Long-distance relief for Aussie business broadband - News - Communications

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Long-distance relief for Aussie business broadband

By James Pearce, ZDNet Australia
March 06, 2002
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Long-distance-relief-for-Aussie-business-broadband/0,130061791,120263815,00.htm

Australian businesses using Telstra's OnRamp products will soon be able to make "serious savings" by pre-selecting their long-distance carriers, following regulations imposed by the Australian Communications Authority.

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) will ensure Telstra provides pre-selection for OnRamp2 by April 30 and for OnRamp30 from July 15 this year. The OnRamp products provide ISDN broadband connections and are mainly used by business.

-It gives business the opportunity to shop around and get a better bargain in terms of communications costs," Dr Bob Horton, deputy chair of the ACA told ZDNet Australia.

-I think they'll certainly give it serious consideration," he added, -there are serious savings to be made".

There are many companies who are able to provide long-distance voice communications on a single line, according to Horton, adding that they're -hungry for the opportunity."

This initiative may also help in Australia's push to increase the uptake of broadband technology, according to Horton.

-This might mean ISDN might become a much more profitable opportunity for companies to invest in those services," Horton said. -What we've seen is a slow take-up of broadband service in general in Australia...this can do nothing but assist broadband to find its way in business opportunity."