Australia's wireless broadband competitive landscape is about to spike with BigPond finally confirming an August 25 launch.
The Internet Service Provider is understood to be planning a consumer offering using the same technology as the mobile broadband service offered by its parent Telstra.
Launched last November, the mobile broadband plans -- which cost a hefty $1.50 to $2.90 per hour -- runs on Telstra's CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) mobile phone network and is aimed at business customers. The network offers typical speeds of 300-600 kilobits per second when in a CDMA coverage area enabled for the 1xEV-DO (Evolution Data Only) standard.
However, it is understood only most metropolitan areas and some regional centres are so-covered, with the remainder having to make do with base CDMA access, which Telstra's Web site says "offers typical connectivity speeds of 80-100kbps".
BigPond's wireless broadband entry follows the early success of Telstra's mobile broadband product. In March, the telco giant said 7,000 customers had signed up to its third-generation mobile offerings.
BigPond will have to compete with new wireless telcos Personal Broadband Australia and Unwired, which registered 25,000 customers in May.
Update: August 25, 2005 - Pricing and availability
BigPond´s Wireless Broadband Mobile Card costs $299 (RRP) on plans starting from $69.95 per month on a 12 month plan, once installed. The Wireless Broadband Modem costs $199 (RRP) on plans priced from $34.95 per month on a 12 month plan once installed.
Minimum cost for $34.95 200MB plan and modem over 12 months with Self-Install Kit is $618.40 or $1138.40 for $69.95 200MB plan and Mobile Card over 12 months with Self-Install Kit, plus additional usage charged at 15c/MB and 30c/MB respectively. Early termination charges may apply.
Customers can check Wireless Broadband availability in their region here.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
Be the first to comment on this article!