iPrimus began as an offshoot of Primus telecommunications, a large US telco firm. They opened for business in Australia in 1997, focusing on home phone plans and dial up internet.
iPrimus began building a DSLAM network in over 200 exchanges, offering ADSL2+ broadband to most major metro areas. Outside of that area, iPrimus provides ADSL and ADSL2+ using Telstra Wholesale’s network, at higher rates.
iPrimus has remained quiet for the last few years, focusing on offering direct business connections in major cities. With TPG cornering the cheaper end of the market, and Telstra, Optus, iiNet and Internode fighting for the premium dollar, iPrimus sat on the fence.
In 2012, iPrimus was acquired by M2 Communications, an Australian provider of backhaul communication links (ie. big interstate links). This followed the trend of large ISPs partnering up with backhaul providers (as TPG did with PIPE networks, and as Internode did with Agile Communications). The company is expected to launch new plans soon, and has enthusiastically engaged in National Broadband Network rollouts and other infrastructure improvements. iPrimus is well positioned to increase its profile and become the 5th big ISP in Australia, after Telstra, Optus, iiNet/Internode and TPG.
iPrimus ADSL2+ Platinum Bundles are offered at 205 exchanges around Australia, mostly in metro areas.
Pros
• Unlimited plans available
• Free local and STD landline calls on many plans
Cons
• Can be expensive
• No free connection options
• No free modem options
Popular plans
No Worries Platinum Family - $99.95/month x 24 months
Includes 500Gb data (no peak/offpeak splits) + line rental + free STD and local landline calls + 200 mins free to iPrimus mobiles + $79 connection fee. BYO modem
Min cost is $2477.80.00 (over 24 months + connection fee) + call charges
Availability
iPrimus offers competitive bundles in major metro areas, but with a much smaller overall footprint than the big 5. Outside these areas, iPrimus offers off-net connections using the Telstra DSLAM network.
