This post is slighly off topic perhaps, but Bigpond is an internet provider – and the internet connects us all.  Even if for some that means Bigpond as an internet “service provider” (term used loosely).

Telstra’s latest marketing idea

The Australian reports:

TELSTRA, one of the nation’s biggest advertisers, plans to seek millions from taxpayers to make a film featuring the father-and-son characters from its BigPond “Rabbits” commercials.

That one statement should incite enough “WTFs?“!

Whilst the Telstra Bigpond “Emperor Nasi Goreng” and more recently “26 January cricket holiday” TV adverts are among my favourites, there’s no way Telstra Bigpond should be considered elligible for Government funding to produce a promotional movie.

Hear now the words of a wise man

Geoff Brown, Executive Director of independent producers body Screen Producers Association of Australia, who estimates a cost of about $5M for a well-scripted comedy, said,

“It’s appropriate for a corporate on that level to fund these things from their own resources.”

Mr Brown further noted that Government funding was intended to support independent creative projects that might otherwise not be made.

Yes – one would have thought..

So Bigpond – you want to make a movie?  Why not fund it from the profits of your overpriced internet plans.  Leave Australian film commission funding to independents.

Let’s put it to a vote.  All those in favour, say “I”.

(and climing down off my soapbox now…)

The Australian article: Telstra rabbit film hops into taxpapers

Will this introduce better price competition?

ow, alongside iPhone contract prices. (These prices are not yet confirmed on their website)

CDMA coverage to end 28 April

Last week Telstra confirmed CDMA network shutdown as scheduled on 28 April.

They are currently urging the remaining CDMA customers to switch to another network prior to that date.

Once the CDMA network closes, CDMA customers won’t be able to make or receive calls from anywhere across the country – including calls to emergency services,” Telstra Country Wide® Director, Brett Riley said.

Don’t forget to recycle your old phone!

With the pending shutdown, Telstra are also urging all CDMA customers to recycle their old handsets. And remember – you can send your phone to MobileMuster for recycling free of charge. Details on the MobileMuster website.

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Telecommunications: The real reason behind Telstra’s push to have regional customers on NextG

Vodafone formed partnership with Ericsson to build their HSPA (High Speed Packet Access – downlink and uplink) network – due end of this year; and have now extended their business relationships with Crazy John’s as their mobile retail partner.

With new 3.5G networks by both Vodafone and Optus’ by year end, it will be a welcome reprieve from Telstra’s 3.5G dominance.

Russell Hewitt, CEO at Vodafone Australia, said:

Australians deserve better mobile broadband services, and we think it’s time for Vodafone to provide greater competition for the benefit of customers in our regional cities and towns.

He goes on to say:

In addition to benefiting regional Australia, our national network upgrade will deliver significant increases in upload and download speeds for urban customers travelling outside the cities.

Move aside 3G – Bring on the new generation!

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Read related: Vodafone cozies up with Crazy John & Ericcson for HSPA