Archived News for IT Professionals - April, 2012
Canberra is set to roll out the country’s first free e-waste recycling service, allowing residents to dispose of their unwanted televisions and computers under a national scheme.
“This is the start of a nation-wide roll-out of services as part of an extremely exciting initiative under the Gillard Government’s landmark Product Stewardship legislation. Services like these will be rolled out across Australia, boosting television and computer recycling rates to 30 percent in 2012-13 and 80 per cent by 2021-22, providing a long-term solution to television and computer waste,” Minister for Sustainability Senator Don Farrell said.
“Televisions and computers contain valuable non-renewable resources, including gold and other precious metals, as well as hazardous materials including lead, bromine, mercury and zinc. By recycling them, we can recover useful materials and at the same time reduce health and environmental risks.”
Data security addressed
Over 180 business leaders from some of Australia’s largest organisations have met with the Australian Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim to discuss how to prevent data breaches and how to respond to one, if or when it occurs.
Conroy releases Convergence Review final report
The Federal Government has released the final report of the independent Convergence review Committee.
Telcos launch Newcastle 4G blitz
Telstra and Optus have both announced plans to expand 4G services in the Newcastle and Hunter regions, with both telcos promising ‘ultra-fast’ mobile coverage.
Ex-Optus executive seeks $14.5 million in damages
A former Optus marketing executive is suing her former employer for $14.5 million in damages, alleging the company fired her after six months of bullying and victimisation.
Optus releases communication survey
Optus has released the results of a communication survey, with findings showing users place more importance on the quantity rather than quality of communication.
AusBBS to become first exclusive NBN ISP
Australian Broadband Services (AusBBS) has announced it has secured first round funding for the development of its NBN network, meaning it will become the first ISP to operate exclusively over the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Education gets a technological boost
Maths and science will collide with computer games and virtual reality at the new $4 million Quantum Victoria physical sciences centre in Macleod West.
NSW on the hunt for senior IT manager
The New South Wales Government has announced it is currently searching for a Head of NSW State Government Senior IT Manager.
University of Sydney promises to reinvent computing
An international team, including members from the University of Sydney, has announced research that promises to reinvent modern computing through the development of ion-crystal technology.
Hays Quarterly Report: ICT
Global recruitment specialist Hays has released its quarterly report into recruitment trends for the April – June 2012 quarter.
iiNet wins copyright case
The High Court has voted unanimously to dismiss an appeal by Roadshow Films claiming that iiNet was responsible for its customers using file sharing services.
NBN satellite gets UN nod
The United Nations communications agency has informed the National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) that its current plan to launch two satellites is following the correct approval process.
NBN to roll out satellite relay in Merimbula
The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) has announced it has selected Merimbula as the company’s first satellite earth station.
Optus launches heartstring branding campaign
Optus has announced the launch of a major brand campaign aimed at connecting with its customers on a more poignant, emotional level.
Telstra announces capital management strategy
Telstra ha s announced its capital management strategy, outlining the company’s priorities and underlying principles that will guide the company’s future decision making.
SAIC to open centre in Victoria
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has announced it will establish a regional cyber security centre in Victoria, generating 50 new highly skilled jobs over the next three years.
ACMA publishes digital auction draft rules
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published draft rules for the digital dividend spectrum auction.
NBN Co returns fire over wireless claims
The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) has responded to claims that the proliferation of wireless devices will render the NBN project a waste of money, saying that such claims are completely divorced from reality.
Primus snapped up by M2
M2 Telecom has announced it has purchased telecommunications company Primus for $192 million in a move that will see the group consolidate its position for its NBN service.
Round three Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprise opens
The Federal Government has opened round three of the Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprise for applications from service providers to deliver the third round of Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprise programs.