Hi, I'm confused about what sort of internet I need (ADSL2+ etc)?

Hi Elliott.

ADSL2+ is the fastest standard of ADSL, which is a technology that uses a standard copper telephone line to achieve a connection to the internet. It is a requirement that your phone line is active to get an ADSL2+ connection; it is not a requirement that you use the active line for a phone service.

There are two charges involved with most ADSL2+ connections. One is your charge for internet access, and the other is Line Rental. Most people associate Line Rental with paying for a home phone service that they don't want to use - don't make that mistake. Line Rental is exactly what it sounds like - it's a rental charge for your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to use Telstra's copper phone lines to link you to your local exchange, where your line will plug into equipment belonging to your ISP. Even with this charge, ADSL2+ is by far the cheapest and most readily available high speed connection method.

"Cable" usually refers to Hybrid-Fibre-Coaxial (HFC) Cable networks owned by Optus and Telstra. It can offer better speed than ADSL2+ in some instances; but because these networks can only be used by Optus and Telstra, the services tend to be more expensive. More oddly, you usually have to take a normal copper telephone service anyway to use them. Nevertheless, if you're interested in Cable, Call Optus on 1300 137 897 or Telstra on 13 7663.

Wireless Around The House - by this I assume you mean Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a technology that routes your internet connection around the house via short-range wireless (up to around 30 metres). This is a feature of your modem - this is not a service you pay for. Once you've ordered a connection, you just have to make sure that the modem you buy is Wi-Fi enabled.

Your address indicates that you are connected to the CABOOLTURE exchange at a distance of roughly three kilometres. This will allow for ADSL2+ speeds of around 7 Mbps, which is slightly above average. The following plan is available and recommended for this area:

TPG $59.99 a month - includes line rental, very basic phone service and unlimited data. Perfect for people who want a relatively painless setup and lots of data. The connection fee is $120 total, on a 6 month contract. A Wi-Fi modem would cost you $110, delivered. Direct Debit only. Call 1300 106 571.

Internode Naked DSL - $79.95 a month. Naked DSL offers a connection with no phone voice service at all, which allows for slightly faster speeds. As you can see, it doesn't make it any cheaper. But Internode do offer fantastic customer service and support, and are generally the quickest to respond to issues. The 200GB plan is available without a contract, but there is a $129 connection fee and you must pay for your first two months upfront. A good Wi-Fi modem would set you back $120. Call Internode on 1300 106 571.

Dodo Unlimted $59.80 - Dodo offers some of the best rates in Australia, but can suffer from oversubscribing. They don't generally use their own equipment to link you to the net, instead relying on leased connections from Optus and (more often) Telstra. But they should be able to offer your a free connection and free Wi-Fi modem on 12 or 24 month contracts. Call Dodo on 1300 136 793.

Other service providers who service the area directly include BigPond and Optus.

Thanks,

Adam at CompareBroadband

1300 106 571