Many of us signed up for a lower speed plan because we either could not or would not pay for a plan that literally offered no improvement to existing connectivity and at a higher price. Had I been able to purchase an NBN plan identical to my existing ADSL2+, namely unlimited data at $49.95 a month, it would have cost at least $10 extra a month. Instead I had to opt for a reduced speed and restricted data in order to retain the existing price with my existing provider.

Sure, I could have opted for a 'faster' plan but I have no need to access streaming services and was deeply concerned that as a consumer I should be afforded the right to retain what I had rather than be forced into something I neither needed nor wanted, and pay more for it. Running both wi-fi and cabled ethernet speed tests, originally on my ADSL2+ then on my NBN connection, I could achieve up to 21mbps in low traffic periods with ADSL2+. With my fabulous new NBN plan I will never have access to more than 12mbps, and before you ask my 'node' is on the footpath next door. The NBN is a joke for FTTN customers with the providers blaming the wholesaler and the wholesaler blaming the providers for speed issues and availability of reasonable plans. Their slogan should be 'pay more for nothing more'.

Yes, you are correct JI Parker (Border Mail, February 3), the grand slam is the winning of the four slams, also known as majors – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the one calendar year. 

A work colleague and I had a discussion about this very issue since Roger Federer claimed his 20th “slam” or “major” title victory. A grand slam is a rare feat achieved only by Donald Budge, Rod Laver (twice), Maureen Connelly, Margaret Court and Steffi Graf a “golden” grand slam with Olympic Gold in 1988.

Non-calendar year “grand slams” have been achieved by Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams (twice) and Novak Djokovic.

Career “grand slams” have been completed by several other players: Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi (“golden career grand slam” with Olympic gold), Federer, Rafael Nadal, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Maria Sharapova.

As far as I can recall, Davis Cup has always had “ties” played between countries, contesting a maximum of five “rubbers”. The following is from the Davis Cup website: “Ties are contested in a best of five rubbers format played over a three day weekend. There are two singles on Friday, doubles on Saturday and reverse singles on Sunday. The tie is hosted by one of the competing nations”.

Please support boating on the Murray. The MDBA is wanting to restrict boating to see if it helps restore the banks from erosion.

This "experiment" will destroy communities that rely on tourism. The 2009-2016 period has seen many more floods than average. So of course the banks will have eroded more rapidly. We don't need a tourism ban to prove that.

MDBA is new to the scene. Senior residents have been around much longer, and should be heard. Government should put a lid on the extravagance of MDBA.