NBN Co to introduce new high speed plans
from retail service providers (RSPs) by slashing prices on its wholesale bundles and proposing three new high-speed tiers.
https://i.nextmedia.com.au/Assets/RMID0821_Pricing_Review_2019_Consultation_Paper_2.pdf
- 100/20 bundle at $58 per month, $7 cheaper than the existing 100/40 bundle, starting with 3.75Mbps capacity and increasing to 4Mbps by May 2021. These services would be considered for all fixed line services over FTTB, FTTC and FTTN services.
- 250/25 at $68 per month, compared with the $100 cost for the current 250/100 bundle. It starts with 4.75Mbps of capacity and will increase to 5Mbps in May 2021.
- 1000/50 speeds for $80 per month, or $100 less than the current 1000/400 bundle. It would include 5.75Mbps of capacity, increasing to 6Mbps in 2021.
Both the 250/25 and 1000/50 bundles are under consideration for FTTP and HFC connections.
NBN Co is also proposing discounts to its cheapest plans.
Wholesale charges for the 25/5 bundle would be reduced from $45 to $37 by November 2019, and capacity would be lowered from 2Mbps currently to 1.25Mbps, though NBN Co would take it back up to 1.5Mbps in May 2021.
There’s no proposed discount for the 50/20 tier though, NBN Co’s most popular with 65 percent of customers. Instead, NBN Co proposes adding extra CVC inclusions to the bundle, rising from 2Mbps to 2.25 Mbps in May 2021 and 2.5Mbps in May 2021.
Even the entry level 12/1Mbps bundle, which starts at $22.50, would be discounted. Instead of charging another $22.50 customers that exceed their average monthly peak usage, customers would only be charged an additional $5.70, plus an additional $8/Mbps CVC charge to accommodate higher data users. The charge would be lowered to $4.90 in May 2020 and $4.10 in October 2020.
“In feedback received during the first round of consultation, respondents and industry bodies highlighted that the 12/1 wholesale speed tier is an important tool for maintaining a clear migration path from legacy ADSL to NBN services,” said Whitcomb.
Telstra backdoors rivals with eSIM support
Telstra will launch support for eSIMs this week, allowing customers to either activate a second service or replace their current physical mobile SIMs.
A Telstra spokesperson confirmed to CRN that the functionality also works if a customer wants to add a Telstra service even when they have a physical SIM from another telco.
The eSIM is an embedded SIM that’s available in some smartphones, allowing users to download a unique eSIM profile using a QR code. This allows for two separate services on one phone, but only one service can be active at a time and calls and texts cannot be received simultaneously.
Apart from the iPhone 11 range, Telstra lists the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, some iPads, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 LTE as supported devices.
Tinder has made a TV series
https://www.crn.com.au/news/exclusive-tinder-has-made-a-tv-series-531077
The multi-episode series centres on an “apocalyptic” storyline and includes a relationship sub plot but is not directly connected to Tinder’s core dating app business, the source said. It was filmed in Mexico City in late August.
Tinder’s move should not be a big surprise given its ownership. Parent company Match is majority owned by IAC, founded by Hollywood legend and IAC Chairman Barry Diller.
Last October, Tinder launched a lifestyle website called Swipe Life to publish original content including articles and videos about dating and relationships.
Walmart Inc is working with MGM to boost Walmart’s Vudu video service. Costco Wholesale Corp has also considered video plans to keep customers interested in the brand.
Airbnb Inc, the start-up for booking home rentals around the world, has ambitions to develop a slate of original shows to whet customers’ appetite for travel.
Telstra plans real-time technician location updates
CEO’s Andy Penn speech he revealed that “In the next 12 months we will also migrate further to the new digital systems we have been building where customers can expect simplified billing, digital service and real-time delivery and appointment updates, among other improvements.”
The latter item, real-time delivery and appointment updates, would address a major source of frustration for businesses, consumers and the channel alike, as there are many occasions on which a service cannot be initiated or repaired until a Telstra technician turns up. Yet they often run late and information on where they are and a likely ETA proves elusive.
Another revelation: the telco blocked 2.9 million scam calls in July 2019 alone, leading Penn to call for concerted action by industry and government to address the scourge.
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