EFTel Limited

Established in 1999, EFTel is one of Australia’s largest Internet Service Providers (ISPs).EFTel offers a range of services including: DSL and dial-up Internet access, web hosting and telephony services - to the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets. EFTel trades predominantly under two brands: DFT Wholesale Internet for wholesale services, and EFTel for corporate and retail services. It is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:EFT)

EFTel's services are delivered through a nationwide network of points of presence (POPs) in all capital cities and regional areas around Australia. The network architecture and technology allows for the supply of voice, data or video services simultaneously; giving the capability to supply local and long distance calls, high-speed data, Internet and video conferencing services to its customers.

EFTel's history

1999

Datafast commenced as a trunked radio network operator in Victoria. From 1999 to 2001, it developed a 34Mb/s ATM backbone network in western Victoria. Ultimately the network extended to Mt Gambier in South Australia, with a hub in Melbourne and links to other state capitals.

2000

EFTel started as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in Perth Western Australia.

2001

Datafast acquired a VoIP (Voice over Internet Provider) telecommunications company, and VivaNET, a wholesale only ISP.

2002

Datafast merged with EFTel, an ISP and broadband telecommunications carrier. The merger doubled the size of the company, providing significant economies of scale, and extended broadband operations into four states.

2003

Through consolidation and other initiatives, Datafast significantly reduced its networking costs, established a Layer-2 ADSL service, and extended the network to South Australia and the Northern Territory. These initiatives helped the company to take advantage of two current trends: industry consolidation and the take-up of broadband Internet access. In late 2003, Datafast acquired ISPs KeyPoint, EZ Web, and Impaq. These purchases raised the size of the customer base to 85,000 and extended broadband coverage to Tasmania, completing the national roll-out.

2004

In January 2004, Datafast acquired NSW ISP Planet Netcom, adding a further 15,000 accounts and bringing the total customer base to over 100,000, making the company one of Australia’s 10 largest ISPs. In June 2004, Datafast acquired Bunbury based ISP OzzieNet, and in October Datafast acquired Affinity, a Melbourne based ISP and its umbrella of brands, taking the total number of active accounts on the Datafast network to 120,000.

2005

Acquired ViaNetAIP and MyAccess. Launched Speak voice product, packaged retail product range and Broadband over PowerLines (BPL). Datafast Telecommunications Ltd changes name to EFTel Limited.