Telstra vs Tim Ashford

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IXAxzpLNSY[/video]

Tim Ashford, a Telstra contractor, has discovered an issue with the way the telco tests for line faults. The method currently used can destroy a “high open” fault temporarily making it undetectable, so customers are getting charged incorrect callout fees when there may actually be a legitimate fault. He’s also found a way to correctly identify this type of fault using the same test equipment Telstra techs currently use, but Telstra won’t acknowledge his findings.

If you’ve ever had a problem where your internet only works when your phone is picked up or you are on a call, it’s probably due to this fault. At $130 bucks a pop, Telstra are making a killing on the incorrect callout fees whereas properly fixing the affected lines is potentially quite expensive.

This video is his submission to the ACMA in an effort to make the public aware of the issue. I’m not sure they are the right people to be reporting this too, but it’s a start.