I use around 5GB a month.
What would be the cheapest ADSL plan you could offer me (unbundled) and do you do pensioner discounts please?
10/01/2011
From your number, it looks like you are based at Mount Helena, WA. This area is serviced by ADSL broadband. ADSL broadband is not as cheap or as fast as ADSL2+ but there are still some good deals out there.
It's certainly worth giving these companies a quick call and asking for a pensioner discount. Pensioners are entitled to extra cash from the Government to cover household bills, including telecommunications services, so you should check with your local Centrelink you are receiving everything you are entitled to.
When shopping around for an ADSL plan, you will find that the slower speeds are offered at the cheapest price. However, most websites now have lots of graphics and video content that requires higher speeds in order to load up in a reasonable time.
Applications like ABC's catch-up TV service iView, or VoIP services like Skype, really need a speed of at least 1,500kbps to work, so unless you only plan to do some basic web surfing (and you have lots of patience) I suggest you restrict your search to plans with at least a speed of 1,500kbps.
I know you say you are not interested in bundled deals, but most ISPs offer discounts of around $10 a month to customers who subscribe to both their broadband and home phone services, which can add up to a significant saving. You could keep your old number in most cases.
iPrimus has some great ADSL deals at a 1,500kbps speed for under $50. iPrimus' Lite plan has 20GB available (10GB on peak, which is during the daytime, and 10GB off peak) for $49.95 a month and you can knock $10 off this price if you also bundle in your home phone. Give iPrimus a call on 1300 137 794 to find out if this is available in your area.
Spin is another good ISP, with Australian-based customer support and reasonable ADSL plans. For $39.95 a month, Spin offers 5GB, available at anytime. It's slightly less data than iPrimus but at a better price, without losing any speed. You can call Spin to find out more about this plan on 1300 381 277.
I'd also recommend giving Club Telco a call on 1300 138 155. Club Telco offers broadband plans with no commitment (you just need to give a month's notice if you want to leave) and there are no set-up fees. For just $30, Club Telco offers 10GB a month, which can be used anytime, at a 1,500kbps speed.
