UPDATE | Internode is the first ISP to offer the new speeds. Simon Hackett Internode MD says, "We have enabled ADSL2+ right now for all customers [connected to one of Internode's DSLAMs]. We believe there is no real barrier to deployment in ADSL2+ at this point, so we've got on with it." And the "real-life speeds" are very good, Hackett says. Customers able to get the service in Melbourne and Adelaide are already reporting speeds in excess of 18 Mbit/s.

The Australian Communication Industry Forum (ACIF) released its final technical specifications for the use of ADSL2 and ADSL2+, which allow for maximum speeds of 12Mbit/s and 24Mbit/s respectively.

The code now goes to the Australian Communication Authority for 'registration', though this is a formality, and the ACA has never rejected an ACIF-ratified code before. Generally registration of technical codes takes only a few days.

ISPs with ADSL2+ DSLAMs already deployed are expected to turn on ADSL2+ services in coming days in the rush to be first.

"There’s nothing to stop [an ISP] from offering a service today, they're just not allowed to cause interference on the network," Jeff Bird, a spokesperson for ACIF confirmed.

"One of the prime aspects of the code is that it sets out various specifications to prevent interference. That's probably one of the reasons some service providers were waiting until they were settled, so they could be sure that if they did turn on ADSL2+ capabilities, they wouldn’t be causing any interference on the network," he said.

Details of the specifications for the use of ADSL2+ on Australian phone lines can be found on the ACIF's web site.

iiNet, Internode, iPrimus, Amnet and Adam Internet have announced they are deploying ADSL2+ compatible DSLAMs into exchanges. Telstra has also announced it will upgrade its infrastructure over a twelve month period, beginning in the middle of this year.

Links:

• Media Release (PDF)  (ACIF, 13 Apr 2005)
• Next generation ADSL  (Whirlpool, 29 Sep 2004)