DH>> Does the intentional x4 in internet access pricing after control was
DH>> achieved in the leaked planning document ring a bell? 
DH>> "Don't cut our prices - force everyone else to come up to our cost
DH>> level." 

DH>> With obvious side dish - "bugger the customers".

SL> I doubt even Telstra will dare to engage in such an obvious example of
SL> predatory pricing. If it did, Austel (or the ACCC if it does get
SL> Austel's competition powers) will jump on Telstra severely: it's a
SL> blatant misuse of market power that's forbidden by the Trade Practices
SL> Act.

Wasn't a case of "dare" - the planning document the Australian
printed was the genuine goods.   Intended course of action, with the
"we're going to buy your businesses for a song, Mr. ISP" king hit
as just the curtain raiser.

SL> Telstra may be cash rich, but a 10 million dollar fine must make them
SL> think again.

The government wants to sell it - for a fortune.  No fine will be
forthcoming, and Telstra is _going_ to be as profitable as possible - if it
takes special legislation to make it legal.  One guess on which volunteers
get to pay for all this...  (In case you haven't recognized it - this is an
arm of the Tax dept in action.  Taxation on communication, rather like the
petrol taxes.  Just tizzied up a bit so the suckers er taxpayers er marks
don't notice, or at least don't recognize it.)

The next act will doubtless be cost hikes in local calls.  Probably via
some sophisticated twist that slugs Optus into the same line at the same
time.  Or something we haven't thought of, but which is just as effective
at draining all our wallets.

Remember - "we're from the government, and we're here to help you".

Regards,
Dave Hatch.

--- Msgedsq 3.20