Telecommunications

UK court ruling on ISP filtering: copyright victory or download defeat?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Last week, the English High Court ordered British Telecom (BT) to block access to a members-only website that offers links to pirated films.

NewzBin2, the site in question, offers links to pirated films on what’s been described as a “grand scale”.

Stop Online Piracy Act draws battle lines for 'control' of the internet

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Battle lines have been drawn in the US between proponents of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), currently being debated, and those who oppose any regulation of the internet.

Are Australian international roaming charges the greatest rip-off in history?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

What’s the greatest rip-off going? Maybe so many come to mind that you’re reaching for a pen.

Your list might look something like this:

Wardriving and surviving: who else is using your Wi-Fi?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Late last month the Queensland Police started a new project to highlight the urgent need for secure wireless internet connections.

The “wardriving” project involves police driving the streets of Queensland, searching for unsecured Wi-Fi coming from houses and businesses.

The NBN, service providers and you ... what could go wrong?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Unless you’ve been boycotting all forms of media in the past five years, you’ll be aware that the National Broadband Network (NBN) is well and truly on its way.

Why is Telstra Next G serving your data to Netsweeper in America?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

Telstra representatives have this week admitted to collecting data for a new internet filtering product and sending this data to the USA office of Netsweeper Inc.

Verizon Wireless vs Telstra: the great mobile rip-off continues

Does the recent announcement by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) of a new code of practice to prevent bill shock for “long-suffering telco customers”, and improve product marketing practices, bring Australia up to par with its international cousins?

In a word: no.

Why Australians want roaming rip-offs to stop

Business Spectator - 29 August 2012

Telecommunications companies already make mammoth profits from international roaming charges and these profits have only increased with the introduction of smart phones. Telcos now not only apply international roaming charges to phone calls, but to other popular services like SMS, email, web browsing and social media use as well.

Explainer: what is 4G?

By Mark A Gregory, RMIT University

If you’re looking to buy a new smartphone or computer you’ve probably seen advertisements and offers for 4G-compatible devices. You might even own a 4G-compatible device already.

But just what is 4G? How does it compare to existing 3G networks? And what is the current availability of 4G networks in Australia?

How safe is your smartphone?

Business Spectator 20 September 2012