Hello, Your website is great, but I am still a little confused .

Hi Abby,

Elwood exchange has been enabled for both ADSL2+ and Naked DSL broadband connections through a number of Australia’s most popular providers. If you don’t want or need a landline telephone, then what you want is Naked DSL. However, you should know this isn’t always the cheapest way to get fast, stable broadband with large amounts of data. Some ADSL2+ home phone bundles are actually cheaper than Naked DSL, and this is even when you include the cost of phone line rental.

If you don’t already know, Naked DSL is an ADSL2+ connection where the phone element on the copper landline has been deactivated, leaving only the broadband to run. You’d think it would be cheaper than having a phone line, but Internet Service Providers (ISPs) want you to use a phone (so they can make money off of your phone calls), and so some offer the internet for less if purchased on a home phone bundle plan. The truth is, you can get a bundle and not even plug a telephone handset in, make no phone calls, and thus save more money.

Here are some good plan options from broadband providers at the Elwood exchange. Some are ADSL2+ bundles and others are Naked DSL plans.

TPG ADSL2+ Unlimited $29.99 plus $30 phone line rental 6-month bundle plan:

You get unlimited broadband internet for $59.99 a month. The only difference between Naked DSL and this plan if you don’t use the phone is you have to pay a $20 telephone call deposit. If you never use the phone you’ll get this deposit back at the end of the contract. TPG’s Wi-Fi enabled modem costs $99.95 plus a $10 delivery fee. It has 4 plug-in Ethernet ports, comes pre-programmed with your user name and password (so all you need to do is plug it in, and it will work), and TPG will be obligated to provide you with technical support for the device. Call Compare Broadband on 1300 106 571 for more details about this TPG plan.

iPrimus Naked DSL $69.00 Unlimited month-to-month broadband plan:
 
This plan is Naked DSL, so you cannot make phone calls on the copper landline. The iPrimus plan costs a little more than the TPG unlimited bundle option, but you can get it on a monthly contract, and there won’t be any risks of a steep phone bill. iPrimus also has its customer service and technical support based onshore in Australia. Call iPrimus on 1300 137 794 to find out more about this plan.

Note: TPG’s ADSL2+ connections run at speeds of up to 24Mbps, while iPrimus travels at speeds of up to 20Mbps. The set-up fee on a TPG 6-month contract is $99.95, whereas contract set-up on the iPrimus month-to-month plan is $149.00. TPG’s customer support is based overseas.

Optus Up to 120GB $64.94 ADSL2+ home phone bundle including phone line rental 24-month contract:

This is a longer contract, but if you sign up before September 30, 2011, the set-up fee is waived. You also get a free standard ADSL2+ modem (+ $19.95 delivery fee), and $30 of call value to local, national, 13/1300 and Australian mobile phone numbers.
However, Optus charges a $55 fee if you don’t already have an active phone number. We know you don’t really need a phone, but this is a good plan with a lot of data, free set-up, and a free modem. As it is a standard modem, you would still need to buy a wireless router to create your Wi-Fi network. Give Optus a toll-free call on 1300 137 897 for more information about this plan.

Note: Your best bet for creating a Wi-Fi network at home is to buy a Wi-Fi enabled ADSL2+ modem router. Your modem and router come together in a single unit, and you can connect a number of laptops, smartphones, tablet computers, and desktop PCs with Wi-Fi cards. If you purchase the device through the broadband provider it will often come preconfigured, and they will have to give you technical support. However, you are free to buy one from an electronics shop, but you’ll get what you pay for, so make sure to get a good one.

Hope this helps!
Jesse, Compare Broadband