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Oonagh Reidy

Breaking Bad: Movie Downloads Up 36%

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OZ film and TV downloads are up, but piracy still looms, warns industry boss.

OZ digital film and TV market is up 36% new figures for 2012 show.

Game of Thrones was the top TV title purchased and The Hunger Games was the most downloaded film streamed/rented via video-on-demand, new figures from Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA) show.

“Digital sales in 2012 really took off and now exceed 10 per cent of total sales for the $1.174 billion Australian home entertainment industry,” said AHEDA CEO Simon Bush.

The local digital TV and film industry was worth $127.77 million in 2012 and AHEDA predict further growth in the coming years.

Other top selling TV shows in Oz included True Blood, Gossip Girl and Breaking Bad, while on the movie front, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, SherlockHolmes and Red Dog were the top titles.

The figures for digital entertainment have been released for the first time ever by the entertainment Association, which covers 95% of the digital market.

This comes just weeks after it emerged global digital music industry revenues soared on the back of legit sites like Spotify, iTunes and Google Play.

The largest digital market in Australia in terms of revenues were video on demand (VoD) services like Telstra’sBigpond Movies, Quickflix (56%) followed by electronic TV (23%) and movie sales. 

iTunes leads the market in terms of downloads but the Association noted “significant’ other platforms including Foxtel on Demand, Telstra’sBigpond Movies, Sony Entertainment Network, Microsoft with Xbox Live, Fetch TV, and Google’s PlayStore.

As the number of downloads go up, movies download prices are on the way down – to $14.70 last year from $16.10, on average.

However, piracy remains a massive issue for the digital industry, Bush said.

 

“The largest hurdle facing our industry for digital growth to replace declining physical DVD sales is that of film piracy and recent research shows that when Major peer—2—peerPiracy sites havebeen blocked or shutdown, piracy traffic drops andLegitimate sales see a significant spike.”

“The popularity and growth of new digital platforms available on a significant range of devices along with broadband improvements in Australia will drive more legal download and streaming opportunities for Australians which our industry is embracing.

Don’t Dial Emergency if You’re on TPG

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Being on TPG could endanger your life, as comms watchdog takes action against the telco over not giving users access to emergency ‘000’ services.
Australia Communications and Media Authority taken court action against TPG Internet over alleged failures to give access to the ‘000’ emergency call services over six months between March – September 2011.

The ACMA alleges that TPG breached the Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Determination 2009 by failing to give certain customers access to 000 emergency phone services.

“All Australians need to be assured that their telecommunications provider attaches the utmost priority to Triple Zero access,” said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.

“We take any issues with access to the Triple Zero service very seriously.”

Telcos are required to give customers Triple Zero emergency call service that connect callers to police, fire or ambulance in a life-threatening or time critical situation.

What A Shock-er! 194,000 Telco Complaints ’11-12

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Bill shock, excess Internet and roaming charges: these were among the tidal wave of complaints made to telco ombusdman last year.

The astonishing number of complaints against Telstra, Vodafone and Co 2011-12, marked just a 2% drop on the previous year

Aussie phones users made 193,702 new telco complaints according to the 2012 Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) annual report, published today.

So, what were the bug bears against our beloved telcos?

Mobiles mostly – complaints about mobile phones soared almost 10% to almost 123,000, reflecting the mass usage (over 50% penetration) of Internet hungry smartphones like iPhones and Androids in OZ.

Complaints made about the big three telcos – Telstra, Optus and Vodafone- were the highest, although Telstra enjoyed over 20% fall in number of complaints, while rival Optus saw their number of complaints rise a whopping 47%, while troubled Voda was up 11%.

Poor coverage, bill shock and billing disputes and the quality of information given at the point of sale were common complaints, the report showed.

Almost 16,000 mobile users had issues with bill accuracy and charges, after spending far above their allowance (double the number of the previous year); 14,000 disputes over the total amount of a bill and almost 10,000 had disputed Internet charges – a 150% rise – were all recorded by the Ombudsman.

Disputes over roaming charges also rose a massive 69%. Consumers being credit default listed while their bill was in dispute also soared in the past year, which the Ombudsman said he was “very concerned” about.

Almost half of all Aussie users (or around 7 million) suffered a bill shockers last year, a separate report recently showed.

But since April, the TIO’s complaints forum has quietened down, says Ombudsman Simon Cohen, due to telcos being forced to pull up their (highly profitable) socks.

“There has been a clear trend, of reduced complaints, with the last quarter of 2011-12 being our quietest for almost two years,” says Cohan, which he says is a “positive sign” that reflects a number of telcos on improving their customer service.

Under the new Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code, telcos are now required to and give notification alerts for data, voice calls and SMS usage no later than 48 hours after the user has reached cap thresholds of 50, 85 and 100 per cent.

“Complaints about unexpectedly high bills and unnecessary financial overcommitment point to the urgent need for strong spend management rules, including those that are included in the new Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code,” Cohen said.

 

“While these rules do not apply until 2013, or in certain cases 2014, it is a positive sign that some service providers have already taken steps to introduce better consumer notifications about high usage.”

Cohen also issued a stern warning to telcos about the growing number of customers being placed in credit default lists:

“Credit listings can have very significant impacts on people – affecting applications for credit, including for housing and personal loans. Any credit default listing should only occur after the correct procedures have been followed.”

Face Fight! Mark Zuckerberg V Sean Parker Boozy Punch Up

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You can just imagine the scene. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Napster/Spotify entrepreneur Sean Parker after sipping a $500 cocktail and chomping on $200 canapes.


Click to enlarge
Mark Zuckerberg, Snoop Dogg and Sean Parker pictured, last month.

No, its not a scene out of The Social Network II – it occurred earlier this month after the social networking duo got into a public brawl outside a Hollywood night spot over Facebook’s involvement with music streaming service Spotify.

The scrap followed the launch of the Spotify/Facebook partnership at West Hollywood nightclub. Parker has shares in the Euro streaming giant.

The music and social partnerships, announced last month at Facebook F8 conference, also include Berkeley-based MOG and San Francisco-based Rdio as digital music sales slump.

The integration of Spotify and Facebook “is very similar to what I dreamed of 10 years ago” Parker declared at the lavish party Facebook’s f8 party last month, where pigs roasted on a double-decker spit, and The Killers and Snoop Dogg all took to the live stage.

But the ‘dream’ may not be all roses: “Sean and Mark had done the big Spotify launch and headed to The Beverly to party. They spent a lot of money on alcohol, and as the night went on they got into an intense discussion, which turned into a loud argument as they left” a ‘source’ told New York Post.

“Sean argued that all Spotify users should not be forced to sign up for a Facebook account, but Mark wouldn’t budge. It was a full on screaming match outside the club, but stopped short at coming to blows. They then stormed off in different directions.”

 

However, a rep for Parker denied the claims “they did not have an argument. They have spoken several times since. Sean is looking forward to seeing Mark at a wedding this weekend.”

Or at least he hopes so.

Protect Us: Conroy Forces Telcos To Up Customer Service Or Face $2M Fine

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Unreliable service and no show technicians are a thing of the past, if today’s announcement is to be believed. A new safeguard to protect telco customers is on the way.

The new rules, announced by Minister for Communications, Senator Stephen Conroy, will make “larger” carriers (CSPs) like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone improve the quality of services they provide.

In other words, all services including repairs, new connections and service appointments provided by telcos will be put within a timeframe and failure to meet these can result in fine of up to $2 million, although the max penalty has yet to be decided, Conroy says. 
This pro customer regulation could be just what the doctor ordered or at least help radically improve the woeful service which is endemic in Aussie’s telecommunications sector. 

In March, the Telecommunications ombudsman said it received 671 calls a day, on average, in the previous six months from consumers complaining about telcos and a whopping 167,955 new complaints last year.

Here is what one disgruntled Vodafone customer wrote today on NotGoodEnough.com: “Today I didnt give up six times in a space of two hours following their prompts speaking to their so called service people, just to be put on hold then hung up on each time I even heard the bombastic bastard laugh while he spoke to his colleague whilst he switched me over commenting on me.”

“The CSG Standard is designed to protect consumers against poor customer service by setting timeframes to be met by service providers for the connection, fault repair, and keeping of appointments in relation to standard telephone services provided under the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG) Standard,” Senator Conroy said.

Carriers will be forced to meet the timeframes 90 per cent of the time. 

“If the CSPs don’t meet the timeframes in 90 per cent of cases, then the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) can fine them using the infringement notice powers provided by the Parliament at the end of 2010.”

The new rules, the Telecommunications (Customer Service Guarantee – Retail Performance Benchmarks) Instrument (No.1) 2011 will commence on 1 October 2011. 

“These new measures will promote consistency and provide incentives for service providers to improve performance, especially in rural and remote areas” says Conroy. 

 

Senator Conroy said the benchmarks would only apply to service providers who offer at least 100,000 CSG services on a national basis. 

It’s On: Texting In The Tunnels

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Commuters of Sydney: You shall text on the beaches, you shall text in the streets…and now you can even text or surf the Net in the tunnels.Yes, folks Telstra, Optus and Voda have extended their 3G and 4G coverage for Sydneyside commuters travelling through  City Circle train tunnels from stations Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum.

The new in -tunnel mobile service means no more calls dropping out when you’re about to hop on the train – handy

for commuters who want to log on to their emails or make calls.

The third stage of network expansion will hit

the Eastern Suburbs line to Bondi Junction due to arrive early

2014.

Telstra have also brought their faster 4G network coverage to Martin Place, St James and Museum stations, it announced today.

This additional underground coverage in Sydney CBD builds on work completed in July when mobile coverage was first introduced in tunnels on the North Shore and Western Lines.

Anthony Goonan, Director Network Engineering said customers will no

longer lose network coverage as their train enters the City Circle

whether talking on the phone, updating Facebook, playing

‘Words With Friends’ or streaming music.

“Losing internet service or having calls drop out when you enter the

City Circle can be extremely frustrating, especially if it’s an

important work or family call,” said Mr Goonan.

However, one commuter today complained via the Optus Facebook page: “Is 3g n 4g down in the sydney CBD? I have switched my phone off several times and still nothing.”

Telstra and the other mobile network operators worked closely with the NSW Rail Authority to extend mobile network coverage in the City Circle.

Do NOT Accept: Fisher & Paykel V Haier War of Words

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Fisher and Paykel takeover row intensifies as Directors urge shareholders not to accept Haier’s takeover bid, as the war of words continues.

Keith Turner Chairman of Fisher & Paykel Appliances, with the backing of Independent Directors, has written to company shareholders once again urging them not to take up Haier offer of $1.20 per share for the appliance giant.

“We understand that Haier has again written to shareholders – asserting that you should accept Haier’s offer for your shares in Fisher & Paykel Appliances at $1.20 per share,” Turner wrote in a letter to shareholders dated 12 October. 

“Your Independent Directors continue to unanimously recommend that you do not accept Haier’s offer as we believe that it does not adequately reflect the value of Fisher & Paykel Appliances.”

Last week, the Chinese owned Haier group upped the ante on its recently announced bid for NZ based Fisher and Paykel Appliances, including its Australian entity, announcing it has received approval from US anti-trust regulators.

Liang Haishan, Chairman of Haier NZ and group President, also last week dismissed F&P’s Independent Adviser’s recent report, which placed the company’s share valuation at $1.28 – $1.57 per share, as”overly optimistic”.

However, Haier’s one trump card is that it has F&P’s largest shareholder, Allan Gray Australia, already in agreement to the takeover bid.

Haier also already owns a 20% share in the appliance giant.

But despite all this, Fisher and Paykel’s Independent Directors are not budging.

 

“Our recommendation remains unchanged,” Chairman Turner told its shareholders.

“Fisher & Paykel Appliances is in a strong financial position and, as we said previously, we have confidence in the strategic direction of the company.” 

However, he added: “shareholders will need to consider Haier’s offer in the context of their own circumstances, and should consult their own professional adviser.”

Fisher & Paykel’s company shares fell 0.51% on ASX today to $ 0.975.

Aggressive JB Hi-Fi Nab ex-Dicks Sales Boss

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JB Hi-Fi nab ex Dick Smith commercial sales boss as it chases growth
Nick Ebbeck is JB Hi-Fi’s new Commercial Sales Manager for Australia & New Zealand, the retailer has confirmed.

JB Hi-Fi has recently made a number of senior appointments to its fledgling Commercial Team including former WOW Sight and Sound Commercial guru, Gerard Cassidy, and gift card specialist Joanne Beattie (ex David Jones Corporate Services Manager), as it looks to aggressively grow in the corporate market.

Ebbeck started his new role at JB Hi-Fi on 26th September, which is based in Sydney, the retailer confirmed today

He was previously the Commercial Sales Manager for Dick Smith Electronics where he led their Commercial Business across ANZ.

Ebbeck is an experienced sales professional with a proven track record and will focus initially on growing JB Commercial’s presence.

The retailer said it continues to “experience strong growth in the Commercial and Education Markets and these appointments again signal our commitment to the new markets.”

JB Commercial Division focuses on the B2B Commercial & Insurance Market, Gift Cards, B2B Telco and Education.

“The appointment of Nick Ebbeck to this senior role is part of our strategy to aggressively grow our Commercial Team in Australia and NZ” said JB’s, CFO Richard Murray.

Led by General Manager Robert Mittag, JB’s Commercial Division has made a number of appointments this year including: Tony Nikolovski, who now leads JB’s B2B Telecommunications Team, Joanne Beattie who is developing JB’s Corporate Gift cards business, and Gerard Cassidy, who now  leads the Queensland Commercial Team.

Its Here (Almost): Voda 4G “OZ Fastest” Hits June

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Finally, Vodafone sets the date for 4G network, which it claims is faster than Telstra, Optus.”From June, we’ll start switching on customers who already have an eligible phone plan and 4G phone” telco No. 3 confirmed today,  after months of speculation.

“We’ll be kicking off with most of our coverage in Sydney and Perth, with some coverage in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast , Newcastle and Wollongong.” Rob Glennon, Voda’s Head of Network Product Management confirmed on a company blog.

Earlier this year, the telco confirmed they were testing 4G Long Term Evolution Network around Sydney and a Voda spokesperson told SmartHouse its network would have faster speeds than rival Telstra – the biggest 4G network in OZ (with plans 66% national coverage in 2013) – and Optus, which was confirmed today by CEO Bill Morrow.

Who has fastest 4G of them all?

Vodafone CEO Bill Morrow said the 4G LTE service would be Australia’s fastest, making good use of Vodafone’s superior holdings of 1800MHz spectrum, especially in Melbourne and Sydney.

Tests by Web site Gizmodo Australia at Vodafone’s North Sydney offices showed download connections at up to 69Mbps, with an average of 66Mbps; and uploads at 22Mbps.

Rival ZDNet reported a download at “approximately” 80Mbps.

Vodafone had suggested that, because it has 20MHz of spectrum in the 1800MHz spectrum band, the network may be able to get speeds of up to 150Mbps.

 

Morrow said an additional 2000 4G and 3G sites would be established this year, enhancing coverage.

It is also claiming industry-leading changes to data charging on new voice plans, both prepaid and postpaid; spending alerts for customers to avoid bill shock; and onshoring of its call centre operations back to Australia.

The telco will be selling two 4G Android phones – the HTC One instore from April 23 and the Samsung Galaxy S4, to be unveiled here next week.

Until now, Voda has been focusing on its troubled 3G and upgrading 3G+ sites after the epic network breakdown that was Vodafail in 2010-11.