Telstra’s broadband plans change – again

In an email to all Telstra Broadband subscribers, our countries’ most loved telco (ahem) has announced that it is no longer going ahead with previously announced plans for its 3GB service cap. Telstra had previously informed Freedom customers that

In an email to all Telstra Broadband subscribers, our countries' most loved telco (ahem) has announced that it is no longer going ahead with previously announced plans for its 3GB service cap. Telstra had previously informed Freedom customers that come October 1, they would have the option of either severely restricted access to the internal Telstra network, or payment for additional usage once 3GB was reached. However due to a review of customer satisfaction, still underway, this plan will no longer be implemented. Despite this, the 3GB limit itself remains.

According to the email received by all Telstra broadband customers, 'Telstra BigPond has decided not to introduce the intended 3GB “Capping” and “Additional Usage” options planned for 1 October 2001. Instead of introducing these two options effective from 1 October 2001, clause 5.5 of the Acceptable Use Policy will be amended to read as follows: Without limiting the circumstances in which clause 5.4 can apply, your use of the Service will be deemed to create an undue burden to our network for the purposes of clause 5.4 if you transfer more than 3 Gigabytes a month (“Monthly Allowance”). Members on the Freedom Plans must continue to manage their usage according to the current 3GB allowance. Failure to do so may result in Telstra taking action under clause 5.4 of the Acceptable Use Policy.'

So, Telstra now plans to make customers monitor their own usage up to the 3GB limit, indefinitely. Any customers going over said limit will be in breach of AUP, with their contract subject to termination. Of course, only the provision of service will be terminated – payment of bills will continue. Thankfully, Telstra is again offering the option of free cancellation of contract until September 15th. Keep in mind that you will have to give back your cable/adsl modem if you have not yet paid for it in full. No mention was made as to whether Telstra would reimburse people who have made partial payments on their modems.

Whilst this latest decision may seem like a reasonable supposition to some, it becomes frightening indeed for Telstra broadband customers when Whirlpool reports that the usage meter meant for monitoring traffic levels, has in some cases gone without update for periods approaching a month.