I've just moved into a unit in Kensington NSW.
There is cable available in the building. I was wondering what would be my best option, ADSL2 or cable? I need something fast with a big download for watching TV online. What would you recommend? I'm not too worried about the price. Eugene.
05/06/2012
Hi Eugene,
As someone who puts the emphasis on speed over price, you've actually lucked out incredibly. One writer on our site dubbed cable "the Shangri-La of broadband", and if you're looking for a super fast broadband connection, you won't be able to find better. Cable is currently only available in about 10% of Australian homes, so you should be feeling pretty happy about your ability to get it in your home!
Click here for the best cable broadband plans.
So why is cable so fast? Well, ADSL2+ connections go along the same copper line as your home phone connection. (That's another thing people are often confused about when they get Naked Broadband – they think they're not using the phone line, but ADSL2+ uses that line! Line rental is always going to be a fee that you have to factor in when you're getting broadband.) Copper is great, and works particularly well when you consider how long ago it was built – long before the internet was even a considered concept – but it's not a connection that was designed for the internet, and it shows.
On the other hand, cable runs on an underlying infrastructure of Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), a fibre-optic cable that has been specifically designed to carry an internet connection. As a result, usually cable provides the fastest and most stable connection that you can get. Soon, cable will be the norm, as the NBN is rolling out fibre optic cable across the nation, but until then, you're one of the lucky few who'll be able to get it now.
There is one disadvantage to cable, and that's choice. There's an overwhelming amount of choice for your standard ADSL2+ plan that can cater to each individual, making finding the right plan, cost, customer service level, and bundle details to suit you personally easy. Because there are so many providers offering ADSL2+, they're all competing with each other for you, the customer, and as a result prices can get very low.
Click here for the best Home WiFi ADSL2+ plans.
However, only Optus and Telstra Bigpond can offer cable. Out of the two, Optus is probably going to be better value. Take a look at the Optus 120GB Cable and Home Phone Bundle for $64.94 per month – it gives you 50GB peak and 70GB off peak, and is available on a 24 month contract. Call Optus for more details or to sign up on 1300 137 897.
I hope this helps you make a decision, Eugene! If you're still interested by ADSL2+ and want find out what providers are available in your area and what speeds you could get up to, give us a call on 1300 106 571. We'll be happy to help you out.
Mikaella.
