Thanks for replying. In my city, in the UK if no-one guessed, I'm also subject to a similar monopoly where my telco is the only ISP with little hope of any others bering able to use their copper at a rate where they can make a profit. So I know what it's like being trapped in a monopoly not of your choosing.

Although I am on aDSL we pay more than other people across the UK. My telco only gives us the services they feel like, when and how they feel like it, at a price they feel like because they know they can get away with it. We aren't even allowed to use VoIP because it breaks their AUP. I've had my account suspended once and they wouldn't even tell me why!

Currently there is a wireless network being put round the city with the feed coming from a town about 3 miles across the river. It looks promising to say the least.

Another thing I find odd about NZ is the way you guys have limited bandwidth. I had read up that this was a throwback to when the only Internet connection was through the university. At that time everything went through their connection and was charged at how much international bandwdith was used. I find it odd that this has carried on now. As far as I'm aware only NZ and Chile charge in such a way.

I wish you all luck in ousting Telecom by setting up the wireless.

Cheers,

Pete