Telstra as launched a “unique new online music download site, offering an extensive range of tracks for just $1.49 each for BigPond customers and $1.89 for the general public. “

What exactly is ‘unique’ about an online music download site is not exactly clear, perhaps the ability to charge downloads to a Telstra bill.

More bizarre – it’s not compatible with the most popular music player, Apple’s iPod. Apparently Telstra has decided that Microsoft rules the roost in music playback. BigPond managing director Justin Milne says “iPods don’t (work with BigPond Music) – that’s Apple’s device and it’s an Apple ambush, I guess the question is would you be prepared to bet against Microsoft? I wouldn’t”.

Perhaps that’s the ‘unique’ bit – it doesn’t work with iPods?