The Internet has changed the way we do things. The future will be about the convergence of multiple devices onto a single IP network.

According to Justin Milne, Chief of BigPond, Australia still lags the world in broadband penetration, despite the competitive market. In a survey of Broadband penetration in key countries by the OECD as of June 2005 showed Australia’s usage at only 11 per cent of the population, even though the country has(?) ISPs.

BigPond plans to provide broadband to every Australian, eliminating the barriers which separate rural services from city services. BigPond, according to Milne will be for everyone in Australia.

“ADSL Broadband will be provided to existing metro and regional urban areas including Cable areas. We have already provided cable internet services to existing 2.5 million homes,” said Milne.

According to IDC as of June 2005 Telstra has 41 per cent of the Australia broadband market share, making the Telco giant very well placed in the Broadband business.

“In June 2003 we had 46 per cent of the broadband market share. We believe by June 2008 we will have 55 – 60 per cent of the market. I believe this is very achievable, since we have 84 per cent of brand awareness,” said Milne.

Milne announced the company plans to enter the VoIP space with the introduction of BigPond Broadband phone which will incorporate video and voice calling over the internet. The system will be integrated with Sensis services and advertising as well as pushed content from sources such as Trading Post and Yellow Pages.

The company also plans to launch a movies on demand service for BigPond customers as well as a sophisticated blogging service which can be accessed via mobile phones.