[LINK] ABC-Telstra deal -- the terms and conditions

[Stewart Fist]

Adam Todd wrote:
 
>> 7d makes the ABC "nominate Telstra as its (p)refered
>> ISP backchannel for interactive datacasting." It is not
>> clear quite what that means yet; it depends on how
>> datacasting functions.
> 
> That means all outbound traffic (backchannel) that is sent TO the
> internet must be carried on the Telstra Internet Network.
> 
> Telstra charges for BACKCHANNEL traffic.  If ABC were to datacast and
> as the agreement seems to point, be forced to use only the Telstra
> Network for traffic inbound and outbound, the outbound flow would 
> without question be far higher than the inbound and thus a BACKCHANNEL
> charge will apply.
> 
> This could turn out very costly to the ABC.

Thanks Adam.  I thought of that interpretation, but there is also the
possibility that it could mean the back-channel link from the customer back to
the ABC (or have I got my terminology mixed up here?).  

It seems to me that the outbound datacasting information (possibly streaming
media) would be carried by ABC radio, TV channel or satellite, but that the
return channel from the customer would need to be carried by an ISP. This
could mean that ABC is to promote both its datacasting services, and Big Pond together.

How do other people read it?


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Stewart Fist - writer and columnist
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