[LINK] Fwd: Telstra to halve ISP costs

[Eric Scheid]

>From today's Australian Reseller News...

Telstra to halve ISP costs

http://arn.idg.com.au/idg2.nsf/DocID_PrinterFriendly/CFD40E3E36BC43A9CA256B
7900808855?OpenDocument

Telstra has responded to critics of its broadband policy by announcing a 
reduction on broadband prices for its ISP resellers. 

Telstra's ISPConnect allows ISPs to connect to the telco's switched data 
network to offer subscribers ADSL connectivity. Telstra officials now 
claim changes have been made to its network that will result in 
substantial cost savings for Telstra resellers. 

Mark Wilson, national sales manager for Telstra's indirect data channel, 
said the cost reductions will affect all ISPConnect partners, but will be 
more significant for those that serve customers over wider geographies. 

Wilson said the telco is trying to convince its 660-odd reseller base to 
move to the broadband service after running roadshows last year to open 
up dialogue with the channel. "Based on their feedback, we knew we had to 
redesign the network and reduce prices," he said. "Next we will release a 
new range of broadband products and bundling services to stimulate more 
broadband activity." 

Wilson denied that the pricing drops had anything to do with an 
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigation into 
Telstra's pricing model. "The ACCC investigation is a wholesale issue so 
it has always been at arm's length," he said. 

All of the telco's retail partners will be contacted within days to 
discuss the new pricing. Wilson said the feedback so far has been very 
positive. "Most of them are saying it's about time," he said.

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______________________________________________________________________
eric@ironclad.net.au                 i r o n c l a d   n e t w o r k s
information architect                      http://www.ironclad.net.au/