I have home phone and ADSL internet with Telstra but want a cheaper service.
Telstra claims that ALL other providers, while cheaper, will not be as good and even the lines used by the cheaper services will be slow and full of problems? What can you offer me in my area (Dundurrabin NSW 2453)? Bernie
01/09/2011
Hi Bernie,
This is an interesting question and really highlights the misunderstandings about broadband in Australia.
It's an issue that both Compare Broadband and consumer groups such as the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) want to clarify. I asked the ACCAN for help on your question.
Elise Davidson, ACCAN spokesperson, said: “That advice your reader has been given is not correct. All standard telephony services – 'land lines' are delivered over copper wire owned by Telstra. The quality of standard land line calls will not differ regardless of what provider you are with."
There are many variables that can affect your speed, including how far away you are from the exchange, what modem you are using, how many people are sharing the connection, and the wiring in your house.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can usually give you an estimation based on how far you are from the exchange, but the extra variables make it hard to predict your actual download speed.
Without a phone number or exact address, I can't tell who can offer broadband in your area. However, if you give these numbers a call, the providers will run their own checks and tell you whether ADSL2+ or ADSL plans are offered in your area.
All these providers offer broadband services across Australia, so there is a very good chance they can all offer you a plan. Cheaper does not necessarily mean worse, and many several of the ISPs listed here have won awards for their products and customer service:
iPrimus: 1300 137 794
Spintel: 1300 381 277
Club Telco: 1300 138 155
iiNet: 1300 106 571
You can also give us a call at Compare Broadband on 1300 106 571 and we can check TPG, Internode and Exetel for you.
Dundurrabin in New South Wales is a fairly rural area, so providers may offer you ADSL, or 'off-net' plans (where providers rent the lines and the DSLAM equipment from Telstra to provide a service).
If this is the case, you will be offered a choice in speeds, usually from 256kbps up to 20,000kbps in some areas.
Shop around and find yourself a great deal on your broadband and home phone service.
Hope this clears things up for you,
Sarah
Compare Broadband
