Stories by Adam Bender

Android gives directions to cyclists through Google Maps app

Cyclists can now get turn-by-turn directions on the go with voice-guided navigation from the Google Maps app for Android.

Squiz cloud expands into Melbourne

Squiz announced plans to expand its cloud hosting service with a new data centre opening in Melbourne this November.

Why Vodafone may pass on Digital Dividend auction

Vodafone Hutchison Australia may not need 700MHz spectrum from next year’s Digital Dividend auction, according to spectrum experts. The number three telco, which is still deciding whether to bid, might already have enough spectrum to support its 4G expansion plans, the experts said.

Speed of 4G rollout depends on demand: Telstra

Customer penetration will set the pace for Telstra’s 4G LTE rollout in Australia, according to Telstra executive director of networks, Mike Wright.

Telstra ramps up 4G rollout

Telstra will double 4G coverage in major Australian cities, with a goal of covering two-thirds of the population, the telco said. The first new 4G sites have launched today in Bondi and the North Shore rail tunnel in Sydney.

ANZ Bank goes mobile with banking app

ANZ Bank will launch a mobile banking app for its corporate customers developed by Bottomline Technologies.

Government agencies mostly complying with transparency reforms

Most Australian agencies publish public documents on their websites as required by open government reforms that became effective in May 2011, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner said.

Patriot Act could apply to Rackspace data in Australia: Privacy advocates

Rackspace may not be able to ignore USA Patriot Act requests for data in its Sydney data centre, privacy and civil liberties advocates have said. But concerns raised by Rackspace competitor Macquarie Telecom seem unlikely to derail Rackspace from success in Australia, said two industry analysts.

Optus announces mobile payments using phone number

Optus customers can send charges for mobile purchases directly to their phone bill, through partnerships announced with BlackBerry and payments company Boku.

Telstra adds wholesale data products

Telstra announced a set of data products for wholesale customers available today.

Conroy updates progress on regional telecommunications recommendations

The Australian government has started implementing several recommendations of the Regional Telecommunications Review Committee (RTRC) from a report released 23 May, said communications minister Stephen Conroy.

Government unveils $5m telehealth project in South Australia

A $5 million telehealth project aims to enhance delivery of mental health care in South Australia. The project, launched today, is funded by the Commonwealth and the South Australian government under the $20 million digital regions initiative.

NBN spurs business process overhaul at Telstra

The NBN has driven Telstra to overhaul internal processes to become more competitive, according to Telstra director of products and IT enablement, Jenny Wood.

Possible Vodafone no-show in 700MHz auction may reduce revenue for government

Vodafone Hutchison Australia’s possible absence from the upcoming Digital Dividend auction could increase the importance of auction rules to be published this November.

Bureau of Meteorology seeks crisis communications system

The Bureau of Meteorology is taking tenders for a crisis communications system. The system is to be used internally during “high impact events," according to the request published 22 August.