Thread: Cost of downloads

Sorry Carry, but that is correct. If you've only got 400MB download a month, then you have to stay away from videos, music etc.

400MB is not the internet plan for watching internet videos!

Some internet service providers have a mirroring site where you can request that they make a copy of a large file and you (and others) can download it with out it contributing to your monthly usage.

Surely you guys are not paying $70+ a month for internet connection? That's what it would cost me for 12GB.

CP

Originally Posted by Carry Pine

Surely you guys are not paying $70+ a month for internet connection? That's what it would cost me for 12GB.

CP

I think that is about the going rate for 12GB. but you can get cheaper if you go down to say 5GB for around $59 a month maybe a bit less but it depends of your provider. They all have plans to suit most people.
I must say that 400MB today is not nearly enough if you intend to download videos.

I use Internode and get 10Gb a month download (uploads not charged) for $44.95, used to have 5Gb/mth for $39.95 but kept running out!

$70/mth seems rather excessive for only 2 Gb more than I get.

What speed is that at? Mine is a 512/256 connection. My son has a 1500 connection and for normal day to day use there isn't a lot of difference, however downloading stuff is a lot faster on his connection.

Big downloads I usually set going before I go to bed and usually they are finished by the time I wake up

What about the Optus deal of 2MB for $80 which includes phone + national calls + calls to Optus mobiles. Is there a trick here? They say speed is 20Mbps/820Kbps.

CP

Hi Carry, I'm currently on one of the older Optus plans and get
20GB (peak)+ 40GB (off peak) for $69.95/month, but I don't think these plans are available anymore.

If you get one of the new Optus bundled plans, have a VERY close look at the phone rates. Make sure you compare these with a current phone bill, and look specifically at what it would cost to make calls on you bill on the new plan.

They recently offered me one of the new bundles, and upped the included calls value to $600. When I compared the new rates to existing calls on my bill, I was horrified. eg a call to a mobile that cost me less than $2, was going to cost nearly $14 on the new rates. Needless to say, I didn't change over.

What are you currently using? eg cable, ADSL or dialup?

Carry,
Two things to be aware of with the Optus plans - don't know about other ISPs - never used 'em
1. The speed quoted is, at best a theoretical maximum. The speed at your PC will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you are on cable or ADSL, how many users are on line, and the speed at the other end.

2. Be very careful about exceeding your quota as, in the case of my plan, they will start charging you at 15cents per megabyte. Simple math will reveal that a 2 gigabyte overrun will cost you $300.
They do however offer you a usage meter and email notification when you are close to your monthly quota.

I've been with Optus for a round 4 years now and, touch wood, have not had any problems.

I have a 20 gigabyte quota on their Fusion plan, but then there are 4 users in our house and I work mostly from home.

With an increase in your line speed you may find you quickly reach a monthly quota of 2 gigabyte unless you stick with email ad a bit of browsing

Hope this helps

Regards

Ian

400 Meg limit is useless to anyone especially if you have auto downloads set up for such as Microsoft Updates and Virus scanners. These alone can blow an account with your e-mails and attachments included which no one has yet mentioned and are part of your usage of downloads.

Shows the intelligence of the IPS providers and the we don't care attitude of ACCC and Government who have had many many complaints of false advertising especially regards Bigpond.

They are filing a class action suite against Bell in the US. I would thin k this will spill over into Canada. They are throttling the bandwidth and they advertise "unlimited".

I don't know about you guys but I get unlimited on my plan.

Just a observation from across the pond.

John

Originally Posted by Check twice!

They are filing a class action suite against Bell in the US. I would thin k this will spill over into Canada. They are throttling the bandwidth and they advertise "unlimited".

I don't know about you guys but I get unlimited on my plan.

Just a observation from across the pond.

John

John in comparison what do you pay for the pleasure

Originally Posted by Carry Pine

Surely you guys are not paying $70+ a month for internet connection? That's what it would cost me for 12GB.

CP

I'm on the Optus cable @ $70 per month and for that I get standard 12 gig during the day and an additional 13 gig during the 12 hours beginning at 2 AM.
In addition at the moment I also get an additional 4 gig bonus allowance. When all is used up I revert to dial up speed of 72kbs without further charge.

I also get free local calls on my phone because both are with Optus.

May seem a bit but being able to download all our favourite US and British TV shows when shown there (without commercials) makes it worth while.


Peter.

Thanks for the feedback guys;

(Chris)What are you currently using? eg cable, ADSL or dialup? ADSL

The new Optus plans offer 12GB, free local calls and free calls to Optus mobiles. for $70. it6 all seems just a bit good to be true. maybe they make it on calls to other mobiles.

I guess the only way to find out is to ring them and hope I get someone speaking English on the other end.

For fans of a particular TV series, I recently called Optus and got someone in the Philipines named 'Adrick'. Now I bet that rings a few bells! I couldn't resist asking him if he was good at maths at school?

Carry Pine

I've got a Bigpoo connection ADSL2 12GB 8000/384 $89 mth(with $10 discount)
I get up to 750kbps(approx 100Mb in 120sec) downloading providing the site can do that speed.