Computer manufacturers have been press-ganged into the hunt for customers in the broadband internet market, with industry heavyweights Telstra and Optus planning to offer services bundled with PCs in time for Christmas.
Both Telstra and Optus confirmed they were in discussion with several personal computer manufacturers, including PC giant Dell, hoping to offer a broadband internet option with every PC sold.
Both are keen to convince PC makers to start manufacturing machines with DSL or cable broadband modems built in.
The PCs would be shipped with software specially designed to simplify the process of registering for a broadband service.
Ozemail, the No.4 internet service provider, was the first to conclude a bundling relationship. It signed a deal with PC maker Acer in which consumers who buy broadband-enabled PCs have an option to sign up immediately for Ozemail"s DSL service.