Saturday, August 26, 2006
ISDN Users left out in the cold by broadband connect
The governments broadband connect program gives people who cannot get ADSL or Cable broadband service or ISDN access services the ability to receive a subsidized broadband satellite service which is a usually a 2WAY transponder dish terminal set up. The broadband connect satellite services unfortunately still don’t make it a level playing field for internet users as often these plans are not unlimited downloads like the city ADSL plans are.
But the real group of second or even third class citizens are the people stuck on ISDN. ISDN internet is a narrowband service which is limited to 128k which is 2 x 64k data services lines. This limits what the user can do on the internet. For voice over IP and video on demand as well as listening to streaming audio you really need a connection of 512k for best results and the 128k ISDN users struggle utilize some of these services due to bandwidth limitations as a 128k ISDN service is really 64k up and 64k down, so as you can see its very limited.
Australian Federal Government needs to wake up and smell the roses and expand the broadband connect program to take in the ISDN users.
But the real group of second or even third class citizens are the people stuck on ISDN. ISDN internet is a narrowband service which is limited to 128k which is 2 x 64k data services lines. This limits what the user can do on the internet. For voice over IP and video on demand as well as listening to streaming audio you really need a connection of 512k for best results and the 128k ISDN users struggle utilize some of these services due to bandwidth limitations as a 128k ISDN service is really 64k up and 64k down, so as you can see its very limited.
Australian Federal Government needs to wake up and smell the roses and expand the broadband connect program to take in the ISDN users.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
ABC Rural News
Satellite brings broadband to remote areas
Thursday, 24/08/2006
The Federal Government has announced a deal to give remote communities full access to broadband Internet services.
Rural users will have access to the world's first purpose-built communications satellite, which has been launched by a company based in Thailand.
The Government will also offer subsidised services as part of an $876 million package linked to the Broadband Connect program, to keep costs similar to those of city services.
IT consultant Peter Saville says the satellite will give also remote areas cheaper phone calls and video conferencing.
"What this satellite system is going to do is provide a service to those people who can't get any form of broadband or high speed Internet access and open up a few other areas like voiceover IP," he said.
"But the big thing that this is going to open it up for is video on demand and video conferencing as well as the ability to open it up for educational and training purposes."
Thursday, 24/08/2006
The Federal Government has announced a deal to give remote communities full access to broadband Internet services.
Rural users will have access to the world's first purpose-built communications satellite, which has been launched by a company based in Thailand.
The Government will also offer subsidised services as part of an $876 million package linked to the Broadband Connect program, to keep costs similar to those of city services.
IT consultant Peter Saville says the satellite will give also remote areas cheaper phone calls and video conferencing.
"What this satellite system is going to do is provide a service to those people who can't get any form of broadband or high speed Internet access and open up a few other areas like voiceover IP," he said.
"But the big thing that this is going to open it up for is video on demand and video conferencing as well as the ability to open it up for educational and training purposes."
Government failed to allow competition in public phones now sees public phones disappearing
Public telephones are important for a number of reasons one being safety of the public. But over the years we have found that Telstra has been readily removing pay phones in the last ten years from phones that used to exist on every block now in our areas are lucky to see one in a precinct.
Years ago optus wanted in on the pay phone market and was blocked by a 75% government owned Telstra. The issues with public phones dropping in profits comes from the fact that the public phone has failed to evolve, why??? Easy Telstra has failed to invest moneys in development and nor is there competition in the public phone market to stimulate technology changes.
Public phones don't have to have handsets if they are in vandalism high areas a speaker phone in a telephone box might be the best option for these. But the phones could provide allsorts of services from instant messaging, sms, phone calls and internet access. Its time for Telstra to allow competitors to install public phones and develop new services. Public phone calls should be cheaper than mobile calls and bingo you'd have people flocking to them.
Years ago optus wanted in on the pay phone market and was blocked by a 75% government owned Telstra. The issues with public phones dropping in profits comes from the fact that the public phone has failed to evolve, why??? Easy Telstra has failed to invest moneys in development and nor is there competition in the public phone market to stimulate technology changes.
Public phones don't have to have handsets if they are in vandalism high areas a speaker phone in a telephone box might be the best option for these. But the phones could provide allsorts of services from instant messaging, sms, phone calls and internet access. Its time for Telstra to allow competitors to install public phones and develop new services. Public phone calls should be cheaper than mobile calls and bingo you'd have people flocking to them.
Satellite Broadband becomes cheaper
ABC Online Internet satellite provides high speed broadband to outback users. 24/08/2006. ABC News Online [This is the print version of story http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200608/s1722625.htm]
First Posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 . 8:20am -->Last Update: Thursday, August 24, 2006. 8:20am (AEST)
Internet satellite provides high speed broadband to outback users
The Federal Government says a satellite dedicated to providing Internet connections holds the key for regional residents keen to access high speed broadband.
The Thai company, Shin Corp, has launched the world's first purpose-built Internet satellite, which is hovering above the equator.
The Government will also offer subsidised services as part of an $876 million package linked to the Broadband Connect program, to keep costs similar to those of city services.
Twelve per cent of the satellite's resources have been allocated to service Australia.
The Government says this will give around 700,000 people living in the bush access to high speed Internet connections for about $30 a month.
The Community Services Minister, John Cobb, has announced the launch of the satellite Internet service provider at the AgQuip expo in Gunnedah, in north-west New South Wales.
"Basically, in one stroke it has dealt with broadband for country people," he said.
Mr Cobb says the project will help bring regional communications up to scratch.
IT consultant Peter Saville says the satellite will give remote areas cheaper phone calls and video conferencing.
"What this satellite system is going to do is provide a service to those people who can't get any form of broadband or high speed Internet access and open up a few other areas like voiceover IP," he said.
"But the big thing that this is going to open it up for is video on demand and video conferencing as well as the ability to open it up for educational and training purposes."
© 2006 Australian Broadcasting CorporationCopyright information: http://abc.net.au/common/copyrigh.htmPrivacy information: http://abc.net.au/privacy.htm
First Posted: Thursday, August 24, 2006 . 8:20am -->Last Update: Thursday, August 24, 2006. 8:20am (AEST)
Internet satellite provides high speed broadband to outback users
The Federal Government says a satellite dedicated to providing Internet connections holds the key for regional residents keen to access high speed broadband.
The Thai company, Shin Corp, has launched the world's first purpose-built Internet satellite, which is hovering above the equator.
The Government will also offer subsidised services as part of an $876 million package linked to the Broadband Connect program, to keep costs similar to those of city services.
Twelve per cent of the satellite's resources have been allocated to service Australia.
The Government says this will give around 700,000 people living in the bush access to high speed Internet connections for about $30 a month.
The Community Services Minister, John Cobb, has announced the launch of the satellite Internet service provider at the AgQuip expo in Gunnedah, in north-west New South Wales.
"Basically, in one stroke it has dealt with broadband for country people," he said.
Mr Cobb says the project will help bring regional communications up to scratch.
IT consultant Peter Saville says the satellite will give remote areas cheaper phone calls and video conferencing.
"What this satellite system is going to do is provide a service to those people who can't get any form of broadband or high speed Internet access and open up a few other areas like voiceover IP," he said.
"But the big thing that this is going to open it up for is video on demand and video conferencing as well as the ability to open it up for educational and training purposes."
© 2006 Australian Broadcasting CorporationCopyright information: http://abc.net.au/common/copyrigh.htmPrivacy information: http://abc.net.au/privacy.htm
Hastings Council Broadband Network
As part of its ongoing plan to provide a broadband network for the whole of the region Port Macquarie - Hastings Council has worked closely with the local Community Reference Group to complete the mapping of the telecommunications infrastructure and needs for many parts of the region. This exercise included identifying key community services, facilities and businesses, for whom high speed communications are becoming more critical in the daily efficiency of business and in providing services to consumers such as, from the shop retailer, doctor or educational facilities.
On 15 July the Port Macquarie – Hastings Council submitted an expression of interest to the Australian Government, for funding under a Government plan to assist communities throughout Australia to gain access to broadband. The Hastings proposal was also supported by Country Energy, Mid-Coast Internet and TSN who are already supplying internet facilities to parts of the region.
The key principle of the Hastings submission was to demonstrate the need to provide broadband services to all potential Hastings consumers on an equitable basis. As the region varies greatly in its population density and geographical terrain, a range of alternative technologies are proposed. This includes: provision of broadband fibre optics to the home in our current urban areas; connection of a backbone fibre network linking our urban growth areas; wireless networks to cover our low density coastal and rural residential areas; and microwave links to our rural villages with local wireless broadband services. Isolated valleys and properties in the Hastings will be served with options including broadband over power lines, satellite or wireless technologies.
The outcome of our funding submission to the Australian Government will directly affect the progress of the broadband rollout plans.
Pending the outcome of the EOI, the ongoing responsibility for the project will continue under the auspice of Port Macquarie Hastings Council, however it is proposed to establish a board of management, with a formal charter, to coordinate the delivery and operation of the proposed network. Council will appoint the board with representation from the Council, key supporting partners, industry, retailers and users.
Council will be providing updates on its Broadband program through the Community Newsletter and on its website.
Further information regarding the Broadband project contact
Broadband Project Manager
Fionnuala Livingston on 6581 8057
or email broadband@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
On 15 July the Port Macquarie – Hastings Council submitted an expression of interest to the Australian Government, for funding under a Government plan to assist communities throughout Australia to gain access to broadband. The Hastings proposal was also supported by Country Energy, Mid-Coast Internet and TSN who are already supplying internet facilities to parts of the region.
The key principle of the Hastings submission was to demonstrate the need to provide broadband services to all potential Hastings consumers on an equitable basis. As the region varies greatly in its population density and geographical terrain, a range of alternative technologies are proposed. This includes: provision of broadband fibre optics to the home in our current urban areas; connection of a backbone fibre network linking our urban growth areas; wireless networks to cover our low density coastal and rural residential areas; and microwave links to our rural villages with local wireless broadband services. Isolated valleys and properties in the Hastings will be served with options including broadband over power lines, satellite or wireless technologies.
The outcome of our funding submission to the Australian Government will directly affect the progress of the broadband rollout plans.
Pending the outcome of the EOI, the ongoing responsibility for the project will continue under the auspice of Port Macquarie Hastings Council, however it is proposed to establish a board of management, with a formal charter, to coordinate the delivery and operation of the proposed network. Council will appoint the board with representation from the Council, key supporting partners, industry, retailers and users.
Council will be providing updates on its Broadband program through the Community Newsletter and on its website.
Further information regarding the Broadband project contact
Broadband Project Manager
Fionnuala Livingston on 6581 8057
or email broadband@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
