Adsl Broadband

[bluescope]

OK everybody ..... who do you reckon provides the cheapest/best broadband access if you own your own ADSL Modem ?

I just bought a D-Link DSL-200 USB modem ( $28 at Harvey Norman ) and I want ideas on affordable broadband internet access ?

:thumbsup:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Best broadband, and very good value - Internode!

http://www.internode.on.net/adsl/

[GTB_an_Owl]

Take it back and buy a wireless voip router - you will need it in the long run if you are a serious internet user

and i do believe ethernet is a more reliable connection then usb

geoff

[Glenhuon]

I've been with Westnet, here and in WA, for about 4 years and have no complaints at all, excellent service and top class help line. USB is ok but ethernet is far better. Never used a wireless setup, heard too many stories of dropouts and interference with them, cable seems to be more reliable. Having said that, no provider is perfect as you still have to deal with Telstras inadequate lines.

Bill

[taz]

I've been with Westnet too (for 6 years, in WA and now VIC) and also have never had a problem. Don't know if they're the cheapest, but the quality and service has kept me with them..

Cheers :thumbsup:

[nightsky]

G'Day,
I've been with http://www2.comcen.com.au for years now and never had a problem:) $39 mth and 512,plus 12 gig download. I haven't' seen any better than that anywhere. Not sure about new customers getting the 12 gig though.
Cheers
Arthur

[dugnsuz]

I'm with TPG,
haven't had any problems - others have!!
1500k 18Gb @$59/month - steep!?
Doug

[Omaroo]

Steve - there is really only one place to find out the answers to your question: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/

Choice really depends on your locality - so use the info on these forums to help you to decide. There are rating indicators and lively discussion on each and everyone's favourite and least liked ISP's.

Every story you get will be different.... so look up each ISP you have heard discussed here and see both the good and the bad.

Good luck! Often it's just a lot simpler not to ask, and go for one whose website you like the colour of the best.

One over-riding piece of advice - don't lock yourself into a contract longer than the bare minimum. Lots offer 6 months, most want you there for a year or two, and won't even disclose that they have shorter contracts. With a short one at least you can ditch earlier.

[wasyoungonce]

Have a look at whirlpool, compare plans and costs:
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-plan.cfm?state=wa&class=0&type=res&pre=8000&cost=50&speed=512&upspeed=0&ip=1&contract=6&upfront=999999&needhw=no&conntype=1&conntype=5&xb=1&sort=2


I'm using aanet 512K/128K 8Gb plan for $34.90...although you cannot get that plan now.


This you need to know:

Watch out for plans that make you bundle your phone with plans.
Don't sign up for too long..it locks you in.
Don't get a small download limit like 200Mb or 2Gb....get something like 5Gb and more.
Don't get a plan that has high excess charges like Telstra $3 Mb etc. Mine has $3 Gb extra at pro-rata rate...which is reasonable.
Get a provider that has some good support for a 1st time ADSL user...like internode.
Get at minimum a 512K speed plan.


Lastly...toss the DSL-200 modem and buy a wireless capable 4 port LAN modem like Netgear or Billion.

I had the DSL200. It sucks system resources and has lots of issues like dropouts, slow speeds loss of sync:mad2:. The longest up time I got was 2-4 days. My LAN modem has up times of months!:
http://www.google.com/search?q=DSL-200&q=-++++&q=intitle%3A%22DSL+Hardware%22&q=site%3Aforums.whirlpool.net.au&q=inurl%3Areplies&num=100&filter=0

Hope this helps

[bluescope]

Hi guys

Thanks for your replies and links etc. It is a confusing exercise trying to sift through all the blurb on the various sites so I figured I'd get some ideas from you.

I'll check out the links and as Chris ( Omaroo ) said pick the colour site I like the best Hah Hah !:rofl:

Seriously ..... I appreciate the input from you all ..... CHEERS !

:thumbsup:

[Hagar]

I personally have a 1.5MB connection with aanet.com.au. 25 GB downloads for $49.95/month and have not had any problems with them for a few years now.
Check out whirlpool.net.au but be sure to check the box to exclude bundled plans.

[Davo3960]

The number one priority for me is whether or not they include upload in your download limit. My Optus plan (1.5M Down/512kUp 75Gig for $69) does not presently charge for upload. This is highly relevant if your planning to join the masses who use bit torrent (downloading movies,music,software etc).

[joshman]

i'm with TPG also

$59/month, 30gb d/l @ adsl2+ (24Mbit which is ~3Mbytes/s at full speed, you'll never reach that though, the best i ever get is 600Kbytes/s) on a shaped plan, meaning that if i go over 30gb (which happens every now and then) my speed gets throttled back. very handy.

[wasyoungonce]

Ahhh yes a good point is that if a provider has ADSL2+ infrastructure in your exchange (3rd party DSLAM's) they may be able to provide a cheaper plan than providers using solely Telstra equipment (re:ADSL1).

This list shows WA exchanges and Providers who have 3rd party DSLAM's installed:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/index.cfm?a=wiki&tag=AEG_WA

Also a link article on whirlpool how to choose a provider:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/index.cfm?a=wiki&tag=Choosing%20a%20Broadband%20Prov ider%20FAQ


Good luck.

[Glenhuon]

Probably shouldn't say this but..... Stay well away from Telstra/Bigpond, most expensive and poor provider in the country IMHO.

[joshman]

for around $50/month you should be able to find 20gb+ at adsl2+ speeds.

make sure that your plan is shaped. that is that if you go over your download limit your speed is throttled. that way you'll only ever pay the one price.

[Exfso]

With Adam here in Adelaide, ADSL2+ 20gb plus shaped after that. $54.95/month. My best reliable speed is 900kbps. I am about 3km from the exchange. If closer, much quicker. So downloads are averaged at .75meg per sec. pretty quick but no where near what they get overseas and for much less than we pay here. I believe we are really getting ripped off here in Australia on broadband.