According to Request DSL CEO Phillip Sykes, the anti-broadband sentiment that has risen from recent broadband network outages is painting a sombre picture of DSL technology as a whole.
-In reality, well engineered and well operated DSL networks are performing reliably today, the technology is solid," Sykes said.
Recently there has been negative reports about the performance and reliability of certain broadband networks being supplied in Australia, which according to Sykes is effecting Australia's already -lagging position" in the take-up of broadband services.
-This is seriously harming the acceptance of new broadband services, encouraging customers through fear, uncertainty and doubt to stick with "old world" telco services," he said.
Sykes believes that service level agreements are a pre-requisite when connecting to a service provider.
-It's a commitment that a certain amount of service will be achieved, if not the provider will then have to provide a rebate.
-Otherwise there will be all care and no responsibility," he said.
Telstra's ADSL service was unavailable for 331 hours over two months in early 2001, according to figures leaked to ZDNet Australia.
And in recent weeks, Telstra's ADSL network has experienced a number of outages, in some instances leaving customers out of the communication loop for up to eight hours.
However, the telco has refused to compensate customers for technical problems as it is not part of its service agreement contract.
A broadband network is not just a box according to Request DSL, it's a combination of the equipment, business processes and the people that support it. Without these three elements a reliable service will not be achieved, Sykes said.
RequestDSL delivers wholesale DSL connectivity to 64 ISP and network integrators in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
I have Tel$tra ADSL at home ... off again for 4 hours this morning, but we just signed up for 2.3mb/s SDSL for the office to host our web site and for internet access and .... its not with Tel$tra.
Tel$tra are still trying to find out what redundancy, reliablility and customer support mean - they can't check on line because their net access is probably down.