless.

What I would like to point out and make clear to unsuspecting users is, that although the service may be free to use it's still going to guzzle through your usage limit. So unless you're with a provider such as iiNet who doesn't count download usage from the ABC, you could incur a very hefty monthly bill from your ISP if you're not careful.

For example, watching an average iView program could use approximately 300MB per hour (or per episode). For users who are on a basic broadband plan, even one episode could blow your monthly limit. What's worse, if you with a provider who charges (opposed to shapes) your broadband internet connection after you exceed your limit, the charges could be severe.

E.g. Watching 3 x 1 hour iView programs online whilst on a 500MB limit that charges 10c per MB for excess use, could end up and cost you an additional $50 for that month!

The ABC's iView service is very convenient and a leap in the right direction toward IPTV, however, if you intend of using this service be absolutely sure you know how much data you're going to go through! More importantly, know what you're excess usage conditions and limitations are with your Broadband plan otherwise you could be watching nothing online for sometime to come!  

source: http://www.abc.net.au/iview

Car manufacturers in Europe and the United States are scrambling to equip new model vehicles with internet access. Although raising grave concerns over safety issues from driver distraction, it's expected that the option of having fast broadband in fast cars will be very enticing.

Australia's current highways and freeways are still a few miles off from having the 'superhighway' in their cars just yet, however it's believed that some Australian car makers are very interested in the possibility of including this feature into their designs.

Chrysler Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis said: "We're very interested in looking at it. With all types of new technology, we always push for them to come here."

Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy said he expected internet access would come to their cars "but there's no timetable as yet".

Source: News.com.au

With some Telcos already marketing VDSL2 roll outs, it's only a matter of time until we witness the emergence of VDSL2 plans, VDSL2 speeds and further VDSL2 providers offering respective services. Australia's two leading Telecommunication Operators, Optus and Telstra, are also conducting their own research and tests on prospective Broadband technologies such as VDSL2 (very fast digital subscriber line) and BPL (Broadband over Power Lines), the latter being considered as inappropriate at this point in time.

VDSL2 on the other hand is an upgradable DSL transmission technology which has superseded ADSL2+ and one that can also make use of the current copper line infrastructure. Visiting Ericsson telecommunication executive 'Martin Mellor' suggests that there's alot to like about VDSL2 as new technologies will be able to take advantage of the existing copper lines and states that Ericsson's latest dynamic spectrum management technology could theoretically increase maximum VDSL2+ speeds to 250 megabits (250Mbps) when it becomes available in two or three years time.

It's becoming more and more likely from all the relevant information surfacing on VDSL2 that this type of Broadband technology will in fact become the preferred technology for delivering Broadband Internet over the new proposed national network. I would be very surprised if ISP's that I previously mentioned were not particpating in VDSL2 tests and that this type of technology be overlooked. The question now is, not about which type of Broadband technology will be used such as FTTN, FTTH, WiMAX or VDSL2, it's who will win the NBN bid and manage the new national broadband network.

"We think VDSL2 [transmission technology] is a great step forward from ADSL2+ but we don't think that's the end of the life for copper," said Mr Mellor, who visited Australia last week. "There's too much copper buried in the ground, and operators want to make that sweat, and there's always new technologies that are looking to take advantage of that."

Excerpt: Place for copper in network  

In a contradictory announcement made by Telstra, the telecommunication giant revealed that it's now planning to offer wholesale ADSL2+ services to competitors. This statement comes only after several months of rolling out ADSL2+ services to over 900 new exchanges.

The remarkable turn-around of policy has left industry experts scratching their heads. Coincidently, Telstra has also simultaneously called on the government to end speculation over a possible structural separation split into retail and wholesale sectors.

Is it possible that Telstra is preparing a contingency plan with this latest ADSL2+ wholesale announcement on the chance that it doesn't win the NBN or is structurally separated? Perhaps this latest ADSL2+ wholesale policy back flip is part of a bigger picture such as a network upgrade? Afterall, its puzzling to witness a change of heart like this from telstra after such a short stint, and why at this particular point during the NBN process?

With increased conjecture mounting around a structural separation along with the additional pressure placed on the government by Telstra, its certainly leading to interesting times ahead.

source: Telstra tells govt: end speculation
source: Telstra's reversal: now it plans to wholesale ADSL2+

Very high speed digital subscriber line, otherwise known as VDSL2, has been touted as the broadband technology type that will be used by the winning tender for the new national broadband network.

VDSL2 is capable of broadband speeds in excess of 100Mbps and similar to it's predecessor ADSL, will drop off over short distances. One exciting prospect of VDSL2 is the symmetrical rate that it offers which would make it highly sort after by peer-to-peer enthusiasts and the business sector alike.

With some ISPs either currently marketing VDSL2 as their next upcoming broadband product to be released, or conducting extensive research and testing, VDSL2 appears to be in the box seat as the technology type to be used for the upcoming NBN..... but by whom?

Read more about VDSL2 Broadband at Wikipedia

Competition or no competition, that is the answer! The deconstruction of Telstra as a vertically integrated Telecommunication company could be nigh as the push for it's structural separation gains momentum. In a report released by 'Competition Economists Group', who were commissioned by Telstra's arch rival Optus, key findings suggested that Telstra (if not structurally separated) would have very powerful incentives to damage competition in the Telecommunication Industry if it were to win the National Broadband Network bid.

As reported back on April 1st, the Structural Separation of monolithic Telco companies in the UK, Europe and now New Zealand are solving anti competition dilemmas. But what about Telstra and it's shareholders? Well it seems that conjecture and speculation cause investors to be weary and that structurally separating Telstra into retail and wholesale divisions could actually ease the uncertainties behind Telstra's future and  restore or even improve market confidence.

"This means that if the NBN is owned by a vertically integrated Telstra, then discrimination -- and damage to competition -- will be a much bigger problem under the NBN than today."

Today's report is expected to be the first step in a concerted campaign led by Optus to lobby the Government for a forced split of Telstra.

source: news.com.au

The federal government has finally announced the release of the 'Request for Proposals' (RFP) to build the new high speed National Broadband Network. Up to $4.7 billion has been granted by the government to the successful bidder to build a network which must deliver broadband speeds of 12Mbit to at least 98% of Australian premises.

Analysts are predicting that Telstra will win the bidding proposal due to the ease it would have of rolling out (of should I say updating) a network. Considering the amount of infrastructure that it already owns, along with their extensive knowledge of the networks already in place, it appears that Telstra's chances of winning the National Broadband Network project to be extremely high. Strengthening this theory is the numerous handicaps that Telstra's competitors will face.

Lodgements for proposals close on July 25.

On obstacles facing Telstra's competitors...
"In using network information, proponents acknowledge that they do so at their own risk and acknowledge that neither the Commonwealth nor carriers who have provided the Network Information bear any liability in relation to their use of the data."

Then there is simply the limited time they have to access, digest the information and incorporate it in their plans: they will gain access to the information in May and June and the closing date for response to the RFP is 25 July.

Pro's for Telstra...
In contrast, not only does Telstra have total access to this information in ways that should be well integrated with its other information systems, it is intimately familiar with it and, as it has repeatedly boasted, has already done all the planning and could start rolling out the network at the drop of a hat.

Government invites National Broadband Network proposals: Media Release
National Broadband Network Request for submissions on regulatory issues: Media Release
Read more at itwire.com

Joining the spate of recent submarine cable projects is Telstra. The Telco giant has announced that it's embarking on a 9120km fibre cable deployment from Australia to Hawaii with the commencement of the project scheduled for this coming Thursday. 

Stretching from Sydney's Tamarama Beach across the Pacific to Hawaii, Telstra says the new Telecommunications Cable will alleviate the ever growing bottlnecks between Australia and the United States. The new link is slated to carry 1.28Terabits (1.280 Gigabits) of data per second, however Telstra adds that it's not expected to create faster or cheaper Broadband Internet services as a result.

Kate McKenzie from Telstra wholesale said the new Australia-US connection would not lead to increased broadband speeds, or to a fall in prices.

The cable project was aimed at increasing bandwidth not speed she said, adding it would be "unrealistic" to think that, after the expenditure required to lay the cable, broadband prices would be lower.

Source: news.com.au article

The joint Optus/Elders 'Opel' contract which was meant to connect regional Australia with Broadband has been officially terminated by the Federal Government.

Opel was granted almost $1Billion ($958M) back in June 2007 to fund Broadband Internet development for the bush. However, the funding was awarded to Opel by the Liberal Government who, since then was replaced by the newly elected Labor Government.

The terminated contract was believed to have been canceled through the lack of sufficient coverage requirements, although Opel has stated that it is capable of meeting all the essential objectives.

Read more at news.com.au

If Britain, Europe and now New Zealand are anything to go by in the Telecommunication's Industry, then surely it might nearly be curtains for Telstra as a vertical integrated company? In the latest structural separation of a monolithic telecommunication's company, Telecom New Zealand has finally gone under the hammer for a three degree separation. The effect of this is meant to make Broadband Internet access cheaper for the consumer and grant ISP's easier access to Broadband networks thus pushing competition, efficiency and paving the way for a stronger economy. 

Vertical integration is almost a term of the past when it comes describing dominant telco companies. The irony behind the rise and rise of Telstra as Australia's Goliath telco is the possible demise it now faces, or should I say 'separation'. It appears that the only option left for the Government is to follow the lead of overseas constituents by dividing Telstra into retail, network and wholesale divisions. The Kevin Rudd led charge hasn't got too many options left up their sleeve, and considering the quagmire of the telco industry as it now stands today with numerous anti competitive claims, law suits, exorbitant prices etc.., it just make sense to separate. Is there a choice? As either caging Telstra or separating them will still lead to endless courtroom battles of litigation anyway.  The latter part of 2008 will certainly bare some interest whatever the case may be.

Got an opinion on the forthcoming new Broadband national network for Australia? The federal Government is giving the Australian public two weeks to have their say on plans for the new $4.7 billion Broadband Network.

Communications Minister 'Stephen Conroy' stated that the government values any input from individuals and organisations toward the panel for their consideration for the new network. So if you have some insight that you think might be valuable, you have until March 30th to lodge your submission.

“I am sure there are a number of individuals and organisations that are interested in the Australian broadband market and that will be able to provide informed submissions to aid in the panel’s consideration of the issues.

“The Government values their input to this very important process, which will secure Australia’s digital future for many years to come,” Senator Conroy said.

Read the entire 'Broadband network seeks public input' article at AustralianIT.com.au

The results are in!  A recent Australian Broadband Survey Report conducted in 07/08 stated that more than 50% of respondents clearly voted for the Government as the entity who should be behind the next generation internet access network (FTTN). Other significant results include: Most people suggesting that Broadband prices are just too high and would be greatly influenced to change ISP's for a lower price, higher download limits and faster line speeds. The demand for VoIP is on the up and most Broadband customers are still very unhappy with the ability of ISPs to change 'contract' conditions at any time.The survey was conducted over a 4 week period (31.12.2007 to 01.02.2008) with 17,881 verified participants taking part.

Below are several examples of the feedback obtained in this years ABS that perhaps both Business (ISPs) and the Government should pay close attention to.

Which entity should be responsible for the next generation internet access technologies (e.g. fibre to the node)?

Telstra  5.7%
G9 consortium  21.4%
The government  51.9%
Other (e.g. Deutsche Telekom)  5%
Don't know  16%


Do you support the government's policy for mandatory ISP-level content filtering (opt-out)?

Strongly agree  2.9%
Agree  10.4%
Disagree  22.9%
Strongly disagree  51.5%
Don't know  12.3%

From the following, what is most important for you in a broadband internet connection?

Fast speeds  39.2%
Ability to download large amounts  27.9%
It is always connected  14.9%
Lower service costs  11.7%
Low latency  3.5%
Frees up telephone line  2.5%
Exclusive content  0.1%

What would entice you to change ISP?

(ISP Average)
Lower prices 75.4%  
A higher download limit 56.7% 
Faster line speeds (e.g. ADSL2+) 50.4% 

See the full report here.