Interest in remote area communications so watching to see how far
Singtel-Optus and Futuris with the Opel bid get.
Whilst done a lot of planning to proceed with development, they were as
aware as anyone of chance for change in government with Kevin07 team
likely to complicate things.
Unlikely their work to date totally wasted by these changes.
Likely positioned able submit new bid, one which may cause Telstra even
greater headaches.
Telstra strength was control of cables (includes mostly old copper
wire), with considerable effort to maintain this dominant position
behind much of Telstra's tactics.
With tactics delaying all price negotiations Telstra has been busy
installing a lot of higher speed broadband cable (copper) equipment.
Telstra not turning it on, whilst it sort to lock competitors out from
being able to use this new equipment - except at profitable to Telstra
prices. Agreement to this it may have obtained.
Telstra has been developing and promoting wireless broadband services
around city areas where competition existed.
Opel proposed use wireless technology (similar to developed and used
overseas by Singtel) in rural areas, this reduced forcast installation
and R&M costs.
Prospect of Opel improved wireless internet services being established
for rural areas in competition and NOT needing Telstra controlled cables
doubtless caused worries at Telstra.
Worries Telstra found timed very well with the Kevin07 election.
Certainly Telstra appears to be placing greater effort into developing
and or promoting wireless broadband services into rural areas, since
Opel offering competition.
How successful is wireless broadband in rural areas ?
Many suburban people do not understand the 6km limit from exchanges,
whilst people well past 6km in rural areas certainly do.
For many rural people on dial up a switch to higher speed wireless even
with 3GB a month will look an improvement.
Many may not realize just how few days youth discovering music, movies
and games online on demand can reach 3GB, each day !-)
Wireless plans need see pricing changes before they become competitive
to phonecable broadband.
Whilst wireless broadband remains expensive above 3GB Telstra retains
its strength through wires, this strength it will build on IF it keeps
control of its new Broadband by wires service with competitors paying
Telstra commercial usage rates.
Shareholders in Telstra and Singtel-Optus likely sure that we live in
interesting times ;-)
[FCL]Futuris worth a look for several reasons.
Perhaps add [SOT] SP Telemedia ;-)
P
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