From: steve judd [stevejudd@optushome.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 3 July 2002 12:27 PM
To: ecita.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject: Limiting 'Broadband'

Importance: High
Under point 9.9 of the Optus acceptable use policy it reads;
-
  Optus may adjust aspects of the service if it is necessary to do so for the efficient operation of the Optus Network.  These actions may include;
        a) delivery of access and content via proxy servers and caches
        b) network management that may prioritise certain types of internet traffic over others
        c) the blocking or filtering of specific internet ports
- 

Surely now that Optus has forced its customer base on to a metered rate billing system we have a right to know the details of the service we are paying for.  Point (a) is of no effect to the end user, however the specifics of point (b) and (c) would be of great concern to a consumer who if only using the service for a particular task may find their usage a low priority, to be filtered or even blocked.  When advertising a plan offering 3GB worth of data, is it not essential to clarify what type of data ? 

Is this not the equivalent of offering 3 litres of beer for $10, then finding out it only consists of light, or 3Kg of jelly beans for $10, then finding only black ones
 !  I could go on and on, but simply if conditions are attached, they must be fully clarified.  I do not understand how this is not a clear and simple case of misrepresentation to the consumer.    Broadband connectivity is not being provided across the all channels of the link.  At the very least the rules that govern how data flow is being routed need to be published.   

Obviously we have the option of changing to another internet service, however due to previous ignorance and market failings, the Australian ISP market offers very little (if any in regards to broadband), variation in options, demonstrating aspects of a monopoly or cartel.  
 
I thankyou
__________________________________________

Steve Judd
____________ 7 Stan St. Willoughby ( (+612) 940-55-444 * stevejudd@optushome.com.au