Breaking News: eBay, Trading Post help catch tax cheats

ZDNet / Broadband / Story

Tasmania powers up 12Mbps broadband

By Munir Kotadia, ZDNet Australia on September 13th, 2005

Topics

datafast, electricity, energy, hobart, tasmania, powerline, power, broadband, tastel, aurora, bpl, power line, ehrenfeld, line

Top related stories

Vendors take to power line broadband

Google invests in power-line broadband

VoIP delivered over power-line broadband

Related gallery

Houses linked up in Tassie NBN: photos

Houses linked up in Tassie NBN: photos

Related video

NBN Co's Quigley talks NBN business case

Internet service provider Datafast, in partnership with Aurora Energy and hardware vendor Mitsubishi Electric, today kicked off a 12Mbps broadband over power line service in Hobart, which the company claims is the world's first large-scale commercial trial.

Many large electricity suppliers around the globe have been experimenting with broadband over power line (BPL) technology for a number of years in an effort to compete with cable and telephone companies in providing high-speed Internet access. However, technical limitations and interference problems have held BPL back from reaching the mainstream.

Datafast's chief executive Simon Ehrenfeld pointed out the trial is with real customers and stressed that the technology is finally ready for the mass market.

"This is not a technical trial -- the technology works. This is the first stage of a commercial roll out," said Ehrenfeld.

According to Ehrenfeld, the BPL service will be capable of providing an Internet connection for homes and businesses that is "vastly quicker" than the 24Mbps maximum possible with ADSL2+ technology, which uses analogue telephone lines. Such speeds are so far only being offered by only a couple of ISPs, with several more offering speeds up to 12Mbps.

However, for the trial period, BPL reseller TasTel is initially offering 256Kbps, 1Mbps and 4Mbps packages at AU$14.95, $29.95 and $79.95 per month respectively. Each plan includes a download allocation, with extra data charges priced at 10c/Mb. There is also a synchronous 1Mbps package targeted at customers wishing to host their own Web sites for AU$39.95 per month.

Tastel is the result of a partnership between Aurora, AAPT and renewable energy business Hydro Tasmania.

Piero Peroni, business development manager at Aurora Energy, told ZDNet Australia  that the service will get faster and at this stage if a customer wants to connect at a higher speed, they should contact TasTel directly.

"It is very, very high speed but this is a very early iteration. This technology will only get faster and faster," said Peroni.

The trial is expected to last for nine months and will initially only provide services to homes and businesses in the Hobart area. Aurora Energy hopes to eventually deploy BPL to all 250,000 customers on its Tasmanian electricity grid.

All participants of the trial will receive broadband Internet, as well as integrated Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services from local vendor engin, but a limited number will also be testing a video on demand service from an as-yet unnamed partner.

"engin and Mitsubishi Electric engineers have worked closely together in both Australia and Japan to incorporate engin's VoIP technology in the 200Mbps BPL product developed by Mitsubishi," said a statement from the VoIP vendor on the trial.

BPL technology is being scrutinised and supported by most of the IT heavyweights including Motorola, Cisco, Intel and even Google.

Related stories

Vendors take to power line broadband

Google invests in power-line broadband

VoIP delivered over power-line broadband

AT&T plugs into power lines for high-speed Net

Talkback

10c for 10MB extra traffic?

That's a rip off!

AnonymousAnonymous September 14th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

synchronous ?

"synchronous 1Mbps package" or "symmetrical 1Mbps package"
????????????

AnonymousAnonymous September 14th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) is BAD News and bad business

Power lines were never intended to carry HF radio waves, and act like huge antennas raising the noise level rendering practically the entire HF band useless across large areas. http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/

Power company greed for cashing into the broadband revenue stream is ruining the radio spectrum for everyone else, and is simply bad business. There are a lot better and smarter ways to deliver Broadband.

Roger FraumannRoger Fraumann September 14th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL vs Amateur radio

I really don't see the point of amateur radio, if it's about freedom from regulation or something, then that's just selfish. Though I'll admit there may be more to it than my limited knowledge. Still, I've been wondering why there was no BPL since I was 15yo, 20 years ago now. I was told back then (mid-80's) that it was impossible. Of course my reply to that was it's not impossible. Nothing is impossible. I also used to have lengthy debates about time travel, etc. That might give you some idea of where I'm coming from. I think it's great that it's finally being realized.

AnonymousAnonymous October 1st, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Selfish

I'm not an amateur radio user but why did you assume that it had anything to do with whatever story you concocted. By assuming as you did that these people are selfish when perhaps they just enjoy it or it comes a little cheaper then what is wrong with that??? Well Mr Assumer! If they were there first & many people are using this service then who are you to expound the benefits of screwing their rights to make your vision for BPL come to fruition. That's a bit like destroying the wildlife's home because cutting down a tree seems like a good idea to make Gunns rich. Doesn't matter that they had first bite now does it.

Rex Alfie LeeRex Alfie Lee November 29th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Selfish

I'm not an amateur radio user but why did you assume that it had anything to do with whatever story you concocted. By assuming as you did that these people are selfish when perhaps they just enjoy it or it comes a little cheaper then what is wrong with that??? Well Mr Assumer! If they were there first & many people are using this service then who are you to expound the benefits of screwing their rights to make your vision for BPL come to fruition. That's a bit like destroying the wildlife's home because cutting down a tree seems like a good idea to make Gunns rich. Doesn't matter that they had first bite now does it?

Rex Alfie LeeRex Alfie Lee November 29th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

replying to point of Amateur radio

I think it is important to point to the need for Amateur Radio as a point of first contact with inspired youth looking for a connection not only to radio science - but like-minded people on the same frequency.For me - I went into Broadcasting RF,as an extension of Amateur Radio-and would never want to see the destruction of Amateur Radio as a learning arena. I vertianly would not put my Amateur radio equipment in the middle of a Golf Course and stop someone enjoying their Golf.

AnonymousAnonymous January 30th, 2009
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL and HF Radio

The probability that BPL will render the HF spectrum useless is a real possibility unless measures are taken to stop interference. It is not just HAM radio that will be affected, but all outback travelers who rely on the RFDS for emergencies. What will be the reaction when we have a fatality in the bush because of excessive interference prevented reliable communication

AnonymousAnonymous October 10th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

sure

well name a better way to deliver quick internet without a massive infrastructure costs...

AnonymousAnonymous December 31st, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

anomynous telstra reps

I suspect that anomynous is a synonym for telstra rep, why not say yr name if you are delivering negative comments

Austin MeyerAustin Meyer November 14th, 2006
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Sure? are you really Sure???

You say 'well name a better way to deliver quick internet without a massive infrastructure costs...'

You don't seem to know much about BPL then my friend!

Firstly, BPL is an extremely in-efficient means of transmission. In order to get power lines (non-resonant transmission lines) to deliver BPL to your door, repeater stations need to be fitted to every 5 to 6 power lines! This is because of the huge amount of signal loss over the lines. The big problem here is that this signal loss IS the interference that causes HF communications to suffer. Tests that I and many others have personally conducted have found that HF comms from 0 to 30MHz are completely useless in areas of BPL trials (Such as Burnie in Tas.) So to sum up, BPL is does NOT have low infrastructure costs, and it is NOT efficient. The fact that these trials were ever given the green light is beyond me.

All you people who think that all the Power company has to is 'just flick on a switch and send the internet down the power lines' are sadly mistaken!

HF communications are vital in this county, and always will be! BPL is the worst thing the radio spectrum has come up against yet. I sincerly hope those in charge of this at the ACMA see the light (and not the dollar signs) before its too late....

AnonymousAnonymous May 21st, 2007
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Broadband over powerlines plan structures

Why is there no unlimited download pricing plan??

AnonymousAnonymous September 21st, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

unlimited....downloads

unlimited...downloads....we wish ,its just a way for them to suck a bit more money out of us until..everyone has this service in the house hold...and then they will drop the price and give us unlimited 12mbps......it does sh** me off abit ....tasmania its a great place to live in but....we do get the really sh**y deals like for broadband........money money..........corp Bastar*s

one day we may get in the big picture.........and join the world ........................

mehanglow and get power line broadband to gomehanglow and get power line broadband to go November 14th, 2006
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

broadband down powerlines

when will it reach my meter box ???????

robin butcherrobin butcher October 9th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL

When will BPL be introduced into Vic.& main land. Please soon. Many rural small towns and homes are being left on the side lines by Telecom. BPL would be a boon for decentralization, homes and rural community services. I am writing to media and politicians on BPL, Pushing it. Make general public wake up.

AnonymousAnonymous October 24th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL in Tasmania

Don't know if anyone checked out the offers by this BPL but the basic deals are unbelievable. The download for a month isn't enough to download a month of emails for anyone who uses email regularly let alone being able to surf a little.

Typical of Aurora sucking Tassie dry. Possibly the most expensive electricity in Australia & now this pathetic attempt of being the gallant saviour. You should be disgusted in them & they should be ashamed, really ashamed of themselves for taking advantage of Tassie the way they do. Bit like Gunns really.

Rex Alfie LeeRex Alfie Lee November 29th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Prediction - it will never go further than the trial

Having spent extensive testing on BPL technology (at a carrier), I dont know while people keep going on about it.

The only thing BPL is good for is basic web browsing. It has too much jitter for video and voice, and too high a latency for gaming.

Further more, BPL cannot be tranmitted through any form of transformer, so you basically need to get fibre to every street.

If BPL was so great, why has it not become a more prevalent technology throughout the world? Western Power, Aurora and Country Energy have all tested it in Australia, but nothing further has come of it.

Western Power has gone FTTH, and Aurora is now testing FTTH in TasColt. TransAct (off shoot of ACT Power and Water) also ignored it for the last mile access instead going for VDSL.

If BPL works, why have these power companies all dropped it? I predict that this wil only every be a trial and go no further.

Stephen DaviesStephen Davies December 3rd, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL scalability

it would be interesting to see scalable it is...

AnonymousAnonymous December 8th, 2005
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

pricing

here we go again if its not telstra ripping us off it will be this mod why limits at all hello and 10 cents per mb get real ya greedy mongrels

AnonymousAnonymous July 5th, 2006
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

BPL the way nowhere

I don%u2019t think big business is under any misconceptions, it is in my opinion an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the poor consumer and provide them with an expensive and at best second rate system and hope they take it lying down.

As for the possibility of providing fast internet services to county folk, I think not, as amplifiers are required at the rate of about 5 per KM which I suspect the benevolent service provider is not going to foot the bill for and could only at best provide little better than dial up speed because of the time delays caused by the daisy chaining in the transmission path

Dave PDave P June 27th, 2007
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)

Broadband speeds

I am in japan and have 60 MBS on copper.
This is possible are all the companies lying and making the most of politicians ignorance to get more money from the customers.
The speeds discussed here are dismal and prices outrageous,. A recent study showed we were 27 out 30 and too high prices.

AnonymousAnonymous October 23rd, 2007
Report offensive content Reply (0) (0)
Add your opinion

In order to post a comment, you need to be registered. (Sign In or register below)

Post your comment

Power Centre Useful content from our premier sponsors

Resource Centre Useful content from our premier sponsors

ZDNet Australia Live

A user from Brisbane measured 17103kbps @ Broadband Speedtest.

5 minutes ago, Click here to find out how fast your internet speed is.

US govt sues Oracle http://itrau.com/cDxM90 via @ZDNetAustralia

Top 25 Android apps: The best of the best http://tinyurl.com/25tvcel

tip @techmeme @scepticgeek ZDNet headline: BlackBerry encryption 'too secure': National security vs. consumer privacy http://zd.net/daRQHJ

@jfp Experience noted! Like at ZDNet, the salary is good (very good) - but it's not my main objective :) Writing, representing, engaging! :)

SQL Server is one of Microsoft's 8 core businesses. http://bit.ly/bPd8kV #TnSqlDc #sqlp****

RT: @ZDNet: Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit http://zd.net/dyhmnc

First impressions of Apple's refreshed desktop lineup http://bit.ly/cFScu9

zdnet: Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit - http://bit.ly/9QtyIw

RT: @ZDNet: Real cuts losses amid restructuring, still misses analyst estimates http://zd.net/a5VrGg

Top 25 Android apps: The best of the best: TED is a fascinating event that features a meeting of the minds of some... http://bit.ly/dnBx1F

RT: @ZDNet: McAfee acquires tenCube; Second quarter mixed bag http://zd.net/9NpzpY

Research: Google reaches malware milestone, while 'true' Twitter users increase - ZDNet (blog) http://url4.eu/6ZLjb

Research: Google reaches malware milestone, while 'true' Twitter users increase - ZDNet (blog) http://url4.eu/6ZLjZ

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-we-are-focusing-on-eight-core-businesses/6937 focusing on eight anything doesn't sound right

RT @superglaze: A photo-gallery report of #ORGCon, featuring @doctorow @newsbrooke @thepublicdomain and more! http://bit.ly/dbkP7n #acta #deact

Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit http://bit.ly/bZUp31

Apple unveils Safari Extensions Gallery for extensions, updates for security http://zd.net/aSFW2b (via @ZDNet)

http://bit.ly/dnVmvs Aurora opens Small Business Server to the cloud | Servers | ZDNet UK

Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit | ZDNet http://shrten.com/4klr

RT @HeathClancy: EPA: Yup, greenhouse gases still unhealthy http://bit.ly/aZkizM #greentech #green

http://bit.ly/9SnE7Q Database Toolbar Icons - Free Software Downloads - ZDNet Asia

ZDNET: Court rejects class action status for Intel antitrust suit http://bit.ly/9yAlXu

RT: @ZDNet: HP announces a containerized datacenter sale http://zd.net/d47SR2

RT: @ZDNet: Steve Ballmer: Microsoft has been focusing on cloud for 15 years http://zd.net/9cv0US

RT @johandenhaan: Nice example of difficulties of release management: Oracle rebrands Java, breaks Eclipse http://bit.ly/aN1jaI #yam #fun

There are a couple of points in the story where David's digs at Telstra are offmark: firstly, an inference that the current broadband...

30 minutes ago by gromit on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

David, you've completely missed the point. This has nothing to do with consumer value. You mentioned that "Telstra is supposed...

46 minutes ago by M.N.M on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Yup! They're pretty and look real nice but, as one who qualified in 1963 - on a Diesel Boat - and retired in 1982 - after 6 more die...

49 minutes ago by willyjon on Get wet with submarine tech photos

MasterChefs launch iPhone 4 in Sydney - http://dld.bz/prSR I really want 1, would you get 1? http://dld.bz/prSS

"Not greatly dissimilar to the public jubilation felt at the end of the second World War, Sydney-siders ..." http://bit.ly/cTvyuB #reallysad

Hilarious coverage of the iPhone 4 launch from the CNET guys. http://bit.ly/cTvyuB

What a sad way to live if the only joy in your life is to queue for a piece of defective technology sold by a vendor who accused his loya...

2 hours ago by fred9999 on iPhone 4 Australian launch: pictures

@Jetttje: outlook-alternatieven: http://www.zdnet.com.au/top-alternatives-to-microsoft-outlook-339295046.htm

RT @NASAWatch: NASA photos mooned in abandoned Maccas (LOIRP) http://bit.ly/arFI4Y

http://bit.ly/9y8rsU Multimedia Toolbar Icons - Free Software Downloads - ZDNet Australia

I am happy to know I was right about predicting Symantec's stock price and the furture trend. As I have pointed out a few times, I th...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

Just weirdly found out Michael Yell - Country and Regional Director for OEM, XSP and Services Business at Symantec Asia Pacific and Japan...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

As I have reported to Symantec Ethics about David Freer’s (VP, Symantec – Norton, APJ) misconducts (fraud, having dissented sex with ...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

David Freer (VP, Symantec Consumer Business Units - Norton, APJ) is a BIG LIAR! He lied to me for more than two and half years for my tru...

7 hours ago by strelaoz on iPhone midnight launches across Australia

My speed is 33 807 I'm with bigpond cable

10 hours ago by francoo on Broadband Speedtest

That is a beautiful boat,but, I'd still rather go to sea on a first flight 688 boat.Preferably the 689 if Clinton hadn't decommis...

10 hours ago by rogue689 on Get wet with submarine tech photos

For many other reasons, than just the net filter, the current has to go. Still, I wouldn't trust Abbot either. There are however chec...

11 hours ago by ian_from_oz on Conroy's filter masterstroke

RT: @zdnetaustralia: http://bit.ly/cJU6Mf We've added Virgin to our iPhone 4 pricing table comparison.. See which telco has the best deal.

The pick: five business iPad apps http://fb.me/DOid8NXt

Apple to look at iPhone 3G iOS 4 problems - Software - News http://bit.ly/cmaTAJ _ that's nice of them

Stop trying to dodge the filter issue, Conboy; it'll bite you in the **** whether you like it or not.

14 hours ago by Hyperion on Conroy pledges NBN map, same policies

@merejames http://bit.ly/9YJ6e7

Facebook va lansa un serviciu de răspunsuri la întrebările utilizatorilor http://bit.ly/aS4kLC

Survey proves #AUS e-health demand http://j.mp/ah9Iwf /via @ZDNetAustralia

A "profound cultural change" is required for a truly open government http://bit.ly/bTht86 /via @zdnetaustralia #gov2au

As one who has been as critical as any of the Sol era Telstra...as long as Telstra are leaving feasible room for profit margins for their...

16 hours ago by RS on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

David, while the popular opinion, at least in the eyes of Telstra opponents, is to use every devious argument to stifle the operations of...

16 hours ago by sydneyla on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Question two: What is stopping.... "AUSTRALIANS could save up to $1.9 billion a year in travel costs, petrol and time if they spent h...

16 hours ago by Vasso Massonic on Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog?

Survey proves e-health demand: NEHTA http://itrau.com/bt9f8w via @ZDNetAustralia

RT @zdnetaustralia: Survey by NEHTA proves there is a demand for e-health http://bit.ly/bXuT1K

RT @zdnetaustralia: Telstra cops $18.55 million fine for exchange capping http://bit.ly/9cL91V

RT @zdnetaustralia: Survey by NEHTA proves there is a demand for e-health http://bit.ly/bXuT1K #yam

A good read..RT @zdnetaustralia: Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog? http://bit.ly/cSgC31

RT @zdnetaustralia: eBay and the Trading Post online help the Australian Taxation Office catch tax cheats http://bit.ly/dBDXRz

RT @zdnetaustralia Tesltra tweaks its data plans for all smartphones (not just the iPhone 4) http://bit.ly/bxO0G2

RT @zdnetaustralia: Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog? http://bit.ly/cSgC31

Is Telstra the scorpion or the frog? http://bit.ly/cSgC31

@mibus http://www.zdnet.com.au/commbank-dives-into-580m-banking-it-revamp-339288467.htm

The tech keeping Plastiki afloat: photos: ZDNet Australia brings you the tech below deck on the epic Plastiki voyage. http://bit.ly/aTj1QU

http://bit.ly/cJU6Mf We've added virgin to our iPhone 4 pricing table comparison.. See which telco has the best deal.

This story has been liked 5 times in the last 24 hours!

Keep up with ZDNet Australia

LinkedinLinkedin Join our network

RSS FeedsRSS Feeds Subscribe now

NewslettersNewsletters Subscribe today

TwitterTwitter Follow us

Sponsored resources

Inside ZDNet Australia

Most popular mobile phones

Looking for professional services or RFI's?

Complete survey to win!

Tune in weekly for Twisted Wire

Compare iPad plans

Search for the latest IT and Telco jobs

Get ZDNet on your mobile