Internode today rolls out its Ultra plans, which combine its existing Naked DSL broadband and VOIP plan with a regular phone connection -- meaning you can dump your current landline plan, still have the security of a standard line if the Net connection dies, and even migrate your existing phone number. The service is available from today in metropolitan areas, according to Internode (and existing customers can migrate across from another plan if they wish). Prices start at $69.95 with 5GB of downloads -- not bad when you consider there's no line rental involved and Internode hasn't yet joined the upload-counting crowd.

Baresite is a simple web-based application which strips images and formatting from a web site to display just the bare bones. The above image shows how Baresite displays Google News on the left, and how the site looks during normal browsing on the right. If there is a news feed available on the site Baresite defaults to that, otherwise it strips down the HTML to a simpler form. While not every site I tested worked like a charm with Baresite, it's worth using on a mobile device for faster and cleaner loading pages or when you'd like a distraction free interface. For another site stripper, check out Finch.

Internet service provider Internode has dumped its $199 setup fee for new customers -- but there's a catch, which is that you have to sign up for the service for two years. That restricts your ability to easily switch to another ISP down the track if a better deal comes along, since Internode then slaps you with an early exit fee of (you guessed it) $199. Alternatively, you can pay $129 for a one-month cancellation contract deal (which is what I think I'd do if I was switching ISPs). Would you rather pay less up front for your broadband in return for a longer contract -- a common model with mobile phones -- or maintain flexibility by not signing up long-term? Share your thoughts in the comments.

As plans for a government trial of content filtering with selected ISPs firm up, it's becoming increasingly apparent that we might all get stuck with a degraded Internet service with very little justification in public service terms. Over at APC, I've rounded up half-a-dozen arguments for If the thought of your Internet connection being censored at the source bothers you, then then the EFA's No Clean Feed site is a good place to get more information on campaigning against it.

Dan Warne at APC runs down the most complained about Internet service providers, according to industry regulator the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. Telstra and Optus top the list (no surprise given they have the most customers), followed by AAPT, Virgin Mobile and Soul. As APC points out, Dodo's high ranking is remarkable given its relatively small market share. Does your ISP handle complaints well, or do you feel like you're being ignored? Tell all in the comments.

Google is developing a tool to detect whether your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, according to web site HotHardware. Can't wait for Google's tool? Check out previously mentioned BitTorrent throttle-detector Glasnost.

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The new Labor government is moving ahead with its mandatory ISP filtering policy, which a report in the Australian says will put the onus on users to 'opt out' if they don't want their internet to be censored. The plan has been mooted in the name of protecting children at home and at school from porn and other inappropriate content.
But civil liberties group EFA (Electronic Frontiers Australia) has warned that filters won't help protect children, and will erode internet freedom. The group says parents should still supervise their children's internet access.
Both sides of politics have been keen to censor the internet in recent months. Last year the Liberal government was embarrassed when its government-funded content filter was hacked within half an hour by a 16 year old schoolboy.

Labor released its 'Cyber-Safety' policy in November.

When we posted about iiNet's introduction of a naked DSL service last week, we didn't notice that iiNet has decided to count uploads towards your bandwidth allowance - something pointed out to us by eagled-eyed commenter Sethaan.

Gizmodo has expressed some concerns about this nasty trend over here, and taken a look at Whirlpool's take on the issue.

Like a few people, I'm quite interested in getting rid of my landline phone and it's accompanying monthly fee, but being charged for uploads sours the offer somewhat. Hopefully when more naked DSL services come online in the new year, they'll nix the upload charge.

So would being charged for uploads be a deal breaker for you? How important is it to get rid of the landline, anyway?