iiNet slashes ADSL transfer times

The hassle of going weeks without fixed-line internet while switching between providers could be over after iiNet announced a new rapid-transfer system that will only mean hours of downtime for ADSL2+ or Naked DSL customers transferring from rival telcos, rather than up to two weeks.

"Technically, it is a really clever change to processes, but for customers, it will make the world of difference. They'll now be able to join the iiNet family without the inconveniences that extended periods of downtime can bring," iiNet CEO Michael Malone said in a statement.

iiNet's chief regulatory officer Steve Dalby told ZDNet Australia that the changes came about as a result of minor software changes in Telstra's systems.

"The biggest change is that Telstra has agreed to work with us to develop this capability. Of course, Telstra doesn't want its competitors to offer innovative new products, so it will always respond lethargically to the introduction of rapid switching systems. After all, it is they who have the most customers to lose," he said.

"They could have done this years ago, but they move at glacial pace, denying that it is even possible, right up until someone in Telstra says 'OK, it's not that hard'."

Telstra told ZDNet Australia that the new migration process for ULL was tested with its wholesale customers in mid-2011, and rolled out in October 2011.

The time saved is because [Telstra Wholesale] has implemented system changes that disconnect the Spectrum Shared Service, and then connect the ULL within a few hours," Telstra said.

Telstra said that this feature is now available to all wholesale customers.