The University of Newcastle is the first university in New South Wales to partner with Telstra's internet service provider, Bigpond, and offer unmetered access to its website.
In a new agreement, downloads from the University's website by any Bigpond customer within Australia, will not be counted towards the customer's monthly usage allowance.
Mr Peter Nikoletatos, the University's Chief Information Officer, said the new arrangement was of particular benefit to the University's thousands of staff, and 27,000 students.
"This is another way the University is improving the student learning experience," he said.
"Online learning allows students more access to study materials and greater flexibility to interact and learn at a time which suits them.
"Through Bigpond, University staff and students can now access their email, lecture notes, podcasts, the library catalogue and all other online material within the newcastle.edu.au domain, without it counting towards their usage."
Mr Chris Cusack, Telstra's Area General Manager Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie, said the University website would operate like other popular unmetered Bigpond sites such as the NRL, AFL, Bigpond Movies and V8 supercars.
"As the popularity of online learning continues to grow, Telstra is proud to partner with the University of Newcastle in offering a service which delivers a distinct competitive advantage for the organisation," he said.
"Students and staff - in fact, any Bigpond customer - will be able to access unmetered downloads from the University's website, further expanding the range of unmetered content available from Bigpond.
"The rollout of this service reinforces Telstra's commitment to education in the region."
Users of dial-up, broadband and wireless Bigpond services all receive the benefit, already in place.
PICTURE OPPORTUNITY
When: 1.30pm Tuesday 26 February 2008
Where: Shortland Hub, University of Newcastle, Newcastle campus (at Callaghan)
Who: Mr Peter Nikoletatos, the University of Newcastle; Mr Chris Cusack, Telstra
