[LINK] Do Telstra require MS Windows for broadband?

[David Lochrin]

On Thu, 17 Feb 2005 13:28, Stilgherrian wrote:
> While I'm not especially a fan of Telstra's Internet services, I'm having
> trouble seeing this as a restrictive trade practice.
> 
> Telstra isn't saying that you can't put a Linux box on their broadband
> network. They're saying that they provide technical assistance if you run
> Windows or Mac OS, but if you're running anything else then you're on your
> own.

   The words used were "Telstra would not install BigPond without it", which I took to mean they wanted it on the user's system, end of story - policy (a).

   Some of the replies here lead me to think Telstra's requirements depend on who you speak to.  Their logic might be "we won't support it unless the user runs MS Windows, and we won't install it unless we can support it" - policy (b).   Or alternatively "we'll install & support it so it runs on our benchmark system - a MS Windows laptop" - policy (c).

   Having worked for a Telstra company, such confusion wouldn't surprise me.

   Given Telstra's importance in Australia's communications infrastructure, (a) and (b) both seem to me to be a restriction of trade.  However (c) may be acceptable providing their benchmark system is "reasonable" and not Windows-specific.

ADL