Hi All
I’m in the process of upgrading my PC and internet server (I’m still on dial-up), I haven’t got a clue as to how many download thingies I need. Any suggestions as to what I should be looking for with package deals? Also recommendations as to a good broadband server?
Thanks
Hi Steve,
The first thing you have to do is find out how many IPSs service your area with ADSL2+.
Go here
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/
this is the major site for finding out about who does a good job or not -
Type in your number and it will list who services your patch. I forgot your on dial up so you know all about being patient.
When you have that list -
Then go to the forums under the heading of each ISP and you will quickly get and idea from the whingers who does do a good job.
I personally joined ozemail in 1997 and then got switched to iinet when they bought it out. There call centre service is better than most and it doesn't come from Moombai. It is off shore (South Africa) but they own it and set it up over there and I have used it a few times with good response.
From there on it gets complicated. Give me a call and we can discuss it where I won't get sued and Robby won't get shut down.
You need to decide if you will also go naked DSL or use VOIP phones etc. Also identify how much you download. Then avoid most two year contracts unless they physically give you the Bahamas, three maidens and the steak knives for 3.95 a month.
My plan with iinet includes voip phone and costs $69.95 a month I also get 22GB peak download and 30GB offpeak (2am to midday - best in the game) and have blown the lot some months so if you play with computers don't underestimate the download capacity you will need especially with kids in the house.
Distance from the exchange is very important (compared to dial up) as it the quality of the line. If you are too far way you might only get 256 or 512KB which is still light speed compare to dial up but nothing like the 18-20Mb you will get if you are inside a kilometre.
Cheers
ZORBA
Zorba is right about Whirlpool.
Take your time going through the plans that pop up for your area.
If you have kids, try to steer clear of the plans that meter both downloads AND uploads....it can sometimes be the uploads that will send you way over your limit.
Try this site http://www.adsl2exchanges.com.au/detailedsummarystart.php for distance from the exchange.
Stuart J.
I found the Whirlpool site very informative and easy to use, the phone line search gave me a different result from that of the servers that I had quotes from IINet and Internode said that I had ADSL1 capability and Whirlpool said ADSL2
Thanks for the info
It is a guide nothing is gospel with the distance tests. If you have bad copper or lots of joints between you and the exchange the ISPs will downgrade your service (to ADSL1 for example). But if your reading Whirlpool you will soon find out about all the pros and cons.
remember that the forums are biased towards teh blokes that complain doesn't mean all ISPs are bad- stick with the major ones.
ZORBA