Unwired boasts 10 GB limit, but splits usage
8 September 2008 03:09PM
Tags:
unwired | 10gb | wireless | broadband | limit | telstra | iprimus
Unwired has jumped on the 10 GB wireless broadband bandwagon, but its confusing peak and off-peak pricing scheme could turn off customers.
The provider today unveiled a smorgasbord of new offers – including $39.95 per month for 10 GB and $49.95 for 16 GB.
However, users of the base plans are automatically throttled to a maximum 256 kbps speed.
It’s an extra $10 per month to get the 10 GB plan with a 512 kbps speed.
In addition, as with all Unwired plans, the limits are actually divided between what the provider calls ‘peak’ and ‘off-peak’ times.
This means that users of a 10 GB service must use 5 GB between 2pm and 2am the next day (peak) and the other 5 GB in the off-peak 12-hour period.
Peak and off-peak limits are managed separately, which means that once a user has exhausted his or her 5 GB peak allowance, the user's peak speed will be throttled (again) to 32 kbps, while his or her off-peak service will operate as normal.
The largest plan on offer – a $99.95 per month 30 GB plan – is the only slated to provide 1 Mbps speeds.
Unwired said in a statement that all customers on subscription plans that were introduced in February would be automatically upgraded to receive the additional capacity.
Unwired CEO David Spence took a dig at other wireless broadband providers, claiming the company’s purpose-built network meant they could offer higher data allowances.
“Most of our competitors are attempting to provide internet services over mobile phone networks purpose built to carry voice traffic,” Spence said.
“We expect these networks to be busy during the working day, so we are unique in being able to offer such a long off-peak period to our customers.
“Even people working standard office hours can take advantage of our off-peak value periods, especially on the weekends,” Spence said.
Unwired also reaffirmed its commitment to building ‘Australia’s first 4G network’.
The new plans come after similar announcements from Telstra and iPrimus.