News

CDMA Changeover:

Telstra will be replacing CDMA services with Next G services. The proposed date for the switchover has changed from 28 January 2008 to 28 April 2008.

After that date CDMA will no longer be available. for further information please visit your provider's Web site or the Telstra Next G web site.

 

Beijing Olympics to be broadcast in High Definition (24 December 2007)

Telstra, Channel seven and China Netcom have agreed to broadcast High Definition images of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Australia. Telstra will tap into international broadcast feeds using two fibre optic links from China to Australia -one via Japan and the other via Hong Kong.

Channel Seven will then distribute the broadcast via the telco's video network to its broadcast sites. This will be the first time that the Olympics will be shown in High Definition in Australia.

(Source Smarthouse Media)

 

Third commercial TV channel for Darwin starts in May 2008. (21 December 2007)

The third 'Digital Only' commercial TV station is due to commence test broadcasts in April 2008 with an official launch expected in May 2008. The station, which is owned by a consortium from Southern Cross Broadcasting and Channel Nine, will broadcast a digital signal only. That means that current analogue only viewers will not be able to avail themselves of the new station.

Given that the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be broadcast by Channel 7 in in digital format, now is a good time to purchase your digital reception equipment.

Public comment sought on digital transition for remote centres. (27 June 2007)

The Department of Communication, IT and the Arts is seeking comment on progressing the introduction to Digital TV in remote areas of Australia. In the NT this is basically everywhere outside of Darwin which is regarded by DCITA as the only NT regional centre. The discussion paper is available here and submissions close on 3 August 2007.

3rd TV Channel for Darwin announced (20 June 2006)

The Australian Communications and Media Authority recently concluded the preliminary legal requirements that will see a third DIGITAL ONLY commercial TV channel in Darwin.

A new consortium of existing broadcasters Channel Nine Darwin and Southern Cross Broadcasting will form a new company and apply for the necessary transmission licence by the end of 2006.

Current best estimates are that the new company should commence transmission by the end of May 2008. Further details can be obtained from the ACMA web site.

Broadband for Rural Darwin 2 May 2005

The rural area got a timely boost to their telecommunications capacity. The Howard Springs Exchange was recently ADSL enabled which means that Howard Springs, Howard River Park and Virginia may now get full broadband access instead of the 33 - 56 Kbs dial up service previously on offer.

Telstra advise that the necessary equipment should be in place by 15 May 2006. For further details contact your internet service provider or log on to services such as Whirlpool to find the plan most suited to your needs.

 

IT Training in Remote Areas 23 December 2005

The Federal Government will provide $1.2M for IT Training in remote communities in the Northern Territory in a scheme announced by Senator Coonan on 21 December 2005. More information on the program is available at 1800 674 058, ITSupportProgram@dcita.gov.au or www.dcita.gov.au. A copy of the press release is available here in pdf format.

 

Telecommunications Bid: 1 November 2005

The Northern Territory Government (NTG) has lodged a $265M bid for telecommunications funding with the Commonwealth from the sale of Telstra. Prioritized communities were identified in a study commissioned by the NTG and conducted by ACIL Tasman. A copy of the report (approx 590Kb) and is available in pdf format.

 

Last updated 11 March 2008