Message from the MD

 Welcome to the March edition of iiNews.
This month has been another busy one for us, as you can see from our lead article on the launch of our new broadband product, wiink.

We are especially excited to be rivaling OzEmail for the title of Australia's fourth-biggest ISP after our acquisition of iFroggy and Flow ADSL on March 3. iiNet now has another 35,000 customers in the Eastern States, taking our customer base to around 350,000. The potential to expand further into the Sydney market is really exciting for all of us at iiNet, because we still have a relatively low profile there.

Thanks are also in order, as we have reached our $4000 target for granting Jessica's Wish through the Starlight Foundation! This is a great result, and we could not have done it without the support of our customers through our numerous fundraising events, such as the Movies By Burswood movie night. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff who were involved in achieving this total!

We look forward to bringing you more exciting news of our continuing improvements to our products and services, and thank you again for coming along for the ride.

in this month's issue...

New Low Entry Broadband Product!

 We're pleased to announce a new addition to our range of broadband products, bliink's little brother- 'wiink'! The plan is $24.95 per month with pre select iiPhone.

The plans were released last Thursday, one day ahead of the release of Telstra's new $29.95 per month broadband plans. Below are excerpts from the press release about wiink.

"To be honest, these plans are not for the serious broadband user," said Michael Malone, CEO of iiNet. "It's a good starter for people who don't use the net very much, but still want the other advantages of broadband, like better speed, always on, and not tying up the phone."

iiNet released its flat rate ADSL plans in 2001. The bliink range of flat rate broadband have become Australia's most popular plans, with iiNet quickly becoming the #2 ADSL supplier, second only to Telstra.

By comparison, wiink plans have a very low allocation of downloads and customers are then charged excess for anything they download. iiNet expects these plans to be entry level, with customers quickly upgrading to the flat rate bliink plans once they get accustomed to having broadband.

The new wiink plan is on a 12 month contract, but if you upgrade to a bliink broadband account there's no break fee as long as the initial 12 month period is served.

"Just because it's got a low headline rate doesn't mean it's the right deal," said Mr Malone. "Customer's aren't stupid. Plans like this are a good start, but customers know the devil is in the detail."

"On the plus side, the wiink plans are capped, so customers don't get completely torched," said Mr Malone.

The maximum a customer will pay for their Internet connection on the wiink 256k plan is $59.95 per month. The speed of the connection may be shaped to 72kbps after 6GB.

"We don't want people getting billed for hundreds of dollars," said Mr Malone.

"Who'd want to do that to their customers?"

wiink 256k will be available for sign up from the end of this month. The plan includes 200MB of downloads with additional downloads charged at 15c per megabyte. Customers must pre-select iiNet for long distance telephony. There is no charge for uploads and charges are capped to a maximum of $59.95 per month. For more detailed information on the wiink product please visit: http://www.iinet.net.au/products/home/wiink/


Customer Profile:
Name: Alec Buttfield
Account Type: Explorer and then Discovery
Customer Since: 2000


What is the focus of your life at the moment?
About two years ago I moved to Adelaide to take up a job as a Sports Scientist with the South Australian Sports Institute, so my focus is on the upcoming Athens Olympics. I’m also trying to help my fiancé organise our wedding.

Why did you stay with iiNet when you moved to Adelaide?
We originally signed up because we liked the quality associated with the iiNet name and the product they delivered. The reason we stayed with iiNet was because my fiancé stayed in WA for a year after I moved to SA, so she still checked our mail through the webmail service. We both find that webmail makes it very easy to delete spam, so the security is a big part of why we didn’t change our ISP even after my fiancé joined me in Adelaide.

What do you mainly use the Internet for?
Everything from email, banking, entertainment, news and of course, to help us plan the wedding!

Free $10 Voucher!

 Thanks to QBD The Bookshop Online, all iiNet customers are being offered a "FREE" $10.00 E-Voucher* to use at their Online Store. QBD The Bookshop Online is an established online retailer and is backed by 14 Brick-and-Mortar stores. They offer savings of up to 90% on a huge range of Books. If you are a booklover or love a bargain QBD The Bookshop is an unmatched online shopping experience.
*Terms and Conditions apply

Refer a Friend Now for Free Gifts!

 For those of you who were wondering, wiink accounts are included in the Refer a Friend promotion! For every mate you sign up to our dialup accounts, wiink broadband or iiPhone you'll get $20 to spend at Rebel Sport, Coles Myer or Electronics Boutique or you can have a double movie pass to Greater Union or $20 credit on your iiNet account...your friend gets their choice of gift too!

Sign your mates up to bliink broadband or join iiNet bundling and you'll both get a $30 voucher to spend at Rebel Sport, Coles Myer or Electronics Boutique, or $30 credit or a double movie pass and $10 to spend at the Candy Bar! It's so easy to take advantage of this promotion, so visit www.friend.iinet.net.au to find out more!

Important Info Regarding Account Payments

 Just a reminder to all our customers; please do not post cash to iiNet for payment of your accounts. Doing so is extremely unsafe and risky, not to mention irretrievable if something goes wrong.

For details on how you can pay your account please go to www.iinet.net.au or call Customer Support on 13 22 58. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Jessica's wish Granted!

 We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in raising the $4000 to grant Jessica her wish through the Starlight Foundation.

Whether you're iiNet staff, customers, family or friends - your support has been overwhelming and very much appreciated, without you, we could not have granted Jessica her special wish.

iiBoxers!!

 You asked for them and we've sourced them - you can now own your very own pair of 100% pure red silk iiBoxers for only $35 (postage included).

To get your pair please email pinai@staff.iinet.net.au with your username, postal address and size (S-XXL) now! Stock is limited so make sure you get your order in quick!

Call Waiting Stats!

 A brand new Toolbox feature has been created to enable customers to see

current call waiting statistics. This feature includes a complete breakdown for the last 24 hour period on the maximum waiting time and the average waiting times for people’s calls to be answered.

One of the handiest features is the graphs which give an idea of when the best and worst times to call are in both the sales and support queues.

You can view this great new feature here .

Whirlpool

 If you haven’t heard of Whirlpool yet, where have you been? www.whirlpool.net.au is a fully independent community website devoted to keeping the public informed about the state of broadband in Australia.

Since its inception in 1998, it has become a premiere destination for Internet users. As well as being a rich source of broadband news and information, Whirlpool boasts one of Australia's largest online tech communities with over 40 000 registered users.

If you want to have your say on any Internet related topics then this is the place for you! Whirlpool is great because it gives clients an independent view of our service up against that of other ISPs. There is even a section dedicated to iiNet, which you can find here

Check out Whirlpool today!

bliinky's Game Tips

 This month's tips go out to players of 'Fallout' on Mac or PC.

Kill the rats- In section one kill the 20 rats near the vault cave entrance to get 500 experience points.
Holster your weapon- In shady sands most of the NPCs will not talk to you until you holster your weapon.
Trade for a rope- Later in the game you will need a rope, so find Seth and trade something you don't need (like Radscorpion tails) with the rope he has.
Powerful weapons- The weapons merchant in the Old Town has the most powerful melee weapon in the game- the "super sledge." To get it, browse his selection and ask for something that has more punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

 1. What is the $99 set-up fee for?
The fee is there to cover a range of costs including those incurred by iiNet via Telstra, employee costs at iiNet in establishing your account and sending out a Tech to the exchange to set ADSL up on your line.

2. Can I get iiPhone on a wiink account?
Yes you must pre-select iiPhone in order to connect to a wiink account at $24.95 per month. If you change carrier or drop iiPhone, wiink will be charged at $59.95 per month. For more details, please see story above or go here

3. Does iiNet host game servers?
We sure do! Go to http://games.iinet.net.au for more info.

Tip of the Month

 When calling support from anywhere in Australia, remember to call our national number 13 22 58, as you won't be charged long distance rates.

Inside the Staff Room
Name: Leroy Parkinson
Position: Credit Officer
Duration at iiNet: 16 Months


What do you enjoy most about your job?
The challenges and opportunity to develop. It's great to be able to recommend, design and employ new methods of working to the benefit of the company and our customers. In this dynamic industry, things can change almost overnight and it's a good challenge finding new ways to manage those changes and the business processes too. Also iiNet's got a great culture in its offices - which makes a big difference.

What does your job involve?
Essentially, I'm responsible for managing the aged debt portfolio. I ensure that customers are aware of their account status and speak with customers about any special repayment arrangements they may need.

Where do you think iiNet will be in five years time?
Who knows? At this rate, Asia, Europe...The whole world? Seriously though, regardless of our geographical coverage I'm sure iiNet will continue to lead the race.


What is it?
Welcome to iiNet's new section of iiNews... Kiids Corner... especially for iikids! Each month iiNet will delve into a variety of things such as the latest kids flicks, cool CD's, jokes, toys and maybe even a recipe or two!

If you would like to send us your thoughts, please email your details to competitions@iinet.net.au.

Our Favourite CD

Shannon Noll - "That's What I'm Talking About"

We all know Shannon as that fun loving larrikin from Australian Idol and by now, most of us would have heard his fantastic version of "What about Me" which is currently sitting in the number one spot on the ARIA charts…but did you know that Shannon's album is packed with heaps of other great songs! So turn it up and enjoy. To find more about Shannon go to www.shannonnoll.com.au

Reciipe of the Month:

Chocolate Crackles
Our first recipe is really quick and easy to make but make sure you get Mum or Dad to help you melt the chocolate; we don't want you to hurt yourself. Chocolate crackles are so yummy so get cracking into this great recipe!

iiNgredients
125g/4oz KELLOGG'S COCO POPS
25g/1oz Coconut
225g/8oz Milk or plain chocolate

Cooking iiNstructions
1. Melt the chocolate
2. Stir in the KELLOGG'S COCO POPS
3. Stir in the coconut
4. Place two teaspoons of the mixture into pastry cases.
5. Place on a tray and refrigerate until firm.

Makes 18-24 Chocolate Crackles...happy eating!

Movie of the Month

The Lion King
Who can go past this great family favourite…for those of you who aren't aware the Lion King has just been re-released, 10 years after it first hit the big screen! So if you didn't get yourself a copy back then make sure you do it now because the next release won't be until 2014!!

The Lion King is one of Disney's greatest movies, make sure you check it out for yourself or go here http://disneyvideos.disney.go.com/ for more details.

Toy of the Month

Crayola Trace n Draw Projector
You will have lots of fun drawing and colouring with this colorful Crayola Trace N Draw Projector. Basically, the Projector projects the images on the detachable drawing board or drawing surface…giving kids of all ages the opportunity to create something spectacular! (Not suitable for kids under 3 years).

RRP: $57.95 but you can get it for $49.95 here:
http://www.toys-heaven.com.au/

Competitions

 C Restaurant
C Restaurant Lounge is Western Australia's most spectacular restaurant and cocktail lounge. It's situated high above St George's Terrace on level 33 of St Martin's Tower. C offers each of its guests a magical experience, where you can dine or simply enjoy a drink or a coffee and take in the view. C's circular revolving floor allows for continuous and breathtaking views of the Perth metropolitan area, The Swan River, Kings Park, Rottnest Island and the Darling Ranges, which are all visible from this amazing location.

Thanks to C Restaurant we have four $50 lunch vouchers up for grabs. Choose from anything on C's delectable menu from Gnocchi to Salmon Linguine, Beef Cheeks to Chicken Breast, Pink Snapper to Sirloin...

To be in the running for a chance to win any of these competitions, send an email to competitions@iinet.net.au with the answer to the following question: Who is the executive Chef of C Restaurant? (Hint for the answer click here: www.crestaurant.com.au/restaurant).
Don't forget to mention which prize you'd like!

C is the perfect venue for a romantic dinner for two, a group of friends or a corporate client. Breathtaking views, award winning cuisine and friendly staff ensure every guest enjoys a magical experience.

C Restaurant isn't only a restaurant! C also specialises in Cocktail Parties and Corporate Functions as well as weddings, christenings, birthdays, leaving parties and all other celebrations. The diverse menu caters for every guest, from the health conscious to the hedonistic and C is happy to create dishes for those with special needs.

C Restaurant Lounge is situated at Level 33 St Martins Tower, 44 St Georges Terrace, Perth and it is open from 12pm to 2am Sunday to Friday and 5pm till 2am on Saturday. Bookings for the restaurant are recommended. For further details please go to www.crestaurant.com.au or call C Restaurant on 9220 8333.

* Please note C Restaurant is located in Perth.

Girl with a Pearl Earring
Thanks once again to our friends at Buzz Marketing and Village Roadshow we have 50 double in season passes up for grabs to the highly acclaimed Girl with a Pearl Earring (Nominated for 3 Academy Awards and 10 British Academy Awards).

Girl with a Pearl Earring is a speculative account of the life of Griet, a 16-year-old girl who appears in Johannes Vermeer's painting of the same title. Set in 17th century Holland, Griet is employed by Vermeer as a housemaid to care for his six children, his jealous pregnant wife and his uncommunicative mother-in-law. Tensions arise when Vermeer's wife suspects intimacy between her husband and the girl--and then climax, when the wife discovers that Griet borrowed her precious pearl earrings to sit for the now famous portrait; in cinemas from 11 March.

Luna Cinemas
Bollywood Film Festival Steps Up at Luna!
A Beginners Guide To Bollywood Indian Film Festival is part of a nationally touring festival of recent Bollywood cinema that will screen at Luna Outdoor from Thursday March 4 through to Wednesday March 17 @ 7.30pm nightly. The aim of the festival is to give the absolute beginner an introduction to Indian commercial cinema - known as Bollywood - by screening a selection of the best films from the past 5 years representing all styles - and for the devotee, a rare opportunity to see them on the big screen. For more details contact Tony Bective via email: luna@lunapalace.com.au.



Site Scan

 http://www.kelloggs.com.au/
Learn more about the stuff most of us eat everyday!

http://www.grammys.com/
The Grammy's have come and gone, we've heard the gossip and rumours, now check out the site for all the stats and facts.

http://www.dymocks.com.au/
Find out all you need to know about books! It's a book lovers' paradise!!

http://www.nudie.com.au/
Fresh juices, fruit crushies and smoothies, the way nature intended. Have you had your Nudie today?




http://www.blockbuster.com.au
Want to know what's new to rental? DVD, VHS or otherwise, Blockbuster has it all.

http://www.neighbours.com
One of Australia's longest running week-day soaps, broadcast in 57 countries worldwide! Catch up on the latest gossip, goings on and new faces in Ramsey Street.

http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/
For details on Perth's favourite attraction, the Perth Zoo including Wildlife and Conservation, Zoo Events, Education and how you can help the zoo!