I am new to Melbourne and I am not sure whether my apartment has set up for a phone line or not? How can I check? Do I need a phone/phone line to get the broadband? Is a usb modem ok?

First of all, you need to decide if you want broadband through the phone line (ADSL or ADSL2+) or through the mobile phone towers (mobile broadband).

The advantage of an ADSL or ADSL2+ is a stable, fast connection. On the other hand, the advantage of mobile broadband is you can use it outside the home, wherever there is a good signal.

If you take a look around your apartment you will probably find a phone jack, where you can plug in a phone handset. As you have just moved in, it will probably be inactive, which means no one is paying line rental.

You can tell if it is inactive by plugging in a handset. Normally, if the phone line is inactive, you will not be able to make any calls and you may hear a message from Telstra asking you to call a number.

If this is the case, you can either sign up for a home phone and internet bundle, which is both services from one provider; sign up to a home phone service with Telstra and a separate broadband plan from a different Internet Service Provider (ISP); or sign up to a Naked DSL plan.

Naked DSL is an ADSL2+ connection without needing to pay line rental. Some ISPs will require you to have an active phone line first, so if you are interested in Naked DSL call iPrimus on 1300 137 794 and iiNet on 1300 137 765 first, as these providers will sign you up from scratch.

Often customers find it works out cheaper to go for a broadband and home phone bundle, such as one from TPG or Optus.

Give us a call on 1300 106 571 for TPG plans, or on 1300 137 897 for Optus plans.

You will need an ADSL2+ modem if you want an ADSL2+ connection, as a USB modem won't work for this type of broadband. A USB modem only works for mobile broadband.