I currently live at Werris Creek NSW, I am 500 odd meters as the crows fly from the exchange, I cannot get ADSL with Optus and don't want Telstra services.

Hi David,

As speed and plenty of data is important, an ADSL plan will offer the best service for your needs. Without an exact address or a landline phone number to check, I can't tell which providers offer an ADSL internet connection in your area.

However, I can see from a map Werris Creek looks like a regional area, so your options may be more limited than if you lived in Sydney, for example.

However, just because Optus does not offer an ADSL connection, this does not mean you have to go on a BigPond plan.

Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) compete for customers at the same exchange, so you should be able to find a new provider without going through Telstra at all. It's likely several providers will offer a plan that will suit you but they may be not as cheap as the metro plans you see advertised.

The best way to find a cheap, fast plan is to decide approximately how much data you will need every month and then call a few providers to see which offers a plan matching your needs, at the best price.

Don't get caught out by plans with an 'off peak' quota. If you are using the internet for work, you will either need plenty of data in the peak time or look for plans with no on or off peak times at all. Anything under 10GB would be considered a 'light' plan, while at the other end of the scale an 'unlimited' plan means you will never have your plan shaped (slowed down) no matter how much you use in a month.

Internode is a great provider for customers in regional areas, as this ISP offers both phone service and a broadband plan in one bundle. This means you will receive just one bill and only have to deal with one company. Plans in regional areas start from around $69.90, including line rental.

Internode will give you the fastest speeds possible at your home, up to 20Mbps. As you live close to the exchange, this would give you a significant improvement on your current mobile broadband service.

You can call us on 1300 106 571 for more information on Internode and to find out if these plans are available in your area.

Dodo is another good regional provider and also offers a home phone and broadband service bundled together. Dodo offers an unlimited plan, so if you feel Internode cannot offer enough data, this could be the best ISP for you.

If you can sign up for 24 months set up is free but a month-to-month option is also available for a fee.

Call Dodo on 1300 136 793 to find out if any plans are available in your area and to get a quote.

Finally, iPrimus is a good alternative to Optus, especially if you are hoping to bundle in some phone calls with your home phone plan. iPrimus operates in many regional areas so may have a plan to suit you. Give iPrimus a call on 1300 137 794 to see if these plans are available in your area.

With any luck, all these providers will offer some good plans at your home but you will need to call up to find out.

Good luck and if you need any more help, give us a call on 1300 106 571 and we'll try to help out.

Sarah

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