Internode beats download blues with Data Blocks
Internode now allows its Home and SOHO customers to purchase extra
download 'Data Blocks' on demand, for occasions when they might
otherwise exceed their month download allowance. This lets them
continue downloading at full-speed without unplanned costs or their
speed reduced.
Internode product manager Jim Kellett said Data Blocks offered a "win-win" solution. "It actually solves multiple problems by offering a better service to our customers," he said.
"This is a customer-friendly alternative to excess fees and dovetails perfectly with Shaping. Unlike excess fees, the customer consciously commits to extra costs, so they don't get a nasty surprise when their bill arrives. It's like topping up prepaid mobile phone credits as, and when, you need a little extra."
"If the customer exceeds their download allowance and prefers to work within the constraints of Shaping, there is no extra cost. If they want their service to remain full-speed, they can buy data blocks. And if their download habits change permanently, of course, they can just change plans."
Internode is one of Australia's largest broadband companies, after recording its 100,000th broadband customer earlier this year.
Launched on July 31, Data Blocks provide Internode customers with a cost-effective and convenient way to instantly 'top up' their monthly download quota.
Customers nearing their monthly quota limit can buy a 'block' of data online to continue surfing without being Shaped - that is, having their speed slowed to 64 or 128 kilobits per second (depending on the plan). Alternatively, if they are already over quota and subject to Shaping controls, they can buy a Data Block to have Shaping removed and return to normal speed.
Data Blocks are purchased 'on demand' and are billed monthly in arrears on a customer's broadband account. Like the monthly download allowances, Data Blocks must be used within the current month.
Prices for Data Blocks range from $5 for one Gigabyte to $90 for 30 Gigabytes.
