Use less than 1/2 a GB a month.
Have had Telstra and Virgin plug ins but reception is very slow, drop outs frequent and often will not connect. I want fast reliable connection, any type, cannot get helpful advice from shops, am treated like a geriatric and offered a bundle for $95 a month. My prepaid $50 15 day plug runs out tomorrow and I am no wiser. Have had TadAust at $6pm years ago but need to keep phone line clear. Prefer prepay but open to suggestions. Please help. Thanks Judy (Old Cobol programmer from 1970-now lost) Judy
28/08/2012
Hi Judy,
It sounds like you have tried Mobile Broadband and dial-up so far, with neither really working for you.
The problems you describe with Telstra and Virgin Mobile – slow speeds, drop outs, and trouble connecting – are typical of Mobile Broadband.
Mobile Broadband uses the mobile network to make a connection and it is neither fast nor reliable. However, it is conveniently portable and it does not require line rental, or expensive set-up fees, which many people find appealing.
If you wanted to give Mobile Broadband one more go, you could try Vodafone, as you have already used the Telstra and Optus networks (the network used by Virgin Mobile).
However, you are likely to encounter the same problems again.
Instead, I would recommend an ADSL2+ plan. ADSL2+ is a fast, reliable connection made over your phone line. Unlike dial-up, ADSL2+ will not tie-up your phone line. You can go online at the same time as receiving a phone call without any interference.
There are no prepay options with ADSL2+ but there are some providers who can be flexible with payment.
For example, Club Telco offers a no-contract plan, which you can cancel with one month's notice. Club Telco also allows customers to pay by BPay, cheque, online, credit card, Direct Debit, or over the counter at Australia Post.
I checked your area and you will have to call to confirm, but Club Telco should be able to offer you a 10GB ADSL2+ plan for $40 a month.
You can call Club Telco on 1300 138 155 for more details on this plan.
I would also recommend giving Dodo a call on 1300 136 793 and asking how much a light ADSL2+ plan would cost in your area. Dodo offers plans from as little as 10GB a month and if you are willing to bundle your home phone and broadband together, may be able to offer something more competitive than the $95 a month you have already been quoted.
Hope this helps, let us know how you get on!
Sarah
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