From: Andrew Farran [accf@bigpond.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 17 September 2003 9:58 AM
To: ECITA, Committee (SEN)
Subject: Re: Telstra Privatisation Issue

To: The Senate Committee Enquiring into the Telstra Privatisation Issue

From:  Yiddinga Holdings P/L
P.O. Box 222,
Edenhope 
Victoria
Ph 5585 1888
Fx 5586 6214

Re: Telstra Privatisation

This submission is made somewhat in haste as we heard on the radio only today that there had not been the response expected in  relation to the above hearing and we have a definite view, in terms of the adequacy of present telephonic services, within our area.

We operate a 4,000 acre plus fine-wool sheep property situated between Edenhope and 
Apsley, Victoria. Altogether some half a dozen phone lines plus mobiles are in use here. Increasingly we are coming to rely on on-line internet and other such services. Brokers, bankers, information systems, software downloads, etc. are an every day facet of our activities. However the quality and capability of the available telephone lines leaves a lot to be desired. We seldom get better that 16000 bps for our modems and downloads, ADSL and Broadband are not available, interactive transactions take up much too much time, and often become disconnected while in use. So if we are to be or remain in the modern world of communications for business purposes we have to look to Telstra for a vast improvement. In spite of bringing this to Teltra's attention, little has been done to effect any improvement; and in any case the present situation is vastly below reasonable expectations.

Thanking you for your attention.

A.C.C. Farran
for Yiddinga Holdings P/L.
17.09.2003