On Fri, 2014-06-13 at 13:59 +1000, Roger 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.
Roger
Hi Roger

I work for Telstra as a Front of House Business Consultant.  I invite you to provide some evidence of your assertion that we force you to take a modem, or that it is anywhere near $250 for a basic modem.  When we started offering Telstra Business Broadband we were heavily subsidising an expensive Cisco Modem Router which at that time retailed for around $1,000 but for which we asked $200.  We certainly do not force you to take our modems, but if you wanted to bring your own we would like it to be a reasonable standard, otherwise you might be complaining about the speed of our network, when your modem was letting the side down.

This is my personal response, my remarks are not to be construed as a response from Telstra.

Andrew Greig