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media@westnet.com.au

Westnet brings award wining customer service to satellite broadband market

Tuesday 1 October 2007

Westnet's new two-way satellite broadband plans will waive basic set-up fees for eligible customers that usually cost up to $2,750.

The free basic set-up offer for eligible households is made possible as part of the Federal Government's Australian Broadband Guarantee scheme to encourage the uptake of high-speed internet services throughout regional Australia.

Through an agreement with IPSTAR, the satellite broadband wholesaler, Westnet will now provide high speed satellite services to households in regional areas, in addition to certain locations in metropolitan centres not served by ADSL and Wireless.

Two-way satellite broadband is a significantly more reliable and stable service than previous one-way satellite broadband technologies, and no phone line is required.

Speeds will be comparable to ADSL services in metropolitan centres , with plans offering download speeds ranging from 512Kbps up to 2Mbps.

The Australian Broadband Guarantee program means there will be no basic upfront costs for most customers to get started.

"Feedback from previous satellite broadband customers revealed the cost and complexity of installation plus sub-standard reliability, connection speeds and customer service were common negative associations with satellite services. The fact that Westnet can now offer free basic set-up for eligible customers, coupled with our award-winning customer service is a huge win for the consumer." said Westnet Managing Director Peter Brown.

Westnet was also a highly active participant in the Australian Government's previous Broadband Connect and HiBIS initiatives, which aimed to drive the uptake of broadband services through regional Australia.

"Our company has a long history of outstanding customer service and commitment to internet services in regional areas. By entering the two-way satellite broadband market with this kind of offer, we hope we can make a difference with low cost initial set up, combined with premium customer service." said Brown.

About Westnet

  • Westnet is a Western Australian-based internet service provider (ISP), owned 100% by iiNet, with a business model driven by customer service
  • 70% of Westnet's 450 total staff occupy customer facing roles
  • Westnet currently serves approximately 225,000 members
  • Westnet has been named 'Best Broadband ISP' by PC Authority Magazine for 3 years running
  • Westnet was recently rated best Australian ISP for customer service for the 7th year running in Whirlpool's 2009 Australian Broadband User Survey.

For further information please contact:

Dan Scott
Marketing Manager
Phone: (08) 9218 2600
Mobile: 0415 240 970
Email: dan.scott@staff.westnet.com.au
Web: www.westnet.com.au

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