The new service, named BigPond Files, allows users to request files to be added to the mirror site, on the condition that the files are freely and legally available, and don't breach copyright.
Between 9.30am and lunchtime the site received 35 requests for new files to be added, Telstra spokesperson Kerrina Lawrence told ZDNet Australia. The new files can generally be added within 24 hours.
The files were previously housed in Telstra's GameArena site, which allows customers to play online computer games without the bandwidth being counted towards their download limit.
"At the GameArena site we had the files in amongst our games files, and we made a decision to streamline GA and make it a games site only," said Lawrence. "[This] improved available resources for gaming audiences."
"Apparently the game enthusiasts are pleased with the developments, with having a game-only environment," she said. "This satisfies a niche group of customers who want the service retained. There is a strong demand from customers to retain the service."
The new service allows FreeBSD, BeOS and many versions of Linux to be downloaded without incurring the high charges associated with exceeding the download limit of the broadband plan. This can be useful when users regularly download updated versions and patches, as files can be between 600Mb and 1 Gb. Telstra raised the download limit for some of its plans last year, saying it was "sensitive to the competition".
Also available are Mozilla, Netscape, Internet Explorer and Opera.
"It's consistent with Telstra's strategy to provide compelling content to customers, and reward them with access to services and content that don't contribute to their monthly allowance," said Lawrence.
