BigPond changes broadband plans, joins Christmas rush
BigPond managing director, Justin Milne, said that the changes simply respond to BigPond members who had asked for simpler plans and better prices.
"Big Pond has today responded by making more plans eligible for Telstra Reward Options and offering," he said.
The new plan matches information leaked to broadband community Web site Whirlpool this week. Under the new plan, customers with Telstra Full Service Fixed phones on the 512k and 1500k ADSL plans are given AU$10 monthly discounts.
Telstra also added a 20GB per month Cable Uncapped/128kps plan and a AU$150 [reduction] on broadband ADSL wireless installation.
"These plans deliver simple and affordable options to avoid customer confusion. The 20GB Cable plan will be particularly attractive to high usage Cable customers seeking to avoid speed capping on unlimited download plans," he said.
Milne said BigPond customers can move to the new plans free of charge any time before the last five days of the month. Any changes made online in the last four days, will not take effect until first day of the subsequent month.
BigPond predicted that broadband would join mobile phones as the hot communications gifts for Christmas this year, with families driving demand.
Milne said families have emerged as BigPond's biggest customer group and that, until now, broadband had never been packaged as something that could be given as a gift.
"It's no longer just tech-savvy teenagers using the Internet these days. Increasing numbers of parents and the over-30's are getting online for entertainment. 94 percent of our music download customers are aged 25 or older and 46 percent are over 40 years old. Online DVD rentals appeal to families who don't get out so often to the cinema. Young parents make up more than a third of our BigPond Movies customers," Milne said.
He added that BigPond has developed a broadband Christmas deal that includes a range of movie rental, music download and photo bonuses and comes in a box that can be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree.
"For AU$50, which is what a lot of people are comfortable spending on a family member, you get a broadband connection, up to 50 DVD rentals, 50 music downloads and 50 colour photo prints," he said.
BigPond is confident that the new package will enjopy acceptance beyond the Christmas holidays.
"And apart from what's packaged in the box, you have access to all of BigPond's online sports and BigPond Games content. We expect the combination of price, bonuses, on-line content and the fact you can wrap it as a Christmas gift, will see this product sell in the thousands. Not only is the AU$50 purchase price great value, but, it offers something for all the family for Christmas, for the summer holidays and beyond. We think that's an irresistible combination," Milne said.