Telstra have resorted to issuing one press release per day about ADSL, in a move calculated to raise the profile and image of the broadband technology that has come under considerable fire in the past few months. Today's press release is about the first exchange to be upgraded to ADSL using Telstra's demand register, which we have previously talked about at length in our forums.

Recent press releases have included the release of static IP for ADSL, and the extension of ADSL's maximum range.

It's all good news, at least. Let's hope they're not leading up to dropping a bomb shell.

The original press release follows.

" ADSL Demand Register delivers first exchange upgrade

A vibrant community in South Australia has become the first to bring broadband to their area using Telstra Wholesale's ADSL Demand Register.

Loxton, on the Murray River near Renmark, will have its telephone exchange upgraded to provide ADSL after more than 200 local businesses and residents registered for broadband using the Telstra ADSL Demand Register, which was recently launched last October.

Group Managing Director, Telstra Wholesale, Broadband and Media, Mr Bruce Akhurst, said today: "Local communities have the power to bring broadband to their area by using the ADSL Demand Register, and the residents of Loxton have shown how do to it.

"We developed the ADSL Demand Register to encourage broadband take-up and help direct the future rollout to places where the service was most in demand.

"We are thrilled with the response so far, with over 7,600 Australians registering since Telstra Wholesale launched the Register three months ago," Mr Akhurst said.

In Britain, where a similar register was launched in July 2002, more than 500 telephone exchanges have already been upgraded to provide ADSL as a result of local community campaigns.

"We encourage communities in areas where broadband is not currently available to use the Demand Register to confirm their interest in broadband", Mr Akhurst said.

"We also encourage ADSL Internet Service Providers to join the scheme, as people in the community must first confirm their interest for ADSL via their preferred ADSL Internet Service Provider using the Telstra network and who are participants," Mr Akhurst said.

It is estimated that the upgrade of the Loxton exchange will be complete by May 2004.

The ADSL Demand Register is available at www.telstra.com.au/demand"

Bah. Maybe wireless broadband will shake things up a little.