iiNet's BoB2 pushes NBN into homes

Modem-with-the-lot.

Consideringmodem routers cost less than $100, iiNet's BoB is something of a deluxe purchase, though perhaps a sign of the direction ISPs are headed in.

Not only does the BoB2 wrap up a phone handset, modem and router into the one device, but the unit has some "future" capabilities - like the future capacity to stream audio and video wirelessly.

iiNet said the unit is also ready for the NBN and has plans to include and test iPv6 "soon" before pushing out new firmware.

At $279, the BoB2 is cheaper than the earlier BoB, though as expected, the box itself is being used as a carrot to lure subscribers into contracts.

Sign up for 24 months and the unit costs $199. The BoB2 also has a touchscreen answering machine.

Considering the BoB is a requirement if you're an iiNet customer wanting to get the FetchTV service, in one sense you're paying for more than just the box.

And it's not as if there aren't other similarly priced modem routers on the market. Just take a look at the impressive Fritz!box, which is one of the best featured modem routers we've looked at of late.

The new BoB2 is schedule to arrive in June.