Welcome to the first iiNews for 2005!
I hope you had a safe and enjoyable Holiday period. Like many of you, I spent my break with family and friends, and while this can sometimes be a little taxing, the recent tsunami disaster in Asia just proves that we must enjoy each day and never take loved-ones for granted.
We have all been shocked at just how devastating the impact of this disaster has been, however it's so encouraging to know that Australia is one of the biggest donors and contributors to the tsunami relief efforts, with our nation already donating over $100 million.
iiNet staff are also involved in fundraising efforts over the next few weeks with activities throughout all iiNet offices, ranging from sausage sizzles to online auctions and collection tins. Additionally, the company will match the employee's total donation, with funds going to the CARE organisation for the Tsunami relief efforts. We'll keep you informed of our fundraising progress in the next newsletter.
Every little bit helps. So if you can help out, check out the list of charities in our site scan section in this newsletter, and take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country that has been relatively untouched by large-scale disasters.Until next time...
Joanne Large
iiNews Editor
setup offers extended
The broadband setup offer has been so popular that it's been extended to January 31 11:59pm WST!
We've had a great response from this promotion, with about 60 percent of new customers taking up an optional contract period.
Save up to $199.95 - get discounted broadband setup and choose from a range of hardware deals. You can even save on our popular new wireless broadband router.
The offer is simple:
The 18 and 24 month options have reduced or zero setup fees and the same reduced hardware fees for modem models DSL200, DSL504, DSL604.
To take advantage of this great offer today simply visit the setup offer info page or call one of our friendly sales consultants on 13 19 17.
DSLAM milestone achieved
Congratulations to the DSLAM team who have successfully achieved the year end target of 20,000 installed customers on our iiDSLAMs! These customers will be enjoying super fast broadband speeds.
Unfortunately DSLAMs are not available everywhere, but we're doing our best to bring high speed Internet products to as many customers as possible. Through the DSLAM rollout, we will be launching a range of super fast broadband products in the near future.
Customers not currently on a DSLAM still have the opportunity to enjoy high speed broadband through our new product suite to be unveiled shortly.
We look forward to moving many more of our customers across to our DSLAMs in the New Year, so keep an eye on our DSLAM rollout schedule.
iiNet in the industry
In another end of year highlight for iiNet, Telecommunications industry analyst, Paul Budde had the following to say in his wrap up of the key ISPs of 2004:
"[iiNet is] showing the other 700 ISPs in Australia that you can think big and that the market is wide open for any telecoms company with a good business model to become a $100 million-plus giant. One of the companies I am most proud of."
One of the fundamental benefits of business growth is the ability to invest in the research and development of new products and services, and to provide our customers with the most innovative solutions at the best possible prices.
While we're proud of our achievements and the tremendous growth we've experienced across Australia and New Zealand, we maintain our focus on thinking locally and connecting better with our customers.
sponsorships - Movies By Burswood
iiNet is proud to be a Gold sponsor of the Movies By Burswood 2004/2005 screening season in Perth.
Now in its fourth season, Movies By Burswood is Perth's leading outdoor family entertainment cinema. Over 300 volunteers screen a wide variety of films for the Perth community with 100 percent of all profits donated to the following charities: Starlight Children's Foundation, Camp Quality, Riding for the Disabled and Speak Easy.
So for our Perth or WA-based customers looking for a relaxing and fun way to spend an evening with friends and family this summer, be sure to visit Movies By Burswood.
customer service update
We've received some positive feedback from customers who have had their broadband service moved, or about to, onto our iiDSLAMs. Here is one such example from James in Wanneroo, WA.
"Dear iiNet,
You guys rock - I love iiNet! Just read up on the DSLAM upgrades and found that my exchange here in Wanneroo is being worked on at the moment - that's three months ahead of schedule!
Not only am I proud to be a customer of iiNet, but you have now reaffirmed my loyalty ten-fold. I've been with you since merging with Omen Internet and I have not had one instance where I haven't been super satisfied with the service and support (just wish I had bought shares when I had the chance!).
Super Happy Regards, James."
FAQ
Q: Is there a way to speed up a dialup connection without moving to broadband?
A: Our web accelerator tool allows you to increase your surfing speed up to 5 times faster than standard dialup. This comes free with our iidialup2 accounts.
Q: How do I ensure that my webmail password is kept secure when I am logging in from the iiNet homepage?
A: Simply type in https://www.iinet.net.au and then type in your webmail details. The "s" indicates a secure login page, which you should be using at the time you enter your password.
Q: I have started receiving a new invoice, can you please explain how to read it?
A: Visit www.iinet.net.au/invoice for a detailed explanation on the new invoice types.
tip of the month
Paying by cheque? Remember to include your payment slip, your invoice number or email address with your cheque. This helps us process your cheques quicker and accurately so your account is kept current.
When paying by credit card or direct debit, ensure your card details are up to date by logging into the Toolbox and clicking on 'edit contact details'.
staff profile
Name: Kerry McIntyre
Title: Receptionist - Perth office
How long have you been with iiNet?
I started in March 2003, so nearly two years. Before moving to reception I was in the Contact Centre, answering customer's sales, billing and support issues.
What does your role involve?
I assist both customers and staff, and process customer payments that come via post. I also greet corporate visitors, organise couriers and assist staff with any office-related queries they may have.
Customers come into reception on a daily basis for information on our products and to make payments, as well as to talk to some one face-to-face about their account.
What are some common questions customers ask when visiting iiNet's Perth reception?
Probably the most frequently asked question is what products do we have, with a particular interest in our broadband services.
Another question asked is, "How can I see how much I've used my account?" In this case I show customers how to view their account activity in the iiNet Toolbox.
I've heard you hold a record at iiNet, can you tell us about it?
[Laughs] When I started as the iiNet Perth receptionist I was told that I could be heard laughing on the floor below ours (Level five). However Jodie, the receptionist before me, was heard two levels below.
So I took this as a challenge and have now been told that my laughter can be heard on level three. I was (sadly) quite impressed with myself, and still keep smiling and laughing!
customer profile
Name: Annette Maloney
Account type: iidialup2 with web accelerator
Customer since: 1996
What is the focus of your life at the moment?
I really enjoy fishing, boating - anything with water really. I am also helping my daughter, Shannon, who just got her first computer, to get used to the Internet.
Shannon is pictured above at 18 months, playing a Mario Brothers game - which was her first computer game. She really is playing it - you can see the game on the screen and her concentration! That was 10 years ago, almost to the day.
She is now on the Web Design team at her primary school, and we are teaching her how to use the Internet safely, and how to recognise when surfing, email, or instant messaging might not be safe.
What do you mainly use the Internet for?
I mainly use the Internet for basic web design. I design webpages for small businesses who are coming online for the first time, and consequently are a little nervous about putting their business on the Internet. I design their webpages for under $1000, which is much less than what some of my customers have paid other designers.
What kinds of businesses do you do design work for?
I recently took on the website for a small caryard, which is new for me. I will take on anything and everything - from bed & breakfasts, to tourist websites such as ones for Broome and New Zealand. As long as the company is a small business I am happy to help!
What's your favourite part of your iiNet account?
Without doubt I'd have to say it's the new Web Accelerator tool which comes with my dialup account. Now if I'm going through photos and galleries I can set the settings for images so they load really fast, saving me heaps of time. This is definitely the most useful tool by far!
Visit www.designerwebpages.com.au to see a sample of Annette's work!
win Rebel Sport vouchers
This month we have 25 Rebel Sport gift vouchers valued at $20 to give away. Rebel Sport have stores across Australia and sell a great range of sporting equipment, clothing and footwear for sports from Australian Rules Football (AFL) to table tennis!
To win one of these vouchers please email competitions@iinet.net.au with the subject line REBEL SPORT by 11:59pm (WST), 23 January 2005. Include the answer to this month's question: what new feature comes free with all iidialup2 accounts?
Please provide us with your iiNet username, address (including postcode) and name. Winners with the correct answer will be drawn at random. Good luck!
special offer
Get a better deal on your car insurance - Budget Direct offers cheaper car insurance and higher quality service.
Join the thousands of Australians each week who are insuring their car through Budget Direct.
Some of the benefits Budget Direct offers*:
Click here to complete an online car insurance quote in less than four minutes.
This insurance product is issued by Budget Insurance Company Limited (ARBN 095 974 548). Please read the Product Disclosure Statement available from us when deciding whether to buy or hold this product. Policies administered by Insurers Hotline Pty Ltd (ACN 003 617 909) (AFSL 241 411) registered office: level 6, 9 Sherwood Road Toowong, QLD 4066.
* Terms and conditions apply. Subject to rating and underwriting criteria.
** If you cancel the policy within 21 days of purchase and if you have not made a claim on the policy, we will give you a full refund.
Note: iiNet is not affiliated in any way with Budget Direct, and any agreement made, or issues arising from such an agreement, is the matter of the customer and Budget Direct.
gamer's 2 minute review
World of Warcraft (PC)
Swing my battleaxe and call me Olaf - I've finally seen the light, and jumped online with Blizzard's immersive PC title 'World of Warcraft' (WoW). Am I impressed? I'm hooked on the sweetness like a kid in a chocolate shop.
WoW is an MMORPG (huge online game), with world player populations in the thousands. Each player is created in their race's native territory, where they take quests, join parties, skill up and traverse the countryside to say "hey" to the neighbours - whether by handshake, or blunt instrument upside the head.
Grouping with players from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth was a hoot, our raucous band of thugs blindly roaming the countryside - and with gameplay so non-linear, such tangent antics can last for several days.
Visually, the game is lush and tangible - the environments are varied, and the vanishing point is far enough to point out distant landmarks to your eager troupe of ruffians. The in-game audio is sporadic, yet still rich and satisfying, moreso since I've discovered that typing '/train' makes my gruff Paladin yell choo-choo noises mid-combat.
Aside from some notable congestion issues, the WoW adventure is hideously addictive and gets a big sideways grin from this gamer. Say goodbye sunshine, hello online - if you're looking for an involving undertaking, look no further.
movie of the month
The Incredibles
Bob Parr used to be one of the world's greatest superheroes (known to all as "Mr. Incredible"), saving lives and fighting evil on a daily basis. But now, fifteen years later, Bob and his wife (a famous former superhero in her own right) have adopted civilian identities and retreated to the suburbs to live normal lives with their three kids. Now he's a clock-punching insurance claims adjuster fighting boredom and a bulging waistline.
Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top-secret assignment...
Now showing in cinemas around the country.
album of the month
Casey Donovan - For You
The winner of the last series of Australian Idol has just released her debut album entitled 'For you'. Casey Donovan's new album contains a selection of power ballads and pop songs she developed during her Australian Idol journey. Her number one single 'Listen With Your Heart' also features.
This album is definitely worth checking out for those who were fans of the Australian Idol series. You can get your copy of 'For you' at music stores around the country.
recipe of the month
mini pizzas
This is a tasty snack for kids after school. You may need an adult to supervise the oven.
ingredients:
method:
www.google.com/tsunami_relief.html
This site has information on how to help out with the tsunami relief fund and new coverage of the tragedy.
www.street-directory.com.au
The site for anyone who finds themselves lost!
foxsports.news.com.au
Calling all sports fanatics - this is the site for you! There's all the latest news in sports ranging from AFL to horse racing.
ninemsn.eventwatch.com.au
This site has a rundown of all the hottest events around Australia, from wine festivals to jazz concerts.
iiNet - providing Internet and phone services all over Australia. This email was authorised by Joanne Large, 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/