Broadband trailblazer Internode today becomes the first ISP to use the new Basslink fibre-optic cable service, which boosts capacity and cuts the cost of transferring data to and from Tasmania.

As well as virtually halving the data backhaul cost across Bass Strait, the Basslink service increases Internode’s data capacity to Tasmania by more than 150 per cent. It also provides greater certainty of uninterrupted services for Tasmanian customers by creating an additional redundant data path.

The Basslink service launch follows Internode’s announcement that its $10 million national network expansion will deliver a 500 per cent increase to its direct presence in Tasmania. This accelerated investment program will see Internode install its own DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) equipment at an additional 10 telephone exchanges in Tasmania – five times more than Internode’s current Tasmanian footprint of two exchanges.

Internode managing director Simon Hackett said Basslink’s extra capacity and lower prices would allow Internode to compete more aggressively for business in Tasmania. “As well as virtually halving the cost of data backhaul across Bass Strait, Basslink allows us to exploit economies of scale,” he said.

“The competitive pressure that Basslink places on data backhaul services across Bass Strait guarantees that Internode’s Tasmanian customers can continue to enjoy the same level of broadband performance and range of services that our customers get in the rest of the country.”

Internode has signed a three-year contract with Basslink for an initial data capacity of 622 megabits per second. The company expects this to increase to more than one gigabit within the first year.

About Internode www.internode.on.net

Internode is a first tier IP carrier committed to using broadband technology to redefine the national telecommunications environment. The Australian-owned company is a trailblazer that delivers broadband services to individuals and businesses throughout Australia. Follow Internode online at www.internode.on.net/about/follow_us_online/

About Basslink www.basslink.com.au

Basslink is an historic Australian project that enables the trade of electricity between Tasmania and the mainland, providing secure, renewable energy and telecommunications services. The Basslink interconnector runs from Loy Yang in Gippsland, Victoria, across Bass Strait to Bell Bay in northern Tasmania. The 360km Basslink interconnector incorporates the longest submarine power cable in the world. Basslink has the capacity to export up to a maximum of 594 MW of power from Tasmania to Victoria, and import of 478 MW to Tasmania, with a continuous rating of 478 MW in each direction. Singapore-based CitySpring Infrastructure Trust is the owner and operator of Basslink. The interconnector is a $780 million project and one of the largest infrastructure projects of its type ever undertaken in Australia. Basslink continues to provide Tasmania with enhanced security of electricity supply and is working to drought-proof the state.

Internode PR for media assistance: Impress Media Australia www.impress.com.au

Call John Harris on (08) 8431 4000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Basslink PR for further media enquiries, please contact:

Call Matthew Mahon or Annabelle Terracall on (03) 9639 2300 or 0413 101 860.