On 13 June 2014 13:59, Roger <arelem@bigpond.com> wrote:
On 06/13/2014 10:55 AM, Toby Corkindale wrote:
Do you have to go with Telstra, or can you go with another provider? I just mention this because Telstra is usually terribly poor value for money; yet other providers out there are just going to be reselling the same actual service, so wouldn't be any better or worse for you.
The problem here is that Telstra owns the copper and the exchange. Other providers are hamstrung by Telstra inadequacy. In my case wireless is not an option because I live just below the narrow beam transmitted by both Optus and Telstra. I would need a tower on my roof to get into the transmission beam and local reports say that wireless here is pretty inadequate due to environment. Telstra, after they have hobbled it, will throw a basic, locked down ADSL modem, which you pay $250 approx for and cannot refuse, into the contract.
In the city, even on exchanges where there is only a telstra DSLAM, you can still go with a provider who is reselling the telstra port. I would be surprised if this isn't available outside of the metro area. These are referred to as "off-network" plans when you're on an ISPs website. Worth a look.