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Optus in court over 'supersonic' 64Kbps Broadband

  • 19-09-2010 4:57pm
    #1
    bealtine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,051 ✭✭✭


    http://www.freeaccess.com.au/Structure:%20/2010/09/19/optus-in-court-over-supersonic-64kbps-broadband/

    Should a telecommunications company be able to advertise its Broadband as “supersonic” when its speeds could be as low as 64Kbps?

    The federal court in Sydney is due to answer this question next month when it determines whether Optus misled consumers with its ‘Supersonic’ and ‘Think Bigger’ broadband plans.

    The problem with these plans is that while the usual speed is 100Mbps, if a customer goes over their download limit for the month their speed is slashed to just 64Kbps. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) isn’t happy about Optus’ sensationalist claims, which it is sure breaches the Trade Practices Act.

    According to ZDNet, the ACCC is expected to bring in an expert witness whose testimony it claims will be “uncontroversial.” This expert is expected to explain the practical differences between the two speeds and examine what Web applications can be used on both. Optus will have its own expert witness present.

    The hearing (two sittings held on Oct. 27 and 29) will look at “television, print, billboard and Internet advertisements” by Optus which talked up the “four times faster than standard Broadband” while completely failing to mention the speeds should the download limit be exceeded.

    A statement from the ACCC said:

    [The ACCC] alleges that Optus engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false representations in relation to the advertising of certain broadband plans as part of its ‘Think Bigger’ and ‘Supersonic’ promotional campaigns.

    I don’t really see why the witnesses are necessary because it’s blindingly obvious that there is a vast difference between the two Broadband speeds. One is a super-fast connection which would make surfing the Web an absolute joy, while the other is only just faster than an old dial-up connection which would make surfing the Web a chore.

    The only question is whether the ads were misleading in some way.


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