Assessing the options
Effectively there are six main options for the broadband shopper: ISDN (the steroidal multi-cable implementations), DSL (in various modes), LMDS, cable, satellite, and leased line.
Availability for broadband is still a big issue, and some locations may have very few options available to them.
Cable rollout has pretty much stalled. ADSL only works up to a set distance from your local exchange, and even then only if the exchange is equipped with a DSLAM.
So how can you tell which options are available in your area?
Most of the vendors include a search tool to confirm that your address is able to access their service. For example, the Telstra Cable search tool is located at http://www.bigpond.com/broadband/cable/CableSQ.asp .
Even if this search comes up as positive, don't get too excited. Technical issues can sometimes affect even an individual building or phone line, meaning you may not be eligible. It also pays to check that the vendor's acceptable usage policies are going to allow you to use the service in the way you wish. For instance, the Optus@Home policy is available at www.optushome.excite.com.au/obligations.html. Calling it "@Home" is a bit of a giveaway that this service is not available for business use--the entire Optus cable system is for residential use only. However, after long and enlightening conversations with Optus' technical staff, the story is not as dire as one might imagine.
Optus appears to have no problem with customers taking out the service in their own name and then working from home with say their employer footing the bill--as long as the billing address is Joe Bloggs c/o Company Z. Optus staff told us that quite a few Web designers run their business over Optus cable quite happily, and it's OK to run a Netware client, for example, so you can log into your work server. However, you cannot run FTP servers and the like.
I was sure you couldn't get T1 and T3 services in Australia, that it's a US standard, instead we have 2Mb links instead of their 1.54 ?