Telstra’s ADSL demand register is a classic example of how the company treats rural Australians with disdain.

My business would benefit greatly from ADSL, but the chance of it being available through the Porepunkah exchange on a demand basis is minimal simply due to the small number of properties.

Linking service provision with demand is Telstra’s way of saying it no longer has a universal service obligation.

Small towns and remote areas will always miss out if this philosophy is allowed to guide communications policy.

The provision of high-speed Internet at affordable prices should be a right and not a privilege. The cost of connecting all Australians should be cross-subsidised in the national interest, like postage.

As a 50 percent shareholder in Telstra the Federal Government should exert its influence to ensure a fair deal for country Australians.
This is a question of equity rather than numbers.