Industry News

Communities in the rollout

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:09:00 GMT

Below is a list of communities displaying the different stages of work of the National Broadband Network - communities that have NBN services available, suburbs where work has commenced and the areas in Australia where work on the NBN will commence within one year.

For communities that are included in the three year rollout plan, download our PDF or ZIP files.
Rollout plan - 1 April 2012 to 30 June 2015 (PDF - 700 KB)
Rollout plan - 1 April 2012 to 30 June 2015 (ZIP - 415 KB)

This list provides the estimated likely coverage are based on our rollout schedule, which may change following more detailed planning and design work. See the full list of one year rollout information at the NBNCo website

TV Station Pulls Out Of Freeview

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:53:00 GMT

Freeview is facing an uncertain future in Australia after the regional TV Network WIN--which reaches 42% of Australian homes--said they are set to dump the service. WIN has described Freeview as "making little sense".

Freeview, which was established in 2008, is jointly owned by ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, Ten, Prime7 and Southern Cross. It uses technology that restricts the removal or the fast forwarding of advertising on TV sets, Blu ray players and set top boxes.

It was launched because TV stations want to control the recording of content so that consumers are unable to ad skip. They also want to control what consumers are watching due to digital rights management issues.

Late in 2011 all the commercial broadcasters agreed in principle to a merger of Freeview, Free TV and RBA. Internally management have been told that the plan was to cut costs and streamline the agenda of free-to-air broadcasters following the successful launch of digital channels including 7Mate, 11 and Gem. The new body would retain the name Freeview the Australian newspaper said.

The chairman of Freeview, ABC director Kim Dalton, and general manager Liz Ross declined to comment on the move that could open the way up for third party EPG provider Ice TV.

The decision to quit follows a failed plan to fold the organisation into the peak industry body for commercial broadcasters, Free TV, and Regional Broadcasting Australia (RBA), creating a super industry body the Australian newspaper revealed.

One source said WIN was no longer prepared to pay for "a marketing body" it believed served little purpose. WIN declined to comment, but another member of Free TV said the organisation was no longer fit for purpose for the FTA industry's new priorities: "We don't see value in Freeview as an organisation," the source said.

"It did a good job advertising the new digital channels but I don't think a part-time organisation could handle launching a catch-up TV service."

The takeover push was led by Nine managing director Jeffrey Browne, who even sought legal advice on how it would work.

However, the secret plan was scuttled when Seven replaced outgoing sales executive James Warburton with Seven commercial director Bruce McWilliam and he rejected it.

WIN has asked that the other shareholders buy it out but that has not happened yet, a Freeview source said.

When Freeview was launched in Australia David Ackery, the General Manager of Harvey Norman Electrical, was critical of Freeview. At the time he said that Australian TVs and set top boxes did not need Freeview to deliver consumers a "good viewing experience".

He said that Freeview was needed for small set top boxes that are currently being used to upgrade existing and old TVs into a digital TV.

"I accept that a lot of new digital TVs do not need to be Freeview certified however we do need some form of digital converter box for the thousands of Australians who cannot afford the move to a new digital TV set." He said.

In a statement issued by Freeview the organisation said that "the introduction of a next generation Freeview Electronic Program would not be hampered by the withdrawal of WIN, and Freeview would "continue to deliver the EPG to WIN customers".

Currently Freeview is developing a catch-up television service similar to the ABC's iView service.

Shortly IceTV will launch a new EPG service that allows consumers to get access to an electronic program guide, movies and applications.

Source: ChannelNews

Foxtel IPTV undertaking just scraps: iiNet

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:02:00 GMT

Internet service provider (ISP) iiNet has rejected Foxtel's pledge to open access to some of its content to its IPTV competitors as part of Foxtel's $2.5 billion bid to buy Austar, stating that the undertaking won't actually offer the content that people want.

In order to address concerns surrounding the deal announced in May last year, Foxtel submitted an undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) earlier this month. The submission stated that it would not lock up exclusivity rights to content on IPTV, and that it would allow access to some but not all sports and entertainment content currently locked up by Foxtel.

As one of the big users of IPTV through its FetchTV product, iiNet would, on the face of it, stand to gain from the undertaking; however, chief regulatory officer Steve Dalby said in iiNet's submission to the ACCC that the undertaking would do little to reduce the market dominance that the merged Foxtel-Austar subscription TV company would have.

Dalby said that the undertaking would have no impact on current exclusivity contracts, and that a number of the popular channels have been left out of the offer.

"Much of Foxtel's popular content, such as the widely known Showtime, Nickelodeon and National Geographic channels, will still remain exclusive to the merged entity," he said.

It also wouldn't make it easier for smaller subscription TV players to negotiate with the film and TV companies to get that content in the first place.

"The undertaking does nothing to address the commercial challenges faced by iiNet in negotiating with large rights holders, such as the major movie studios. These very real commercial barriers include terms such as 'minimum subscriber numbers' imposed by content providers," he said.

Telstra, which has a 50 per cent stake in Foxtel and will be flush with cash from its $11 billion deal with NBN Co, would be at an advantage to bundle Foxtel packages and become a dominant player in the IPTV market, according to Dalby. He said that the undertaking did not seek to limit any push from Telstra at all.

Dalby said that the only way IPTV can even hope to compete with a merged Foxtel-Austar company would be if it were made easier for IPTV providers to get hold of the compelling content that customers want.

"It is impossible for this objective to be achieved unless IPTV providers have access to premium content that is capable of attracting large numbers of subscribers. If IPTV providers are not able to attract large numbers of subscribers, then they will never be in a position to negotiate access to compelling content, particularly in a competing bid against a merged Foxtel and Austar."

For this reason, Dalby said that the undertaking should be rejected.

While iiNet is talking down the merger, Foxtel CEO Richard Freudenstein said that the merged Foxtel-Austar company will give customers more products and channels, and that this in turn would improve productivity in the economy.

"This is a big change for our industry, but I think it is a really big opportunity for our industry as well," Freudenstein told the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) annual conference in Sydney.

"Over time, we will be able to have a more united view on technology and a bigger investment in technology going forward.

"I think that is one of the great advantages of having a big company; you have that ability to invest and innovate."

AAP contributed to this article.

Source: ZDNet

The Freeview EPG is the smart EPG for free-to-air TV!

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:39:00 GMT

March sees the start of the Footy season with all codes underway around the country. It also heralds the launch of the next generation EPG from Freeview. The Freeview EPG or electronic program guide, uses the broadcast signal rather than the schedule data to give the most up to date program information available.

Freeview’s smart EPG

We are delighted to announce Freeview’s next generation EPG is now available in electrical retail stores throughout Australia. The EPG or electronic program guide, is a 7 day program guide, that is easy to use and lists what is available today and the next 7 days. To get the Freeview EPG you need a Freeview certified set top box, digital TV or DVR (digital video recorder) with this logo on it.

The EPG has many features, such as easy navigation, parental lock, program reminders and detailed program information such as synopsis, classification, format, and whether it is broadcast in SD or HD.

The good news is, if you already have a Freeview certified EPG product you can go online to the manufacturers’ website and download the latest firmware.

For those with a digital video recorder, the benefits of the Freeview EPG are even greater. What makes the EPG smart? The EPG knows when a program is starting or finishing so you will never miss the start or end of a program again. It also has a smart series link function, so that if you record a series, the Freeview EPG will only record the new episodes within the series.

Other features include pause and rewind live TV and watch and record different channels simultaneously.*

*Some models may not feature this function. Check with your retailer prior to purchase.

The Freeview EPG- allows you to keep watching while searching the guide.

The i-plate provides more detailed information about the show you are watching.

Freeview EPG TVC

Our next campaign will focus on the features and benefits of the EPG. The “Smart EPG” TVC will screen across all networks in prime time (except Regional WA, Regional SA and Regional NT markets). It will also feature retailer logos to indicate where the products may be purchased. Stay tuned for our EPG campaign starting late March.

ACCC Calls On IPTV Industry To Comment Before Approving Foxtel Austar Merger

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:57:00 GMT

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has today called on Foxtel competitors to offer their opinions on the conditions attached to the proposed $1.9B takeover of Austrar by Foxtel.

Early today the ACCC said that their main areas of concern with the proposed acquisition arises in the national market for the retail supply of subscription television services (particularly at the entry level) and a number of regional markets for the supply of fixed broadband and fixed voice telephony products.

Read: Austar, Foxtel Respond To ACCC ‘Inquiry'

According to the terms of the undertaking, Foxtel will be prevented from entering into exclusive content agreements to acquire internet protocol television (IPTV) rights for a range of attractive content to allow that content to be made available to existing and future competitors of Foxtel and Telstra. By reducing content exclusivity, the proposed undertaking aims to lower barriers to entry and promote new and effective competition in telecommunications and subscription television markets.

The ACCC expects that as telecommunications networks develop, the undertaking will create opportunities for new and existing competitors to develop differentiated and more affordable subscription television offerings. These differentiated products would be likely to improve competition in both subscription television and telecommunications markets as retailers increasingly seek to bundle IPTV services with other telecommunications products.

The ACCC considers that to the extent that Foxtel's (and its shareholders') ownership of exclusive sports rights may raise competition concerns, these concerns exist independently of the proposed acquisition. While premium domestic sport is therefore not offered as part of the undertaking the ACCC considers that the package of content that will be made available will be sufficient to address the competitive harm that is likely to arise as a result of the proposed acquisition.

The ACCC is conscious that any remedy must balance the need to reduce barriers to entry without dampening incentives for content suppliers or subscription television operators to be innovative and competitive.

In addition, the proposed undertaking aims to further lower barriers by requiring Foxtel to provide necessary signal access to linear channels distributed by independent content suppliers (and which Foxtel itself distributes to its subscribers) to third parties.

The proposed undertaking will also extend Foxtel's Special Access Undertaking (given by Foxtel to the ACCC in 2006) so that content suppliers can gain access to Austar subscribers as well as Foxtel subscribers as is presently the case.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said that "The proposed undertaking has been offered by Foxtel to address the harm to competition which is likely to arise as a result of the proposed acquisition," said. "However it is not intended to resolve competition or structural issues that may already exist in the relevant markets and are unrelated to the proposed acquisition."

The ACCC's main areas of concern with the proposed acquisition arise in the national market for the retail supply of subscription television services (particularly at the entry level) and a number of regional markets for the supply of fixed broadband and fixed voice telephony products.

"The proposed acquisition would bring together the two main subscription TV industry players in Australia each with a substantial customer base and significant access to key content. This would in turn give Telstra, Foxtel's largest shareholder, greater market power in fixed broadband and telephony markets," Mr Sims said.

The ACCC now seeks views from market participants to assist its consideration of the proposed undertaking and in determining whether the proposed undertaking would be likely to alleviate the ACCC's potential competition concerns.

The ACCC's competition concerns and the objectives of the proposed undertaking in resolving them are explained in the undertaking documentation, along with the details of how the proposed undertaking is intended to operate.

Following market consultation, the ACCC will decide whether to accept or reject the proposed undertaking.

The proposed undertakings will be available on the ACCC website

Source: ChannelNews

Digital Switchover in your community

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:07:00 GMT

The Digital Switchover Taskforce has been out and about over the past few weeks visiting local communities across the Southern New South Wales switchover region to talk about Digital Switchover.

The Taskforce and local Digital Switchover Liaison Officers recently met with local stakeholders in Griffith and Wagga Wagga to talk specifically about the tools and information on hand to help members of the community make the switch.

The Taskforce also recently attended the Berry and Bega shows to talk about Switchover and answer questions from residents about how to get ready and the Government’s new Viewer Access Satellite Television service.

Dubbo and Bathurst: are you Digital Ready?
Residents in and around Bathurst and Dubbo are encouraged to attend upcoming public information sessions to find out more about Digital Switchover. Representatives from the Digital Switchover Taskforce will be on hand to help troubleshoot reception issues, advise residents how to get ready for digital TV, as well as provide advice about government assistance.

Dubbo
When: 6 March 2012
Time: 11am – 2pm
Where: RSL Club Motel, corner Wingewarra and Brisbane streets, Dubbo

Bathurst
When: 7 March 2012
Time: 11am – 2pm
Where: Quality Hotel, 344 Stewart Street, Bathurst

The NAB Newcastle Regional Show 16-18 March
We encourage Newcastle residents to come along to the Newcastle Show where representatives from the Taskforce will be on hand to talk to you about how to switch to digital TV and answer your questions.

When: 16 – 18 March 2012

Time: All day
Where: Newcastle Showground, Newcastle

Source: DigitalReady

iiNet to offer NBN satellite services

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:32:00 GMT

iiNet plans to offer services on the interim National Broadband Network (NBN) satellite service later this month.

The Interim Satellite Service offers peak download speeds of up to 6 megabits per second and upload speeds of up to 1 megabit per second. It is designed to handle up to 200,000 customers, and will be in place until 2015, when NBN Co plans to launch two new satellites.

iiNet's plan will set customers back $49.95 per month (or $39.95 when bundled with a home phone) and comes equipped with 20GB of data per month.

Although iiNet only offers one plan, it appears to be much cheaper than those on offer by the current satellite service providers, Activ8me, Ant, BorderNet, Clear Networks, Harbour IT, Reachnet and SkyMesh. Although these telcos have a wider variety of plans, approximately 20GB of monthly data will set customers back anywhere between $59.95 and $90.

This is the last piece of the NBN puzzle for iiNet, with the telco already offering fibre services in the first release sites, and planning to trial NBN Co's fixed-wireless long-term evolution (LTE) service soon.

"We've been active supporters of the NBN from day one, and the introduction of these new satellite services means that those Australians living and working in regional or remote areas can now enjoy the benefits that come with faster and more reliable internet access from an award-winning service provider," CEO Michael Malone said in a statement.

"For us as a business, we're particularly pleased that we can now offer our customers much improved services, in geographic areas we couldn't previously reach."

iiNet-owned Internode today also announced new plans for ADSL2+ including a new 1.2TB plan for $139.95 unbundled. The company has cut the price of its 300GB plans by $10, and has introduced a new 60GB plan that is $10 more than its 30GB plan.

Source: ZDNet

Telstra unveils NBN pricing

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:31:00 GMT

Telstra has unveiled its long-awaited commercial product pricing for the National Broadband Network (NBN), after the telco signed its one-year contract with NBN Co.

(Credit: Telstra)

The company has today announced a number of 24-month bundles for NBN plans with download speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and 100Mbps. The plans will be available to residents living in the first five mainland release sites of Kiama, Armidale, Townsville, Brunswick and Willunga. Although Telstra does have customers in Tasmania, Telstra will not offer commercial NBN services to those customers until NBN Co upgrades the network-termination devices to the Alcatel-Lucent standard units.

The lowest-end bundle with home phone, Wi-Fi modem and installation costs $80 per month with 5GB of data per month on 25Mbps, while the high-end plan comes in at $150 with 500GB of data per month on the 100Mbps download plan.

Telstra has three varieties of standalone plans, starting at $49.95 per month for 50GB of data per month on the 25Mbps download plan, right up to $89.95 per month for 500GB. For an extra $10 per month, Telstra will upgrade the speed of the plan to 100Mbps.

Telstra chief customer officer Gordon Ballantyne said that in the first five mainland release sites, Telstra has over 500 customers on the NBN already.

"[W]e've learned a great deal about what they need from us to make the move to the new network a smooth one," he said in a statement.

Ballantyne said that Telstra has trained staff in its call centres and stores to make transitioning to the NBN easier for customers.

"Five thousand Telstra technicians nationally are poised to connect customers to the new service, and local technicians say they won't leave customers until their devices are up and running."

In addition to this, Telstra will also launch a "Fibre Experience Centre" that will visit the NBN sites to show off Telstra services on the NBN. The first stop will be Kiama, where the centre will remain until 16 March.

Source: ZDNet

Telstra launches first 4G tablet

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 02:14:00 GMT

Telstra and Samsung have today announced the availability of Australia's first 4G tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9.

Telstra will offer a 16GB version of the tablet outright for AU$720, and will soon range a 32GB model for AU$840. Customers can also pay off the cost of the tablet over the course of a 24-month contract, starting from AU$49 per month with 1GB of data, up to AU$99 per month with a generous 15GB of data.

The Galaxy Tab is Telstra's first Samsung tablet in its range, but it's the fourth to launch in Australia to date. The 8.9-inch variant appears to add much to the established formula for these devices besides 4G connectivity. The tablet runs on Android 3.2 with Samsung's TouchWiz interface modifications, although its faster 1.5GHz processor may make the experience of using the tablet a little smoother than on the previously released Galaxy Tab 10.1.

(Screenshot by CBSi)
Source: ZDNet
Image: Telstra's first 4G tablet, the Galaxy Tab 8.9. (Credit: Samsung)

Telstra's HTC Velocity 4G out next week

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:38:00 GMT

This Tuesday, Telstra will launch the first long-term evolution (LTE), or "4G" handset in Australia, the HTC Velocity.

After weeks of speculation, Telstra has announced that the first "4G" handset will be made available online and through Telstra stores from 24 January.

The Velocity features a 4.5-inch touchscreen, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and an 8-megapixel camera, and is powered by Android. The phone runs on 4G in Telstra's 1800MHz spectrum, but has the ability to switch to 3G and GSM or EDGE. Talk time is estimated to be 310 minutes on 3G, and 248 hours on standby for 3G.

Telstra advises customers that typical 4G download speeds for the HTC Velocity will be between 2 megabits per second (Mbps) and 40Mbps, while upload speeds will be between 1Mbps and 10Mbps.

Telstra's 4G network was launched in September last year, and is now deployed within a five-kilometre radius of all major capital cities, as well as within three kilometres of 80 regional locations.

The phone is available to consumers for $0 on Telstra's 24-month $79 Freedom Connect plan, which includes $800 worth of calls and MMS, unlimited SMS and 2GB of data each month.

For business customers, the smartphone is available on Telstra's $90 Business Mobile Advantage plan with $90 worth of standard national calls, unlimited SMS and 2GB of data on a 24-month contract.

Source: ZDNet | The HTC Velocity (Credit: Telstra)

The $4bn digital dividend

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:28:00 GMT

Later this year the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will auction off some of the spectrum facilitated by the digital TV switchover. On Twisted Wire we look at how it will be sold, who will bid and how much they can expect to pay.

The auction will include spectrum in the 700MHz and 2.5GHz range. Kursten Leins, general manager of Strategic Marketing at Ericsson, joins me to explain how these ranges provide complementary needs for mobile providers.

Jane Cole, manager of the Major Spectrum Allocations Section at ACMA, talks about how the use of a combinational clock auction approach will ensure the most efficient use of the available spectrum.

As to how much it will all make, Chris Coughlan, director of Research Consulting at Telsyte, is prepared to have a stab at it. He puts a $4 billion figure on it. We discuss who will be the bidders — will it be a three-horse or two-horse race?

Source: ZDNet | Running time: 28 minutes, 52 seconds

Are You Ready For Digital - Multi Dwelling Units / Commercial

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:01:00 GMT

Where were we 2.5 years ago?
Early 2009, according to the Tracker, 47% of Australian households overall had converted compared with 43% of households that were in block of units. The uptake of digital TV and the conversion rate of MDU households has improved considerably over the past two and a half years.

What’s the situation in 2011?
In 2011 it is estimated that there are more than 2.4 million Australian households in flats, units, apartments and townhouses. This represents almost 30% of Australia’s 8.1 million households. According to the weighted estimates from the Digital Tracker (Quarter 2, 2011) 79% of MDU households had converted to digital TV compared with 81% of Australian households as a whole.

This indicates that as at Q2 2011 there could be up to 504,000 MDU households (out of a total stock of 2.4 million) MDU households that may not yet have converted. This equates to around 27,720 residential buildings of which 75% (20,790) are in metropolitan centres.

(21% of the 71,123 blocks of units ˃10 and est. 61,000 in blocks of ˂10)

Progress with switchover
As an overall goal we would aim for the entire stock of MDUs in Australia to be fully digital ready by 31 December 2013.

We now have 25 months timeline until December 2013 when digital switchover concludes in the metropolitan areas.

Timing is important
Those who collectively own and/or manage MDUs should optimally be aware of the technical and financial scope of any necessary upgrades 6-12 months prior to the switchover date for their area. This allows time for any additional funds to be raised and governance processes to be followed.

Who are the stakeholders?
MDU residents

Strata lot owners
Strata committees
Strata managers
Landlords and rental property managers
Accommodation providers
Commercial and public facilities managers

Who are the stakeholders?
Antenna installers
MATV systems vendors and service providers
Data network and communication service providers
Building maintenance service providers
Peak bodies (strata, real estate, building services, DRT sector, tourism, local/State government, community providers/charities.

How will we measure success?
The Digital Tracker serves as the primary instrument by which to measure progress with conversion in MDUs.

The survey results currently provide information on whether a respondent is a renter or landlord, what type of antenna they use, including whether they rely on a shared antenna system, along with some basic information on whether they live in a “flat within a house” or a “flat within a block of units.”

Issues for strata and property managers

Master Antenna TV systems (MATV)
Headendsand channelisedsystems
Owners corporations are responsible for the antenna systems in MDUs
Potential problems with an antenna system: cabling and signal reception, e.g. resulting from the ‘digital cliff’ effect
Limitations on tenants’ ability to upgrade antenna

Advice to all Strata and Property Managers

Without appropriate attention some occupiers and tenants in MDUs could be left without TV after switchover
Landlords and owner occupiers of MDUs need to collaborate to arrive at effective technical solutions
There are tax deductions for upgrades to rental property
Digital readiness is a market expectation
The Taskforce is working closely with property sector groups to share information and develop strategies for switchover

Issues for strata and property managers
As the surveys become more metropolitan-focused we will derive a proportionately larger and therefore statistically more reliable indication of the status of MDU households.

Further refinements to the survey instrument are being made to provide more detailed data on specific MDU building categories, such as 2-4 storey walk-ups, mid-rise and high-rise buildings, as well as the age of the building.

What are the key success factors and risks?
The key success factors are effective, timely engagement with relevant stakeholders and reliable, compelling advice on how to achieve MDU conversion.

The critical areas of risk exposure are in the possibility of not reaching key stakeholders in time, not providing current, comprehensive advice and stakeholders not taking action in time. The first two areas are internal and fully addressable within the strategy and the third is a function of the adequacy of engagement and the resources to implement.

Less than 50 days to go: Regional Queensland is on the countdown to switchover!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:16:00 GMT

In less than 50 days regional Queensland will make the historic transition to digital-only free-to-air television.

On 6 December 2011, the analog TV signals that have been operating across regional Queensland since the 1960s will be switched off, marking a significant milestone for television in regional Queensland.

84 per cent of households across regional Queensland have now converted to digital TV. This represents a huge increase from the 46 per cent in early 2009.

Digital TV will provide a better picture, sound quality and wider variety of channels and also close the gap for many rural and regional viewers who will now be able to enjoy access to the same number of channels as available in city centres.

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy today said, “digital switchover is revolutionising the TV landscape across Australia. Over 10,000 residents across regional Queensland, including the communities of Redlynch, Mt Morgan and Goldsborough Valley are already enjoying access to 16 free-to-air digital channels instead of the 4 or 5 analog services they were receiving previously.”

Digital TV will provide a better picture and sound quality as well as a wider variety of channels. Digital TV will also ensure for the first time, that rural and regional viewers will now be able to enjoy the same number of channels as available in city centres.

Source: DigitalReady.gov.au

NBN Co unveils 12-month roll-out plan

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:56:00 GMT

The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) has announced the 12-month plan for the roll-out of the NBN today, which will see the network pass through 49 sites over the next year.

The new work, commencing today and continuing through to September 2012, will see 485,000 homes and businesses added to the new high-speed fibre network. The full list of work for NBN Co over the next 12 months includes rolling out the network to 15 regional centres and suburbs in New South Wales, two in the Northern Territory (including Darwin), one in the Australian Capital Territory, six in Queensland, 10 in South Australia, 12 in Tasmania (including Launceston), seven in Victoria (including Melbourne City) and seven in Western Australia.

The full list of sites includes (new sites italicised):

ACT:
Gungahlin

New South Wales:
Armidale
Blacktown
Coffs Harbour
Dapto
Gosford
Jamberoo
Kiama
Lidcombe
Long Jetty
Penrith
Richmond
Riverstone
Sawtell
Strathfield (Homebush)
Wollongong

Northern Territory:
Casuarina
Darwin

Queensland:
Aspley
Goodna
Nudgee
Toowoomba
Townsville
Townsville City

South Australia:
Aldinga Beach
Modbury
Port Augusta
Port Elliot
Prospect
Seaford/McLaren Vale
Stirling
Strathalbyn
Yankalilla
Willunga

Tasmania
Deloraine
George Town
South Hobart
Kingston Beach
Launceston
Midway Point
Scottsdale
Smithton
Somerset
Sorell
St Helens
Triabunna

Victoria
Bacchus Marsh
Ballarat Central
Brunswick
Melbourne City
Melton
South Morang
Tullamarine

Western Australia
Applecross
Geraldton
Mandurah
Meadow Springs
Pinjarra
South Perth
Victoria Park

Speaking at a press conference in Wollongong, New South Wales, today, the CEO of NBN Co, Mike Quigley, said that the release schedule will be updated quarterly to include new site information, before a three-year construction roadmap is outed next year, which the company plans to update annually. The CEO added that the public information campaign for the NBN will also kick off early next year.

"Today's announcement represents the start of a major nationwide construction effort that should eventually see us offer National Broadband Network coverage to every one of Australia's 13 million premises.

"We'll be publishing regular updates about where precisely the NBN is being rolled out, and when it will reach each area. Public education activity, to launch next year, will also explain what the roll-out will mean for every Australian, how to connect to the network and why it is important that the nation upgrades its telecommunications infrastructure," Quigley said.

Quigley also announced that NBN Co is nearing completion on the contract that would see it begin work on the first stage of the national transit network.

"The next phase of construction will also involve the roll-out of the first stage of the transit network, which will connect the different fibre access nodes to points where the traffic will be transferred to service providers. In this first stage, NBN Co is planning to construct 149 transit links connecting 155 fibre access nodes, of which 30 are also points of interconnect. The company is nearing completion of a contract to build transit services over the next 12 months.

"To be completed over the next three years, the transit network is an important part of providing a National Broadband Network, and will assist the roll-out of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite services," Quigley said.

The NBN Co chief also announced that the company would begin supplying greenfield deployment information to telcos from today to assist in planning future network investment. Information available to telcos and retail service providers includes data on almost 5000 premises in 90 different new sites across the country where NBN Co is deploying fibre.

Source: ZDNet.com.au

Queensland Rollout Map

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:40:00 GMT

The switch to digital TV represents a milestone for Australia and on 6 December 2011*, areas of regional Queensland will be switching off their analog TV signals.

More information about switch off in regional Queensland is available in the information sheet Regional Queensland: Its time to get ready for digital TV, located in the Info Centre.

*Switch off may occur earlier in some towns relying on a self-help transmission tower. Residents in these areas will be informed about the switchover dates.

Important information for Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach and Cooloola Cove residents

Following reports of reception difficulties in Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach, the Digital Switchover Taskforce visited these areas in August to conduct signal strength and quality testing. The Taskforce found a number of issues that required further investigation by broadcasters.

Following a visit by an engineering team from Regional Broadcasting Australia and extensive field tests by broadcasters, adjustments were made to the WIN service on 2 September 2011.

A subsequent intermittent transmitter fault was then identified. This fault has now been rectified by broadcasters and the transmitter manufacturer.

Digital services at Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach are now operating as planned. Residents whose antennas are correctly set up for their local digital services should no longer experience reception difficulties..

If you are receiving assistance under the Household Assistance Scheme and you are experiencing problems with your digital TV reception, please contact the service provider, TechLife, on 1800 44 37 16.

Queensland switchover timetable

Wide Bay
Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Maryborough
6 December 2011

Darling Downs
Toowoomba, Warwick and Dalby
6 December 2011

Brisbane
Brisbane, Gold Coast and Noosa
30 June 2013

Capricornia
Rockhampton, Emerald and Yeppoon
6 December 2011

North Queensland
Townsville, Ayr and Charters Towers
6 December 2011

Queensland Central Coast & Whitsundays
Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen
6 December 2011

Far North Queensland
Cairns, Port Douglas and Innisfail
6 December 2011

*Please note: switch off may occur earlier in some towns relying on a self-help transmission tower. Residents in these areas will be informed about switchover dates. See the Early switchover towns section for more information.

Household Assistance Scheme

There is a Household Assistance Scheme available to people who receive the maximum rate of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement and do not have access to digital TV.

If you're eligible for the scheme, you will receive free-of-charge:

one high definition set-top box per household
installation and demonstration of your new equipment by a technician
any necessary upgrades to cabling, antenna or satellite systems (depending on whether you own your own home)
12 month of support and service

Eligible households in the area have been contacted by Centrelink.

Residents who are eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme should call 1800 556 443 to organise an installation of a digital set-top box.

(Source: digitalready.gov.au)

NBN Co to launch video services in 2012

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:12:00 GMT

The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) has unveiled plans to launch its multi-cast video product, which will allow video services such as Foxtel to be delivered through the NBN in the middle of 2012, but the product will only be available for premises in the fibre footprint.

The multi-cast product will be made available for customers with NBN internet services who reside in the 93 per cent of Australian premises to be covered by fibre. Retail service providers (RSPs) will need to pay $250 per month per 100Mbps capacity at each point of interconnect (multi-cast domain), and will also be charged $5 per month for the first 20Mbps each household uses on video services, with an additional $5 per extra 10Mbps up to 60Mbps.

NBN Co predicts that standard-definition video can be delivered at between 3Mbps and 5Mbps, while high-definition video will be delivered at between 6Mbps and 8Mbps. Users will need a minimum of 6Mbps to 16Mbps once dual-mode set-top boxes, which allow users to watch one channel while recording another, are taken into account.

At the point of interconnect, however, retail service providers will need to account for all of the channels that they wish to broadcast. For example, if a company wishes to broadcast 20 standard-definition channels at 5Mbps each, and eight high-definition video channels at 10Mbps each, this would be a total of 180Mbps required, and the company would be required to buy a 200Mbps Multi-cast Domain at each of the 121 points of interconnect that it serves.

NBN Co's head of product development Jim Hassell said that the multi-cast offering would let any retail service provider offer video services to customers through the NBN.

"This should give consumers more choice and freedom to select the content they want, and it should encourage the development and production of new content by creating a more diverse market of service providers who want to purchase content to broadcast," he said in a statement.

For now, the product will only be available to customers in the fibre footprint of the network, but NBN Co indicated that the service may be made available through the company's long-term evolution (LTE) fixed-wireless service and satellite service in the future.

NBN Co plans to start testing multi-cast services later this year, with a full launch of the service in the middle of 2012.

The company has released a discussion paper (PDF) accompanying today's announcement, and has called for industry feedback on its multicast product plan.

Source

List of Western Australian Transmitters to be upgraded to digital July 2011

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:07:00 GMT

There are 51 sites being upgraded in WA.

Narambeen is not being converted by the broadcasters. Stage 1 VAST commenced in early April.

1. Mt Lennard	27. Merredin
2. Mandurah	28. Kojonup
3. Moresby Range	29. North West Cape
4. Peters Hill	30. Paraburdoo
5. Mt Clarence	31. Quarrel Range
6. Mawson Trig	32. Kangaroo Hill
7. Mt Barker	33. Augusta
8. Mt Welcome	34. Kalbarri
9. Karratha	35. Halls Creek
10. Finucane Island	36. Nannup
11. Broome	37. Pemberton
12. Wireless Hill	38. Bruce Rock
13. Mt Latham	39. Fitzroy Crossing
14. Northam	40. Norseman
15. Brown Range	41. Mt Campbell
16. Fairfield	42. Meekatharra
17. Margaret River	43. Wyndham
18. Newman	44. Ghooli RT
19. Manjimup	45. Pannawonica
20. Suttons Lookout	46. Mullewa
21. Red Hill	47. Mt Magnet
22. Kellys Knob	48. Carnamah
23. Kununurra East	49. Mingenew
24. Narrogin	50. Koolyanobbing
25. Derby Town	51. Perenjori
26. Tom Price

CEDIA HDMI Installation Best Practices

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:04:00 GMT

This HDMI whitepaper discusses best practices in HDMI distribution, including topics such as how to pull HDMI cables and basic HDMI tests. The paper also gives an overview of common interoperability issues.

Member Price: $0.00
To order your copy click here education@cedia.com.au

CEDIA Understanding EDID

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:56:00 GMT

Understanding EDID will help the installer describe the supported function of a display device as delivered by a manufacturer. Emulation of a display device using its EDID is also a useful function for installers. To determine if an A/V receiver, DVD, or a HDMI switch is interoperable with a display device, using a saved EDID on a test equipment is a quick way to validate source device interoperability.

Member Price: $0.00
Non Member: N/A

Order Now

CEDIA HDMI Design and Initialisation Sequence

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:46:00 GMT

CEDIA has published a second whitepaper in the HDMI series. HDMI design and initialisation sequence discusses three types of HDMI devices, the authentication process of displaying the best possible audio and video format, and a list of third-party HDCP key limits. This document is available free of charge to CEDIA members and priced at $10.00 for non-members.

Member Price: $1.00
Non Member Price: $10.00

Order Now

What is FREEVIEW?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:52:00 GMT

Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia. It comprises all the channels from Australia’s free-to- air broadcasters, including the ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten, PRIME7, WIN Television and Southern Cross.

Freeview offers up to 10 more channels than would otherwise be received via analogue television. The additional channels include ABCNews24, ABC2, ABC3, SBSTWO, 7Mate, 7TWO, GO!, GEM, ELEVEN and ONE. To find out which channels are available in each region of Australia on Freeview, visit www.freeview.com.au/channels

To receive the full suite of channels offered on Freeview in your area, you will need to convert to high definition digital TV equipment. Your local electronics retailer will be able to help you find the most appropriate products for your needs. Once you have this equipment, Freeview is free.

National Broadband Network Builder/Cabler Briefing Sessions

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:32:00 GMT

You are invited to attend NBN Co's Builder and Cabler Briefing Sessions.

These briefing sessions will update you on the NBN activity happening in New Developments across the country and the major changes this presents to your industry. This is a chance for you to ask the hard questions and meet with NBN Co direct to understand the opportunities and requirements around preparing new homes to connect to the NBN.

Builders and Cablers constructing homes in New Developments where the NBN will be installed will now need to prepare homes to connect to the NBN and it's important that you understand the new building and technical requirements that this work involves.

The workshop will provide:

An overview on the National Broadband Network and the rollout into New Developments
A technical brief on NBN Co's equipment and requirements for builders and cablers to prepare new homes to connect to the NBN
What you will need to discuss with your customers (new homeowners) and information on how they can connect services over the NBN
What you will need to discuss with Developers to understand which stages of their developments will be NBN Ready

Who should attend:

Builders, Cablers and Developers interested in understanding the opportunities and benefits of being involved in NBN Co's rollout in New Developments.

Register now to secure your place.

Switchover date in regional Queensland announced

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:13:00 GMT

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy has announced the analog TV signal in regional Queensland will be switched off on 6 December 2011.

Preparations are underway to ensure the people of regional Queensland are ready for the switch to digital TV. The Digital Switchover Taskforce will be working closely with communities to ensure people know how and when to make the switch to digital.

Some areas are switching to digital TV early, as broadcasters upgrade local ‘self help’ transmitters from analog to digital. Other locations will have new digital TV transmitters brought on air to improve local reception.

More information about the switch in regional Queensland is available on www.digitalready.gov.au.

Source

ACMA auctions licences in the 2.3 GHz band

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:26:00 GMT

On Wednesday 13 July 2011, the Australian Communications and Media Authority successfully auctioned forty spectrum licences in the 2.3 GHz band. The licences were for residual lots in specified regional and remote areas of Australia.

The highest bidders bid a total of $1,671,350 for the forty licences. The names of the successful applicants and total bid prices are below:

Name of Applicant	Number of Licences	Total Amount
NBN Co Limited	24	$1,329,750
Telstra Corporation Ltd	12	$304,300
BKAL Pty Ltd	4	$37,300

A further eight spectrum licences in the 2.3 GHz band will be offered to BKAL Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Unwired Australia Pty Ltd at the pre-determined price. BKAL Pty Ltd was the only applicant for these licences.

Information about the release of the residual lots in the 2.3 GHz band is available on the ACMA website.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au.

===

The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.

Source

Antenna Selection Guide, shifts Industry For the Best

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:01:00 GMT

Matchmaster For The Best In Digital TV Reception Systems
As customers become more tech-savvy, their service expectations have also increased. So to meet the rising demand for digital entertainment and technologies, Matchmaster, have developed a new software package to help customers and installers with an understanding of digital ready products and accessories to suit the site that requires updating to new digital ready antennas and related accessories. The software called The Matchmaster Antenna Selection Guide is “FREE”! Check it out at www.matchmaster.tv

Why was the Matchmaster Antenna Locator developed?
It’s all about becoming ready for the Digital Switchover, the Government made changes to the television industry by setting firm dates for switching off analog transmitters. As part of the transition to digital-only services, and in consultation with industry, the Government has also set up a non-mandatory Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme. To achieve Endorsement under the Scheme, installers must first register and then undertake an online assessment of their technical knowledge. For further information on the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme and the switch off dates you can visit the Digital Ready website.

Scions Major TV Prison System

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Scion has recently installed the first part of a major TV prison system in one of two prison sites Scion have contracts for. The first part which is now occupied has approximately 380 TV locations with the 2nd phase due for completion later this year.

Scion has already started to build the infamous 1000 series switches for the 2nd site which will have over 1000 TV screen locations many of them utilising a specially designed wall plate Scart receiver to suit the environment they are being used in. The faceplates have twin Scarts with automatic switching for devices like DVD players when they are being used.

With more than half a million screen positions utilising Scion TV switches in the commercial and domestic markets. Scion is also pleased to announce that it now has launched the browser version software for the 1000 series offering many advantages over the original software with applications designed for Prison, Detention centres and hotels.

Telstra, NBN Co finally come to agreement

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:33:00 GMT

Telstra has finally signed an $11 billion definitive agreement with the National Broadband Network Company and the Federal Government, which will see it decommission its copper network, lease its ducts and pits to NBN Co and move customers onto the NBN, just over a year after the heads of agreement was first announced.

Over the next 10 years, Telstra has agreed under the deal to progressively move customers off its copper network and hybrid fibre-coaxial network, but the telco will keep the HFC in place for pay TV. For Telstra's customers, NBN Co will pay $4 billion over the next 10 years. For $5 billion, Telstra will also lease dark fibre, exchange space, lead-in-conduits and ducts to NBN Co over the next 35 to 40 years, with the option to extend the deal twice by 10 years.

The government will also give Telstra $700 million to fund its universal service obligations, $300 million for greenfields fibre deployment, as well as a further $1 billion for other government commitments over 10 years.

Telstra said that it expected to spend around $2 billion to support the agreement, with money being spent on infrastructure and the customer migration. Some of these costs would be recouped by savings in legacy network product and IT investment costs.

Telstra chair Catherine Livingstone said that the agreement comes after two years of negotiations between Telstra and NBN Co.

"The government's commitment to the NBN and other related policy changes meant that the Telstra board had to decide whether the company should participate in the NBN roll-out or pursue other options," she said. "The decision to participate was made on the basis that the proposed transaction is expected to provide us with the ability to recover more value for the business than the available alternatives, given the loss of value after the NBN policy announcements."

Telstra has also secured product and pricing commitments from NBN Co for basic voice and data services. According to Telstra, NBN Co will reveal this in a full product terms document and this portion of the deal will still need consultation with industry.

"These agreements represent an important milestone in addressing much of the uncertainty for Telstra associated with the NBN and government regulation, and allow us to focus intently on our customer service and simplification strategy," Telstra CEO David Thodey said.

"The government will achieve its desired industry structure and the arrangements for the [universal service obligation] and associated social obligations will be reformed to ensure that funding for these public interest services is secured. Within this new environment, we look forward to continuing to focus on customer service, content and innovation," he added.

There are a number of conditions in the deal to protect both NBN Co and Telstra in the event that the roll-out runs into trouble or is amended under a change of government. Telstra will, for instance, be able to reconnect customers to its copper network in the event that the NBN service is unavailable, is insolvent or permanently ceases ongoing operation.

For the next 20 years from the commencement date under the agreement, Telstra must not promote its wireless services as a substitute for fibre-based services or build a passive optical network.

If the roll-out of the network is slow, NBN Co may be liable to pay Telstra up to $500 million. NBN Co said that in the event that the project is cancelled entirely, Telstra will be protected through the cash flows from its existing copper network and HFC network customers in the areas where the NBN has not been rolled out.

NBN Co will also be required to pay for all dark fibre links, and the exchange space it uses over a 35- to 40-year period, even if the government changes policy, such as in the event that the Coalition wins government.

Until 1 July 2032, Telstra will remain responsible for providing standard telephone services across Australia, including the supply, installation and maintenance of payphones.

The portion of the long-awaited deal involving Telstra's structural separation and the migration of customers onto the NBN will still require the approval of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Telstra shareholders will also have to approve the deal at the company's annual general meeting in Sydney on 18 October 2011.

Source

Regional Queensland transmitter sites update

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:06:00 GMT

Rainbow Beach

RBA has advised that swichover has been delayed to 27 June 2011 due to an equipment problem, which is being resolved in consultation with the transmitter manufacturer.

Walwa/Jingellic

RBA advised that this service was commissioned 2am 6 May 2011.
There are some input feed problems – a community radio broadcaster service is interfering with the ABC service.
The RBA have advised the Community Radio engineer that a filter must be installed ASAP. This may take up to 5 weeks. In the meantime, the Community Radio engineer will visit the site Saturday 18 June to reduce the power level of the Community FM transmitter, which hopefully should reduce or eliminate the interference to the off air receive signal to the ABC translator. This will be done in conjunction with the Prime TV engineer from Albury.

Redlynch

RBA have advised on 15 June that the HOT SWAP has been delayed from the planned 16 JUNE 2011 date.
A faulty antenna at the BA site has prevented the contractors from commencing work to upgrade the services.
The faulty equipment is being investigated and, subject to the assessment of rectification works by BA, a new date will be determined.
Analog services at the site remain unaffected by the delay.
Broadcasters advise DTV reception will be better than existing analog after switchover.

Gordonvale

7QLD is on air as of Monday 6 June 2011. SCM and WIN on air as of 13 June 2011 - technically these services are only on in testing mode, however no change is expected when the services officially commence 28 June.
RBA have advised that WIN and SCM will commence on Monday 13 June 2011. Both have completed commissioning and brief tests.

Picnic Point (Toowoomba East)

Converted on 7 June 2011. ABC is off air pending resolution of interference with Mt Lofty.
(previously 2 May then 6 June 2011 which was a Monday to facilitate greater access to broadcaster help lines because this is a Single Frequency Network (SFN) – Mt Lofty).

Source: Digital Switchover Taskforce

Important changes to transmitter sites schedule in regional QLD

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:03:00 GMT

Please see below for important updates on transmission sites in regional Queensland.

Sarina Beach

Equipment has been installed and commissioned at site however was only able to be powered by generator and was subsequently taken off air. Mains power will be connected on 3 June.

Tin Can Bay

On air as of 25 May 2011. Digital Switchover Taskforce (DST) has received feedback that the site seems to be having transmission problems with channel 7. Regional Broadcasting Australia (RBA) have advised that installation crew on site reported a failure in one of the modules which affected regional 7 service. This was resolved the evening of Friday 27 May 2011. Viewers may need to rescan their TV or STB subject to resolution of transmitter issue. No other services are affected.

Picnic Point (Toowoomba East)

Delayed commencement date from 2 May to 6 June to occur on a Monday to facilitate greater access to broadcaster help lines because this is a Single Frequency Network (SFN) – Mt Lofty.

Top Camp (Toowoomba South)

Delayed to 30 June due to site issues.

Wonga Beach

RBA have advised that this has been postponed to 30 July 2011 as site owners have reported power issues, which must be resolved prior to installation.

Yarraman

Equipment has been installed and commissioned at site however was only able to be powered by generator and was subsequently taken off air. Mains power will be connected on 31 May.

Goldsborough Valley (Little Mulgrave)

RBA have advised that Council has agreed and the HOT SWAP is proceeding 23 JUNE 2011.

Redlynch

RBA have advised that Council has agreed and the HOT SWAP is proceeding 16 JUNE 2011.

Agnes Water

HOT SWAP took place on Wednesday, 18 MAY 2011 with all services on air except for SBS due to combiner module failure. A replacement combiner was installed on Saturday 21 May 2011 and all services have been on air as of 21 May 2011 (including the SBS service which was not on air by reason of the faulty combiner).

Crows Nest

RBA have advised that this is now scheduled for conversion on 3 JUNE 2011 (rather than 4 June 2011).

Mundubbera

DST requested broadcasters to delay commencement as it is likely those setups with masthead amplifiers receiving distant analog TV will be overloaded by the new digital signal and lose all signal - so effectively a HOT SWAP. Masthead amplifiers need to be removed on the day to continue to watch television. RBA confirmed delayed commencement from 16 April to 6 June.

Rainbow Beach

RBA have advised that this is now scheduled for conversion on 10 June 2011.

The following sites are no longer on the broadcasters self-help conversion list:

Nelly Bay
Horseshoe Bay
Yarrabah
Bell (Note: ABC and SBS provide their own services in Bell and have already converted them to digital).

Keep updated with the latest information about switchover in regional Queensland on the Digital Ready website at: www.digitalready.gov.au/info-centre/brochures-and-info-sheets.aspx

Source: Digital Switchover Taskforce

Australia preps for World IPv6 Day

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:13:00 GMT

A number of Australian companies are preparing to launch IPv6 services on their websites for 24 hours from 10am tomorrow on World IPv6 Day to encourage companies to start preparing for the switch to IPv6.

The last of the 4.3 billion Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) addresses were dished out in February this year, and it is expected that this supply will run out in the near future. As the number of people and devices connected to the internet continues to grow, it will be vital for the world to shift to IPv6 in order to cope with demand. To facilitate this shift, the Internet Society announced World IPv6 Day for 8 June as a worldwide trial of the new internet protocol with over 400 organisations signing up to make their websites IPv6 for 24 hours.

"We are increasingly reliant on the internet in every part of our lives today, and, unless we adopt IPv6, Australia will miss out on access to new services and be unable to reach vital markets across Asia and the rest of the world," Internet Society of Australia vice president Narelle Clark said. "We're especially excited this event is happening, as it is a crucial step in removing the uncertainty many service and content providers have had towards deployment of IPv6."

Global companies such as Facebook, Yahoo and Akamai have already agreed to take part, and internet giant Google posted a blog today stating it was switching almost all of its services over to IPv6 for tomorrow, including Gmail, YouTube and its search page. Google said that users who cannot connect via IPv6 will fall over to IPv4, but the company warned that it expects a 0.5 per cent failure rate for accessing IPv6 websites on the day.

This will be due to a number of factors including the operating systems used, the router the customer is using, as well as the customer's own ISP.

Here in Australia, internet service provider Internode has led the charge, allowing its ADSL customers to opt in to use IPv6 since 2009. Founder Simon Hackett said the use of "dual stacking" to assign internet users with both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses should ultimately make the transition to IPv6 relatively seamless.

"Done right, consumers don't notice IPv6. Internode has made sure our customers won't be disadvantaged through this large, significant change 'under the hood' of the internet, and we welcome a chance to show our customers how seamless IPv6 is with Internode even now, ahead of our official move to full production deployment later this year," he said in a statement. "Internode welcomes World IPv6 Day as an opportunity to demonstrate what it has achieved with IPv6 and to encourage our peers in the internet industry to explore and pursue IPv6 engagement as well."

iiNet has already flagged plans to move to IPv6 and said it will have an IPv6 version of its website up and running tomorrow.

Telstra, while not participating in the event tomorrow, told ZDNet Australia that it had recently begun implementing IPv6 on its network.

"Telstra is carefully managing IPv4 addresses within its allocation. Telstra has recently commenced implementing IPv6 into its network," the telco said in a statement. "This will be a phased introduction. We know that much of the existing equipment used by our customers is not IPv6 compatible, which is why Telstra will run both IPv4 and IPv6 together in dual-stack services until there is widespread penetration of IPv6-capable network infrastructure and customer equipment which may take several years."

The telco said it will first implement IPv6 for enterprise and wholesale customers over the next few years before moving on to consumers and mobile later down the track as IPv6 standards and technology mature.

Other Australian organisations such as the Bureau of Meteorology, AARNet and eintellego will all be participating in World IPv6 Day tomorrow. Optus was contacted for comment, but had not responded at the time of writing.

Source