Hi, my neighbour and I are both getting an Aupair (nanny) and they will live in their own house behind our houses.
The Aupairs are from Germany so therefore will bring their own computers and would like to stay in contact with their families through email and Skype. They will also want to browse the Internet. We would like them to be set up with broadband to do this, but want to pay a minimum. They are also only here for six months so we do not want a 24-month contract. Can you please recommend something under a maximum of $40 per month. Thanks, Tam
10/08/2011
Hi Tam,
If the nannies want to make Skype audio and video calls, you will need to set them up with a fast broadband connection. The main issue at hand is whether or not the granny flats at the back of your homes have their own separate copper phone lines. If they do, your best bet will be to go for an ADSL2+ home phone bundle.
TPG currently has a plan with 20GB (10GB peak and 10GB off-peak) for $39.99 a month, and this includes the landline phone rental. This plan can be purchased on a 6-month contract for a $99.95 set-up fee. They each will also need to have an ADSL2+ modem. You can get a modem through TPG for $50 (1-port plug-in), $70 (4-port plug-in), or $100 (4-port plus Wi-Fi). All modems come preconfigured with your user name and password, so all you need to do is plug it in. It costs $10 for delivery, and as you are buying the modem through the provider, TPG will be obligated to give you technical support for the device.
If you don’t have a phone line going to the rear house, you could set-up a Wi-Fi modem on an ADSL2+ connection at the back of the main house. If the granny flat isn’t too far away from the main house, the nannies should be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network. Call Compare Broadband on 1300 106 571 to find out more about this TPG offer.
If neither of these options is possible, you’ll need to try and get a fast mobile broadband plan. Mobile broadband usually isn’t fast enough for high quality Skype calls, but a couple of the providers are now offering quicker options on special network bandwidths (and with higher powered USB modems) that could be suitable.
Try calling Virgin Mobile (1300 106 571) and Optus (1300 768 194) first, as they are quite cheap. Vodafone definitely has a special 850 Network. Give us a call on 1300 106 571 and we’ll let you know if you have Vodafone coverage. The USB modems for this fast mobile broadband are more expensive than normal ones. However, the normal USB modems are simply not good enough for Skype calls. Telstra BigPond probably has the fastest mobile broadband in Australia, but it is probably out of your preferred price range.
We hope this helps. Feel free to call us, as by checking your location and hearing more about your unique situation we should be able to point you in the right direction.
Jesse,
Compare Broadband
