new business plans
Our new business plans were launched last month which bundle iibroadband2 with the new features of our premium iibusiness pack. You can add the iibusiness pack to any iibroadband2 light, medium, heavy, power or extreme plan for only $29.95 per month to get:

• Speeds up to 12000kbps in areas covered by our DSLAMs
• Additional business support from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm EST, Monday – Friday
• 1 Static IP, plus a block of 4 additional Static IPs upon request
• 20 email addresses and 60MB web space
• Free premium anti-spam and anti-virus protection
• Generous download quotas and great savings when bundled with iiphone!

If you want to purchase the iibusiness pack go to the iibroadband2 signup page to upgrade your existing plan from the toolbox. More information is available from the business plans webpage.

Don't take it out on...
You may have noticed some shiny new iiNet brochures slipped into your local newspaper over the past week. This is part of an Australia-wide campaign to further promote our great broadband bundle plans and recent up to 12000kbps speed status.

A lot of work has been put into getting this campaign together and the brochure is a great introduction to our great plans and our company. Inside you'll find all the need-to-know information on iibroadband2 so if you are still on a dialup plan, take a gander and decide for yourself if it's worth upgrading.

Reminder that our free connection and ADSL2+ modem offer is only available for a limited time, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

customer service update
Congratulations to Jolene De Castro who was nominated for Team Leader of The Year, and Ned Faulkner, who was nominated for Teleprofessional of the Year, for being WA finalists in the Australian Teleservices Association (ATA) Annual 2005 Awards.

The awards ceremony was held last Saturday, July 9 at the Perth Convention Centre, and attended by many of WA's best and brightest in the call centre industry.

iiNet was a proud sponsor of the evening, and our Contact Centre Manager, Neil Harrison, did an excellent job as the Master of Ceremonies.

All in all, it was a great evening of recognition and celebration for the tireless efforts of call centre professionals all over WA.

customer feedback
It's always a good day when you receive some positive feedback. Here's a recent email we received from Shaun in WA who recently made the switch to iibroadband2 with iiphone from another ISP's dialup service:

"All I can say is brilliant, brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

I am so happy with the smooth transition from my dialup with another provider to yourselves and the efficient broadband service you offer.

In this day and age where everyone wants the cheapest and then complains when the service fails, well more the fool them. I think your service is very well costed and very reasonable, especially when iiphone is combined in the package.

Our entire business is Internet based therefore I need a reliable service otherwise it costs me money. Thankyou for providing that good service.

I wish all the directors, management and staff continued success in providing the best Internet service in Australia."

DSLAM expansion
In DSLAM land, our infrastructure is continuing to be rolled out across the country with recent June updates to WA exchanges in Maylands, Hamersley, Morley, Mullaloo and Scarborough. We now have 34,260 customers on iiNet DSLAMs - that's a whole heap of people getting closer and closer to our 12000kbps peak.

And as always, check the DSLAM rollout schedule to see if a DSLAM is coming to your exchange soon.

business plans faq
What is the iibusiness pack? How does it work?
The iibusiness pack is a pack of services we have created based on customer feedback. It includes everything a small business would require to get connected. The iibusiness pack can only be bundled with one of our next generation iibroadband2 plans to get excellent support and additional services.

What requirements are there to get an iibusiness pack? Do I need an ABN/ACN?
You need an active iibroadband2 account to get the iibusiness pack. To receive a tax invoice, you will need to enter your ABN number upon application. However, an ABN/ACN is not required to receive the iibusiness pack.

I've got the speed upgrade with the iibusiness pack. Why should I take an iiphone bundle, too?
If you're on one of our DSLAMs, you have access to speeds up to 12000kbps when you get an iibusiness pack or iiphone bundle. When you bundle with iiphone you'll also get double the downloads and $10 off your broadband connection each month. These extra benefits are not included in the business pack. So when you add iiphone, you get all the benefits of the business pack, plus more quota and extra savings!

I'm a home/residential customer - can I still get a iibusiness pack?
Yes. If you have an iibroadband2 light, medium, heavy, power or extreme plan, you can add an iibusiness pack.

What if I no longer wish to have the iibusiness pack? Can I add and remove the pack without penalty?
If you no longer wish to have the iibusiness pack, you may remove it and keep the iibroadband2 plan that you have chosen. You will lose the features that are part of the iibusiness pack - including the static IP - but you will still keep the great features of your iibroadband2 plan. An administration fee will apply for this plan change. Please call support to remove your business pack, as we will need to ask you a few questions before removing the pack.

staff profile
Name: Grant Nixon
Title: Provisioning CSR

How long have you been with iiNet and what roles have you had?
I've been with iiNet for 15 months. My original role was helping out with the integration of Flow Communications. I worked primarily with the domains team, then with provisioning once Flow's dust had settled.

What does your current role involve?
My current role is to develop and take on something new every month. I'm responsible for most things hardware related and I'm forever trying to improve and streamline our replacement and distribution process. We've all had a hardware conflict of some sort at some stage, so as you can imagine, when modems and hardware don't work correctly, someone has to understand why and look over it with a fine toothed comb. It's never easy yet I thoroughly enjoy a challenge and it seems my role throws anything and everything at me.

What's been your most memorable or satisfying experience at iiNet?
My most satisfying experience at iiNet would have to be working with my close knit provisioning team. We rely heavily on each other when the times are tough. We seem to pull through anything and come out looking like MacGyver minus the wrinkles and grey hair. Without a doubt, our success would not be what it is without our Team leader Helen. She is our saint and saviour.

Where do you think iiNet will be in five years?
iiNet's growth is unprecedented, and without a doubt, the next five years will be even more exciting. The pressure is now mounting on the first and second running ISPs and given our growth, I'm sure they will be hot under the collar knowing we're breathing down their necks. Our loyalty, service and products alone will help us outperform our rivals.

customer profile
Name: Kendrick Ling
Account type: iibroadband2 starter, bundled with iiphone
Customer since: 2004
Location: Nedlands, WA

What do you use the Internet for most?
I primarily use the Internet to conduct my university research. I've purchased a few songs on iTunes, and occasionally listen to iiNet's streaming audio, but for me, email is still the killer app. I'm currently doing a Masters in Medical Science and having the Internet is essential to keeping in contact with colleagues across the globe.

What's the greatest benefit of bundling for you?
Definitely the increase in speed. A fast and reliable broadband connection at home allows me to search literally millions of online library journals and research papers instantly, and download those I want as pdf files - saving the time and effort of hunting through library shelves. As the Internet creeps into all aspects of academic life, it is great to have the speed to keep abreast of all the latest developments.

You attended the iiNet open day recently, what were your impressions of iiNet?
I have always been impressed at iiNet's ability to stay ahead of the technology game and having attended the open day it confirmed my impression that iiNet is a company looking to the future. The work environment had a real air of professionalism and surpassed my expectations of an Internet service provider.

Any upcoming Internet technologies that you are looking forward to?
I attended the VOIP seminar held by iiNet, and occasionally use Skype so I'm keen to see this technology take off in the market place. The way I see it, as long as it's plug and play (into a router) then people will find it much easier to swap from their traditional phone line to VOIP. Especially when they see the potential savings VOIP offers.

win stuff!
We have 10 double movie passes up for grabs this month.

To be in the running for this prize, please email competitions with "July competition" in the subject line, and provide your iiNet username, full name, and address by 5pm WST, July 24, 2005, along with the answer to this question: Name one of the advanced features available with the new iibusiness pack? (hint: you'll find the answer in a story in this newsletter or on our website)

Winners with a correct answer will be drawn at random and prizes sent by mail.

0ld-skool masterclass with Niaal Holder
Skulking online forums in these topsy-turvy times, I'm often made aware of how today's gaming youth think they have it all. True, my mid-20s reaction time is comparatively sluggish, and I've long forgotten how to play/understand the Final Fantasy franchise - but I know my gaming history, and I'm well aware of what you kids have missed out on. I'd like to take this opportunity to rub it in.

Thus, I present my top five retro titles to challenge the latest and greatest.

Star Control II (PC)
Released back in the early 90s – when storyline was king, games had longevity and PCs came with 'turbo' buttons. Star Control II, with it's galaxy-spanning diplomacy and white-knuckle numpad combat, had us discussing fictional politics and humming alien theme songs for many a wasted hour. Think Freelancer, pressed behind a glass sheet and set to slow.

Double Dragon (Arcade)
No introduction required. Insert 20c, push start, mash punch button until death. Repeat.

RC Pro-Am (NES)
RC Pro Am was the definitive racing title from Nintendo. I'm struggling to remember what it was about the endless, familiar circuits, the dirty cheating computer AI and the constant engine whine that really had us so engrossed, but there was something...no, it's gone.

Impossible Mission (C64)
The hideously addictive story of a hero's mission to search couches and toilets for clues to thwart a criminal mastermind. Sure there are robots, and you might indulge in some acrobatics en route, but seriously - that's it. And it's great.

Wonderboy in Monsterland (Master system)
Setting out in your underwear, beating giant animals for their cash, kicking down shopfronts in the vain hope that somebody, somewhere might be selling pants...this is the essence of Wonderboy, an aimlessly addictive platformer and a right jolly romp to boot. Sometimes, you just don't need a reason.

movie of the month
batman begins

In this chapter of the ongoing bat saga, director Christopher Nolan explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. After witnessing the murder of his parents, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.

He returns to Gotham to right the wrongs that have plunged the city into a spiral of crime and poverty, and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. Absent of the camp humour and extravagant sets of the last two films, Batman Begins is a breath of fresh air for fans who have waiting a long time for a worthy adaptation.

Now showing in cinemas across Australia.

album of the month
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds

To celebrate Steven Spielberg's new interpretation of the HG Wells' classic, The War of the Worlds, Jeff Wayne has dusted the cobwebs off his 1978 seminal musical version.

The re-release has been a long time coming and features a 2 disc remastered version remixed by Jeff Wayne himself. To further treat fans, the album comes with the original artwork booklet and is available as a hybrid SA-CD format allowing both stereo and sweet 5.1 multi-channel surround sound for the ultimate end of the world experience.

Out now in stores Australia-wide.

movie review
War of the Worlds

The problem with making an end of the world film these days is that it's been done before. By the mid 1990s, with the cornball onslaught that was Independence Day, the world must have ended at least two dozen times over. So what hope does War of the Worlds (WOTW) have? Particularly when you factor in that this is not just a remake of an old movie, it is also a remake of a cult soundtrack and a re-telling of one of the first science fiction novels ever written.

Things start out innocent enough, Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) receives his kids Robbie (Justin Chatwin) and Rachel (the way-too-talented Dakota Fanning) for the weekend. Ray, selfish and carefree, soon finds himself taking care of more than just the weekend's dinners. As the aliens start smashing things up, Ray finds that keeping his family from tearing him and each other apart becomes the biggest challenge of his life.

In typical Spielberg style it is the family unit that is centre stage here. Sure there's heaps of stuff getting blown up, incinerated or sucked of life, but the focus remains on Ray and his slow and gradual journey of realisation that he is far from perfect as a human being or a father. Above all, this is what makes WOTW different from any other end of the world movie. There are no patriotic speeches or popular American landmarks being destroyed. By keeping the journey tied to Ray and his family, we get a more human perspective of the alien attack.

Rather than a just special effects showpiece, there is an actual movie here. That's not to say when things start going amiss it doesn't look good - it does. But it's nice to have something to enjoy after the guns stop.

With this in mind, WOTW almost makes it out unscathed. Unfortunately the film is let down by a lacklustre ending that leaves the audience with the distinct impression that someone was whispering in Spielberg's ear "hurry up and finish already! We need to clear the cinema for the next session."

Good but not great.

iiNet - providing Internet and phone services all over Australia. This email was authorised by the GM Marketing, on behalf of iiNet. Postal address: Locked Bag 16, Cloisters Square, WA 6000. If you wish to unsubscribe to future iiNet newsletters, you can do so by visiting https://toolbox.iinet.net.au/