AOL|7 is working on the belief that consumers want broadband to offer additional functionality, rather than just the same thing at faster speeds. "We are the first in Australia to deliver a service that is purpose built for broadband and designed for Australian customers," said Amanda Lacaze, CEO of AOL|7.
AOL|7 is a joint venture between AOL, Channel 7 and AAPT, and is hoping to get a running start on a customer base through upgrading current AOL|7 dial-up and AAPT's Smartchat Internet customers to the broadband offering.
Channel 7 is providing segments of Seven News available on demand, as well as travel segments from The Great Outdoors and previews of upcoming shows, which don't add to the download limit, according to Lacaze. Other access, such as streaming video clips of movies and music videos from AOL in the US will count towards download limits.
"There will be an icon which will show whether the material is in the free zone or not," said Lacaze.
The music content of the site is organised by Petrol Records, which is part owned by Channel 7. "Our involvement is to ensure our content has an Australian flavour to it," said Chris Murphy, chairman of Petrol Records. "We want to create a unique Australian sector in AOL broadband."
Lacaze indicated that in the future AOL|7 will look at pay-per-view shows and paid music downloads as part of its revenue stream.
AOL|7 has a number of plans available. A 24-month contract at 256/64 Kbps will cost AU$64.95 per month, with 700 MB included downloads. A 512/12 Kbps will cost AU$79.95 per month for 1 GB included, or AU$97.95 per month for 3 GB included. These plans have no Starter Kit fee or Line Connection fee. Additional MB are charged at 0.15 cents per MB.
The same plans with an 18-month contract cost an additional AU$129 Start Kit fee. For A 12-month contract the Starter Kit Fee is AU$189, and for a three-month contract the Starter Kit fee is AU$299, with a AU$99 line connection fee.
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