[LINK] Telstra - taking its ball and going home.

[Adam Todd]

At 06:05 PM 9/08/2006, Marghanita da Cruz wrote:

>Any comments on this program?
><http://www.dcita.gov.au/tel/broadband_connect>


Is this not just a "re" creation of the existing "program" for ISPs being 
paid to deliver broadband services to regional areas?

Westnet must be making a KILLING out of the current version of the program 
and I have little doubt they will "apply" again.

Their regional TV advertising campaigns rival a Metropolitan Telstra 
campaign and I know SO many people who have taken up the Westnet services, 
with VERY VERY happy and satisfying results.

My own experience with Westnet, albeit at the request of a new client of 
Westnet to contact me for some approvals, was exceptional.  A couple of 
emails, introduction, confirmation of contact details, and a quick phone 
call and the job was done.

Even better the handling all took place on one day and the routing in 
question was completed within about an hour of the phone call, about 3 
hours after the request was formalised by the client, which was about 2 
days after the order was sent to Westnet.

I can't say whether Westnet are grossing "huge" profits from the endeavor 
and as a result their customer service is a reflection of that subsidising 
revenue stream, or if Westnet are just totally customer service oriented.

I just know that in a bit over 12 months, there have been no known (and 
unexpected or questionable) technical issues, billing issues or service 
problems.

Their pricing is also more competitive in the CBD areas than most other 
providers.  So the benefits appear to flow into the capital cities as well.