New rules for faster broadband

A new industry code and technical standard has been registered by the ACA which will allow faster broadband services through existing telephone lines.

"The new code and standard enable higher-rate digital subscriber line (DSL) based services. These allow faster internet browsing and access to multimedia for applications such as streaming video and video conferencing," said Dr Bob Horton, acting ACA chairman.

Faster access will be possible through a state called unconditional local loop (ULL). The code and standard that define the deployment and performance requirements of ULL services were developed by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).

"The new rules ensure that the integrity of the existing systems will be maintained and they minimise the risk of interference between systems," Horton said.

However higher rate DSL-based broadband services might not be possible on all telephone lines, Horton added. Consumers would need to check availability with their service provider.