Help-advice On Which Broadband Isp

[Termite]

As some of you may know the company I work :rolleyes: for is about to fold.
One of my walk-away bonuses is the computer that I am now using, P4 2.4Gig 1Meg Ram with XP Pro and some good programs, Photoshop - Office 2000 etc.
Now the big question is which ISP do I go with at home. We are with Telstra for our phone.

[Bulli]

Termite

Assuming you want to go with broadband (always on and much faster) take a look at this site:

http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/

You can also check whether your phone number can take a ADSL connection.

I've recently looked into it for myself and others, and I reckon there's better deals around than Telstra. Just my opinion of course - the decision is yours.

Cheers

Bulli

Ps - sorry to hear about the firm closing.

[duckman]

As some of you may know the company I work :rolleyes: for is about to fold.
One of my walk-away bonuses is the computer that I am now using, P4 2.4Gig 1Meg Ram with XP Pro and some good programs, Photoshop - Office 2000 etc.
Now the big question is which ISP do I go with at home. We are with Telstra for our phone.

Broadband Choice, a link to which Bulli provided is a great resource but be sure to read at least some of the threads in the forums on Whirlpool so you can get a feel for the suitability of a particular ISP for your needs. There is a lot more to consider than just price.

HTH,

Mark.

[Grunt]

I would get something with at least 512kbit download speed and preferably 1.5mb. Faster is better. The iiNet prices for the 1.5mbit (1500kbit) look pretty good.
I use Internode and I'm happy with there service and price.

[Wood Butcher]

I personally use iiNet and have rarely had a problem, but when I do, They have tech support 24/7 and most problems have been fixed on the spot. Prices are comparable to almost everyone and the speed is great, 1.5mb.

[kiwigeo]

I would get something with at least 512kbit download speed and preferably 1.5mb. Faster is better. The iiNet prices for the 1.5mbit (1500kbit) look pretty good.
I use Internode and I'm happy with there service and price.

Also with Internode in Adelaide and cant speak highly enough of them.....support desk is excellent.

What ever you do DONT go with Telstra.....

Cheers Martin

[Zed]

Go Optus, young termite, go Optus.

[Daddles]

Well, the members of this forum seem supremely against Telstra - that's not something I understand. I've had broadband with them for some time now. It has never caused me a problem. Their price at the time was very competitive. I can't see any reason to advise against them.

BTW, I went for the 256 speed, on cost grounds alone. I don't actually see the need for any faster because the biggest delays are still with the website servers. Occasionally I'll have problems with live streaming, but that's about it. Naturally though, if I could afford the faster, I'd go for it - it's like buying tools, you buy the best you can afford.

Richard

[Zed]

I got the floptus BB package - up to 15G bit transfer rate (you never get to go that fast tho)...

they got nice flexi packages and the more you spend the better the deal. If you get the $60 a month its 12G per month and the hours of 00:00 - 07:00 are unmetered. fantastic.

you can change your rate at a moments notice and they change it within a couple of hours - next month you can change back and forth back and forth. I do it all the time - for instance If I want something on limewire I go up to the $60, go ballistic on the downloads for he month then go back to the base rate the following month. remember that in order to minimise the spend ytou need to change your rate before the 1st of each month!!~!

ccant comment on Profit-stra as ive never used thier service for BB or Inet !

cheers

[Grunt]

BTW, I went for the 256 speed, on cost grounds alone. I don't actually see the need for any faster because the biggest delays are still with the website servers.

This isn't true. Sometimes sites are slow including this one but generally the faster connection you have the faster things will go.

I've had Telstra Cable, Optus Cable, Telstra ADSL, Bordernet Satellite and Internode ADSL. If it was available in Romsey, I would get Optus Cable. It is faster than everything else and it is very noticable.

Telstra, at least last time I looked, charged you per mb if you exceeded your download limit. Most others throttle your download speed if you exceed the limit. If you want anything above the very basic package Telstra is more expensive and you are forced into a contract.

[Deems36]

Optus Cable, have had it for 4 years now and cant remember ever having any downtime.

[Daddles]

This isn't true. Sometimes sites are slow including this one but generally the faster connection you have the faster things will go.


I disagree on that one Grunt. I'm talking about the delay before anything happens. Once it starts happening, not a problem - I can't fault the speed except for something like live streaming or big downloads eg software. But that delay before anything happens, which is where nearly all your waiting comes from, is at their end or the delays inbetween, it's not the connection speed.

As for Zed's BB - I'm paying less than he is for unlimited downloads and uploads. Admitedly at a lower speed, but for the same speed, it wouldn't have been much more for unlimited (commenting on Zed's package, not Zed). That's right Grunt, UNLIMITED. I get charged the same flat rate every month and I really hammer the internet.

I've seen a lot of plans pushed on this forum, and it's not often they are significantly better than what I have, though I have seen significantly worse. And service? It's never been a hassle, neither has the billing, and yes, I did have to use their help desk to get the bugger to work in the first place (dumb installer's syndrome as it turned out dammit).

I'm not trying to say that Telstra is the duck's guts, I'm just fed up with the needless panning it gets (referring to other threads more than this one).

It certainly pays to shop around though, particularly with connection fees - I bought mine at a time when everyone was charging them - if I'd waited only two weeks I could have got free connection with at least two providers, one of which was Telstra (serves me right for being in a hurry). The other thing to ask if you get webspace - a lot of plans DIDN'T offer it when I was looking. Telstra were very coy about it (hoping no-one bothers to look perhaps) but again, that has never given me any grief and it gets used a lot. Remember, even if you don't have a website, you can use that place to store images seeing a lot of forums don't upload the images themselves (and you can use photobucket and the like as well).

Richard

[Bulli]

This discussion highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ISPs, and that people tend to think the decision they made is the right one (I do! :) ).

Termite, as I said above, the decision is up to you. You've got ask yourself a few questions:

What do you want to use it for (web browsing/web hosting/email/downloading big files like movies/games/chat/video conferencing with family o/s or interstate)?
How much do you want to pay?
How much to you value good customer service?
Given you're outside the CBD, you're classed as 'regional 2', and this could limit* your choices.

As for speed and download limits, my advice is start on the light side, and change up if you find you need to - it's usually easier* than downsizing your plan. Keep a close eye on your usage.

These are typical entry level plans (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-plan.cfm?state=nsw&class=2&type=res&cost=30&pre=1000&conntype=1&conntype=5&speed=512&upspeed=0)for your region, at about $30 a month, with 512kb download speed - enough for general internet use. For some reason, the search didn't throw up Telstra - not sure why.

*Sweeping generalisations

Cheers,

Bulli

[NewLou]

Gidday Termite!!!!

Go internode!!!...........you won't be disappointed!!!!

PM me if ya want more info!!!!

Regards Lou

[MajorPanic]

Forget ADSL! go cable!!!!! & if you do go OPTUS!!!!!!! http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon14.gif http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon14.gif

I was one of the first in Bris to get cable when Helstra brought it in YEARS ago. I stayed with them for a couple of years & then switched to Optus when Helstra brought in speed & download caps. THE BEST MOVE I EVER MADE!!!
Unfortunately we moved to a place with underground power which means only Helstra has access to the properties for cable.
I'd switch back to Optus cable in a hartbeat if I could!

[doug1]

Also with internode and very happy

Doug

[fxst]

Internode is the answer grasshopper
Pete

[vsquizz]

Iinet works for me Termite..And NO Contracts

<TABLE class=table_generic cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TH> </TH><TH>iibroadband2 monthly price (http://www.iinet.net.au/broadband/#cost)</TH><TH>iiphone monthly line rental (http://www.iinet.net.au/broadband/#phone)</TH><TH>down/up speed (kbps) (http://www.iinet.net.au/broadband/#speeds)</TH><TH>quota (peak + offpeak) (http://www.iinet.net.au/broadband/#quota)</TH></TR><TR><TD class="ctl_primary primary_text line_dark" noWrap>pay as you go
with iiphone</TD><TD class="light line_light">$29.95
($59.95 cap)</TD><TD class="light line_light">$29.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">up to 12000/1000</TD><TD class="ctr_light line_light">500MB, then
$0.06/MB</TD></TR><TR><TD class="cbl_primary primary_text" noWrap>pay as you go
without iiphone</TD><TD class=dark>$39.95
($69.95 cap)</TD><TD class=dark> </TD><TD class=dark>1500/256</TD><TD class=cbr_dark>250MB, then
$0.06/MB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gap colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR><TD class="ctl_primary primary_text line_dark" noWrap>starter
with iiphone</TD><TD class="light line_light">$39.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">$29.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">up to 12000/1000</TD><TD class="ctr_light line_light">2GB + 2GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class="cbl_primary primary_text" noWrap>starter
without iiphone</TD><TD class=dark>$49.95</TD><TD class=dark> </TD><TD class=dark>1500/256</TD><TD class=cbr_dark>1GB + 1GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gap colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR><TD class="ctl_primary primary_text line_dark" noWrap>light
with iiphone</TD><TD class="light line_light">$49.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">$29.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">up to 12000/1000</TD><TD class="ctr_light line_light">10GB + 10GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class="cbl_primary primary_text" noWrap>light
without iiphone</TD><TD class=dark>$59.95</TD><TD class=dark> </TD><TD class=dark>1500/256</TD><TD class=cbr_dark>5GB + 5GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gap colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR><TD class="ctl_primary primary_text line_dark" noWrap>medium
with iiphone</TD><TD class="light line_light">$69.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">$29.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">up to 12000/1000</TD><TD class="ctr_light line_light">20GB + 20GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class="cbl_primary primary_text" noWrap>medium
without iiphone</TD><TD class=dark>$79.95</TD><TD class=dark> </TD><TD class=dark>1500/256</TD><TD class=cbr_dark>10GB + 10GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gap colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR><TD class="ctl_primary primary_text line_dark" noWrap>heavy
with iiphone</TD><TD class="light line_light">$89.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">$29.95</TD><TD class="light line_light">up to 12000/1000</TD><TD class="ctr_light line_light">40GB + 40GB</TD></TR><TR><TD class="cbl_primary primary_text" noWrap>heavy
without iiphone</TD><TD class=dark>$99.95</TD><TD class=dark> </TD><TD class=dark>1500/256</TD><TD class=cbr_dark>20GB + </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I have the fax line with them as well so I get the speed for fifty bucks a month and can't be charged anymore. Thats where I'll stay until the cable goes past the front door.

Cheers

[Gingermick]

I have everything with AAPT. It was only about 50% more than our old dial up and we save more than the 50% on phone calls. Though we lose any gain because gingerchick uses the phone more.

And some idiot overtook me going around a 2 lane roundabout today. I coulda gone straight and he didn't know that I could indicate correctly on r-bouts. If I had of gone straight I would have been squashed between a Cruiser ute and my little Ct110.


Sorry for the rant, not a hijack attempt

[kiwigeo]

I have everything with AAPT. It was only about 50% more than our old dial up and we save more than the 50% on phone calls. Though we lose any gain because gingerchick uses the phone more.



Hope the guys running AAPT's service department are not as doughy as the door to door sales people who keep knocking on my door. I keep asking them to leave a brochure and they always reply that theyve only got one brochure on them and that I should make a decision there and then.

[kiwigeo]

I'm not trying to say that Telstra is the duck's guts, I'm just fed up with the needless panning it gets (referring to other threads more than this one).



Richard,

Anyway you look at it Telstra's ASDL broadband service is not as good as alot of the others. My service (Internode) has never gone down for a whole day like Telstra's often does...often you see the whole east coast go down for a day.

Dont know if this has changed but at least untill recently Telstra was charging for both up and download traffic. Factor in the generally poor tech suport and it all adds up to a pretty average service compared to other broadband suppliers.

If you havent had major problems with your Telstra service then thats probably more from good luck than anything else.

Cheers Martin

PS. I own Testra shares..but not for long if they dont beef up their act.

[Barry_White]

My grandson who is a systems engineer reckons Internode just as Kiwigeo says is the best not the cheapest but for the same reasons it hardley ever goes down. This is important to him as he has his computer down loading files all night while he is sleeping.

As he said to me "I have a 1.5mb plan with 30 gig which is $89 a month which is more expensive but I pay it cause they are by far one of the best isp's for support and uptime."

This is a link to them. www.internode.on.net (http://www.internode.on.net/)

[Gumby]

I have Bigpond Cable at home and have had almost since it started. Once it was very unreliable but the past 2 years have seen a huge imnprovement and we hardly ever get 'down time' anymore. It's uncapped and unlimited which is great. It used to cost me around $90 per month but is now down to $49. I can't complain.

At work we have Netspace ADSL and that is very good also.

[Daddles]

All the Telstra downtime? It's never been down for me. Telstra more expensive? You still aren't giving prices for unlimited use that are cheaper than mine. I am confused by the definitions of expensive and 'poor service' that are being used to criticise Telstra. It is not as bad as some people are making out.

Richard

[echnidna]

Its not as good either

[BJP]

I`ve had Telstra adsl for a bit over 2yrs and I can count on one hand how many times its been down, so I cant complain to much. :)

[Grunt]

Richard, this is the current plans for Telstra. It is unlimited but the throttle the speed once you go over 10gb. You get dial-up speed after 10GB. Upload is included in in your usage. Also, I can tell you from personal experience that the faster the connection the better surfing the internet is.



<TABLE class=txtsmall style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 align=center border=0><TBODY vAlign=top align=middle><TR vAlign=bottom></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left>Plan speed 256 / 64 kbps
</TD><TD>Pre-paid
data</TD><TD>Excess
data</TD><TD>Upload
data</TD><TD>IP</TD><TD>Monthly cost</TD><TD align=left>Calc
TCO</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>200MB 256 </TD><TD>200 MB</TD><TD>$150 /GB</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$29.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2810)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2810)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>Unlimited 256 </TD><TD>10 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$59.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2477)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2477)</TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left colSpan=2>512 / 128 kbps
</TD><TD colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>400MB 512 </TD><TD>400 MB</TD><TD>$150 /GB</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$49.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=4569)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=4569)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>Unlimited 512 </TD><TD>10 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$79.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2478)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2478)</TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left colSpan=2>1500 / 256 kbps
</TD><TD colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>500MB 1500 </TD><TD>500 MB</TD><TD>$150 /GB</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$79.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2813)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2813)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>Unlimited 1500 </TD><TD>10 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$109.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2812)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2812)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>20GB 1500 </TD><TD>20 GB</TD><TD>$150 /GB</TD><TD>Counted</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$139.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2816)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=1&s=2&re=0&p=2816)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Grunt]

This is the Internode Price Plan. For $50 a month you get an extra 5GB. It is unlimited in the same way Telstra is and that you go to dial up speeds if you exceed the limit. Uploads are free. Telstra will cost you $60 a month for a lesser service. It is plainly a better deal.




<TABLE class=txtsmall style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 align=center border=0><TBODY vAlign=top align=middle><TR vAlign=bottom></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left>Plan speed 256 / 64 kbps
</TD><TD>Pre-paid
data</TD><TD>Excess
data</TD><TD>Upload
data</TD><TD>IP</TD><TD>Monthly cost</TD><TD align=left>Calc
TCO</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-256-Starter </TD><TD>500 MB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$29.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=2846)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=2846)</TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left colSpan=2>512 / 128 kbps
</TD><TD colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512-Starter </TD><TD>2 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$39.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5523)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5523)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512-Value </TD><TD>15 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$49.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5524)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5524)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512-Pro </TD><TD>30 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$69.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5525)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5525)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512-Elite </TD><TD>60 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$109.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5526)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5526)</TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left colSpan=2>512 / 512 kbps
</TD><TD colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512sym-Starter </TD><TD>5 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$59.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5534)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5534)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512sym-Value </TD><TD>15 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$69.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5533)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5533)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512sym-Pro </TD><TD>30 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$89.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5532)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5532)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-512sym-Elite </TD><TD>60 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$129.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5531)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5531)</TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom><TD align=left colSpan=2>1500 / 256 kbps
</TD><TD colSpan=5> </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-1500-Starter </TD><TD>5 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$59.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5527)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5527)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-1500-Value </TD><TD>15 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$69.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5528)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5528)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-1500-Pro </TD><TD>30 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$89.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5529)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5529)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=left>HOME-1500-Elite </TD><TD>60 GB</TD><TD>Shaped</TD><TD>Free</TD><TD>Dynamic</TD><TD align=right>$129.95 /mo (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5530)</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING- 3px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING- 3px" bgColor=#dddddd avalign="middle">http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/img/bc/calc.gif (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp-calc.cfm?id=9&s=1&re=0&p=5530)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Gingermick]

They all have data limits. Can someone explain to me the costs involved for downloading an extra meg. How do they justify $180/Gb

[Grunt]

Telstra are almost criminal with their excess charging. $150 a GB. People think I'll go in the net via broadband for $29.95 and get a bill of $600 because they don't understand how little 200mb download actually is.

All the other suppliers I've looked at have all 'shaped' plans which means that the slow down the connection when you reach the limit not charge you extra.

[Gingermick]

Mine drops to 56k after 12Gb in a month (256 unlimited). At the average speeds I get, 12Gb wouldn't be possible.

[Termite]

Well I realy appreciate all the advice and the trouble taken to post rates etc. I thank you one and all.
My initial choice was to be Internode, from some of your recommendations and their attractive no-contract (if you ignore the 6 month stipulation) 2Gig at 512 for $39.95. But, and its a big BUT, they want $129 to sign on and then another $199 for a modem.

Telstra will, admittedly with a 24 month contract, give me 512 400Meg for $39.95 which is plenty of download for me. The big attraction is a signup of $189 including modem with $100 CASH back because I'm a full Telstra phone account, plus a further $20 off my signup fee if I signup online.

So it works out to get started with:-
Internode $328
Telstra $69

Once again thanks for your help
Kind regards
Bill

[RETIRED]

There is one thing to remember when you switch to broadband. Every (and I mean every) page is counted as a download. It soon adds up.

[Grunt]

Termite, you should consider getting your own modem. You can buy them for less then $100 from most computer stores.

400 MB is not a lot and Telstra can be brutal with excess charges. $150 per GB is outrageous. Make sure your plan is 'shaped' and does not have excess usage charges.

Page 1 of this thread is 385KB in size including images. Even if all the images have been saved locally on you PC from previous visits you will still download 198KB everytime you look at this thread. Since you have loaded a page with my Avatar on it before the computer is smart enough not to download it.

If you plan has excees charges you are likely to pay more in your first phone bill than the connection fee with Internode.

Grunt

[Wood Butcher]

iiNet at the moment give you a free modem and free setup fee if you sign with a two year contract. The only catch is that if you disconnect within the two years you have to pay back the cost of the modem and setup. The modem also has USB and LAN ports so the flexibility is good.
The plans are also shaped after you use up your quota so there are no extra charges, and the quota you get depends on the monthly cost.

[vsquizz]

Termite, You don't have to get their Modem, you can provide your own. I recently retired my old Netcomm and get a Billion ADSL/Router which saves me having a separate router. I think it cost $89.00.

Cheers

[shaunburgess]

Termite,

If you are in the country, non-metro, you should be able to get the government's HiBis discount as well. I think we are on 512/256 500mb download for $39.95 per month. That is with bigpond!

[kiwigeo]

So it works out to get started with:-
Internode $328
Telstra $69



Cheaper on the face of it but you get what you pay for:

1. What sort of modem do Telstra provide? At one stage they were supplying really cr**py USB modems while most other ISPs were supplying ethernet modems.
2. Internode supply a modem ready setup for Internode....it costs a bit more but theres no dicking with settings..its plug in and go. And if the modem doesnt peform Internode will fix the thing or replace it no questions asked.
3. Backup service...Internode beats Telstra in this department hands down. Im a Mac user but when I ring up Internode with a problem I get to talk to someone who knows something about Macs. Try getting Mac friendly support from Telstra Bigpond.

[kiwigeo]

I`ve had Telstra adsl for a bit over 2yrs and I can count on one hand how many times its been down, so I cant complain to much. :)

My Internode service has never been down in the same period. Every second week I read in the paper or on Whirlpool of a major Telstra broadband outage somewhere on the east coast.

[kiwigeo]

This is the Internode Price Plan. For $50 a month you get an extra 5GB. It is unlimited in the same way Telstra is and that you go to dial up speeds if you exceed the limit. Uploads are free. Telstra will cost you $60 a month for a lesser service. It is plainly a better deal.



Grunt,

Alot of the internode plans are dynamically throttled once you go over your limit....this means if its a busy time of the day you might drop back in speed but NEVER to dial up modem speed. If its not a busy time of day then you dont really get knobbled at all. THATS one of the big differences between the node and other ISPs.

[kiwigeo]

iiNet at the moment give you a free modem and free setup fee if you sign with a two year contract. The only catch is that if you disconnect within the two years you have to pay back the cost of the modem and setup. The modem also has USB and LAN ports so the flexibility is good.
The plans are also shaped after you use up your quota so there are no extra charges, and the quota you get depends on the monthly cost.

Wood B....I think you'll find the modem and setup isnt free..its all costed into the contract.

[Grunt]

Thanks for that Kiwigo, didn't know that.

I'm with Internode and have never exceeded my limit. I'm on 1500/256 plan with I think 15gb download. Don't come close.

I'm really pleased with Internode. The only time I've had downtime is when the whole Telstra network is down. One of the guys I work with is with Telstra and he was down at exactly the same time and duration.

[Grunt]

Also, iiNet only seemed to have the faster and more expensive 1500/256 plans. Which is ok if that is what your after but if you want entry level iiNet isn't for you.

[kiwigeo]

Thanks for that Kiwigo, didn't know that.

I'm with Internode and have never exceeded my limit. I'm on 1500/256 plan with I think 15gb download. Don't come close.

I'm really pleased with Internode. The only time I've had downtime is when the whole Telstra network is down. One of the guys I work with is with Telstra and he was down at exactly the same time and duration.

Grunt, Looks like were both happy noders. I had a few problems logging in last night. I phoned up the node at 8.30 pm and got through to a real person in 5 minutes. I told the guy I was on a Mac and he knew straight away what to do....and he wasnt even a Mac user. Cant ask for better service than that.

[Grunt]

I told the guy I was on a Mac a

Sorry to hear that. :D