The results are in!  A recent Australian Broadband Survey Report conducted in 07/08 stated that more than 50% of respondents clearly voted for the Government as the entity who should be behind the next generation internet access network (FTTN). Other significant results include: Most people suggesting that Broadband prices are just too high and would be greatly influenced to change ISP’s for a lower price, higher download limits and faster line speeds. The demand for VoIP is on the up and most Broadband customers are still very unhappy with the ability of ISPs to change ‘contract’ conditions at any time.The survey was conducted over a 4 week period (31.12.2007 to 01.02.2008) with 17,881 verified participants taking part.

Below are several examples of the feedback obtained in this years ABS that perhaps both Business (ISPs) and the Government should pay close attention to.

Which entity should be responsible for the next generation internet access technologies (e.g. fibre to the node)?

Telstra  5.7%
G9 consortium  21.4%
The government  51.9%
Other (e.g. Deutsche Telekom)  5%
Don’t know  16%


Do you support the government’s policy for mandatory ISP-level content filtering (opt-out)?

Strongly agree  2.9%
Agree  10.4%
Disagree  22.9%
Strongly disagree  51.5%
Don’t know  12.3%

From the following, what is most important for you in a broadband internet connection?

Fast speeds  39.2%
Ability to download large amounts  27.9%
It is always connected  14.9%
Lower service costs  11.7%
Low latency  3.5%
Frees up telephone line  2.5%
Exclusive content  0.1%

What would entice you to change ISP?

(ISP Average)
Lower prices 75.4%  
A higher download limit 56.7% 
Faster line speeds (e.g. ADSL2+) 50.4% 

See the full report here.

General Internet complaints have risen dramatically over the previous financial year among Australian Internet subscribers according to Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (or should I say ‘Ombudswoman’) ‘Deirdre O’Donnell’.

The recently released figures show that complaints were up by 16.9 per cent in the 2006/2007 financial year which represents more than 100,000 annoyances. About 17 per cent of those complaints made to the Ombudsman by unsatisfied customers are customer service related, with Billing and payments, including direct debits, capped and bundled phone plans topping the list.

Complaints in the 2006/07 financial year were up 16.9 per cent to 102,463 over the previous year, ombudsman Deirdre O’Donnell said.

Source: Couriermail.com.au ‘Internet complaints surge’

Broadband Guide says: Read or enquire about your Broadband Plan’s respective ’Term and Conditions’ on every contract you enter so that you’re aware of the obligations that you’re undertaking. This may save you some unexpected nasty billing surprises along with saving you a few phone calls, emails and letters to your ISP and or the Ombudsman.