Technology assistance (wifi and broadband)

[WaynesWorld19]

Optus threatened to cut off 20,000 NBN customers early, ACCC claims in court case
ONE of Australia’s biggest internet providers threatened to cut off broadband services to more than 20,000 customers before they were legally allowed to do so as part of the transition to the National Broadband Network, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claimed today.

The ACCC revealed it would make the claim against Optus in Federal Court following complaints some customers were given as little as 30 days to move to the NBN, even though they should have had up to 18 months to make the transition after their home was classified as “ready for service” with the NBN

READ MORE: Optus forced to compensate 8700 customers

Optus allegedly mislead customers about how long they had to transition to the NBN. Picture: Chris HigginsSource:News Corp Australia

In addition, the ACCC claimed Optus did follow through and cut off some HFC broadband connections before it was allowed to do so, and informed some customers they could only use Optus for their NBN services rather than choosing a different provider.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the alleged behaviour was particularly concerning, as consumers were already confused about moving to the NBN, and Optus “received a significant financial payment from NBN Co for each customer that moved from its cable network to the NBN”.

“We are also concerned that Optus cut off some of its customers’ internet services when it had no contractual right to do so,” he said.

“Telephone and internet are essential utilities and it is unacceptable for Optus to treat its customers this way.”

An Optus spokeswoman said the ACCC legal action related to the company’s older processes which had since been changed.

“We provided some customers with insufficient notice of their options to migrate. As a result, some customers were disconnected before they migrated to the NBN,” she said.

 

[jenny61_99]

Just wanted to update this... after four new Optus modems in the last 12 months... I decided to bite the bullet and buy a decent modem. Got a nighthawk... and you couldn’t believe the difference it has made to our ASDL2. We now never have a drop-out, and there are two bands to choose from within the house, so the teenage gamer has one band, while hubby and I use the other. No issues whatsoever and now achieve speeds of up to 7! WOO HOO.

In recent weeks we’ve joined the ranks of those being stuffed around by NBN. What a schamozzle that is. 5 houses in our street, 5 different technician teams come out to “set up” houses ready for NBN. Our “team” spent 4 hours working hard (it seemed). Told me there was a piece of string ready to pull the cable through when the next “team” came. Wait another few months and we get the message that we can now sign up. After doing my research, decide to go with Aussie Broadband... and we get a date set for the NBN technician to come to hook it up to the house. Date comes, technician arrives with 15 minutes to spare in the quoted window. Takes one look at piece of string and says “the work hasn’t been done, I can’t do anything” and promptly takes off. Aussie Broadband are quick to send out an email explaining that additional work has to be done and they will advise a new date once it has been done. We get another email about 4 weeks later (and while we are overseas) advising a new team will come out (the day after we get home) to connect us up. Again, the technician arrives with 15 minutes to spare in the advised window... but this guy was a little more thorough and actually looked at what had been done - and told me all the previous “team” had done, was literally pull a piece of string through existing conduit from the pit to the house. He then looked in the various pits in our close - we have a class 3 pit, but no taps. Neighbour to the left is a class 1 pit, has 1 tap (which he shouldn’t) and the connection is not live. The two houses further up have a class 3 pit with two taps already connected (port should have 4 taps). He then discovers the pit that our connection should be through and the cable has been cut because they built a new pit and are running brand new cables to the houses in our court. They have done so to two of the houses, but not the other 3. It is an absolute debacle, but at least this guy seemed to know what he was doing and what he was talking about. He phoned in the situation to NBN so at least I know they now know the remediation that needs to be done before we can get connected. Who knows how long that will take!

 

[Bicks]

NBN was a bad idea right from when Kevin Rudd and Stephen Conroy hatched the idea on the back of a beer coaster...

 

[1970crow]

Just wanted to update this... after four new Optus modems in the last 12 months... I decided to bite the bullet and buy a decent modem. Got a nighthawk... and you couldn’t believe the difference it has made to our ASDL2. We now never have a drop-out, and there are two bands to choose from within the house, so the teenage gamer has one band, while hubby and I use the other. No issues whatsoever and now achieve speeds of up to 7! WOO HOO.

In recent weeks we’ve joined the ranks of those being stuffed around by NBN. What a schamozzle that is. 5 houses in our street, 5 different technician teams come out to “set up” houses ready for NBN. Our “team” spent 4 hours working hard (it seemed). Told me there was a piece of string ready to pull the cable through when the next “team” came. Wait another few months and we get the message that we can now sign up. After doing my research, decide to go with Aussie Broadband... and we get a date set for the NBN technician to come to hook it up to the house. Date comes, technician arrives with 15 minutes to spare in the quoted window. Takes one look at piece of string and says “the work hasn’t been done, I can’t do anything” and promptly takes off. Aussie Broadband are quick to send out an email explaining that additional work has to be done and they will advise a new date once it has been done. We get another email about 4 weeks later (and while we are overseas) advising a new team will come out (the day after we get home) to connect us up. Again, the technician arrives with 15 minutes to spare in the advised window... but this guy was a little more thorough and actually looked at what had been done - and told me all the previous “team” had done, was literally pull a piece of string through existing conduit from the pit to the house. He then looked in the various pits in our close - we have a class 3 pit, but no taps. Neighbour to the left is a class 1 pit, has 1 tap (which he shouldn’t) and the connection is not live. The two houses further up have a class 3 pit with two taps already connected (port should have 4 taps). He then discovers the pit that our connection should be through and the cable has been cut because they built a new pit and are running brand new cables to the houses in our court. They have done so to two of the houses, but not the other 3. It is an absolute debacle, but at least this guy seemed to know what he was doing and what he was talking about. He phoned in the situation to NBN so at least I know they now know the remediation that needs to be done before we can get connected. Who knows how long that will take!

Does all that mean that you're getting fibre to your house?? I thought NBN plugged into something down the street and your connection to that thingy doesn't get upgraded.

 

[jenny61_99]

Does all that mean that you're getting fibre to your house?? I thought NBN plugged into something down the street and your connection to that thingy doesn't get upgraded.

No, it means we are getting HFC, but instead of using the existing Telstra crappy infrastructure, they are putting in new cables from the node. So it’s kind of a best case scenario from a bad situation. When NBN was first touted, I was told by an Optus technician that we wouldn’t be getting it (point blank) because we didn’t have the infrastructure needed. (We use satellite for Foxtel). But for some reason, they are actually fixing our problem, so YAY for small things.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

 

[Brown_DOG68]

is Dr Scorpus in the house? I'm looking some expert advice independent of ISP salespeople....

We have been with iinet(originally Adam) on ADSL2 for the last 4 years or so and for the most part its been reasonable - the odd dropout/slowness, general connection issues that most users (i think) get.

Half way through September last year we lost service overnight - coincidentally around the time that NBN was being rolled out in our street. We did not get connection again until 31 days later. Two different modems and Hundreds of phone calls and emails to iiNet/Ombudsmen/telstra/independant technicians during this time to finally be told it was port problem at the exchange.

While this was going on I enquired about NBN plans at the local Telstra shop, and the rep i dealt with said that whilst we could connect to NBN almost immediately, his advice was to hold off until we had no other choice - i thought this a little strange.....

So we finally get our internet back, and due to financial constraints, some apathy, and bad stories from friends/family about their NBN experiences, we have not gone the NBN path yet.

Now over the last couple of months our ADSL2 has become next to useless. At peak times we are lucky to get a download speed of 2.5 Mbps and have regular dropouts - at best non peak speeds are around 7Mbps. iiNet are not particularly interested and tell us our line and modem are fine etc blah blah. I'm guessing we are being subtly forced towards NBN, or a more expensive ADSL package.

My questions are, should we:

As Jennie61_99 has done, invest in a new high-end modem, or

Sign up for an NBN package (we do have an existing cable to the house)

Thanks in advance!

 

[1970crow]

is Dr Scorpus in the house? I'm looking some expert advice independent of ISP salespeople....

We have been with iinet(originally Adam) on ADSL2 for the last 4 years or so and for the most part its been reasonable - the odd dropout/slowness, general connection issues that most users (i think) get.

Half way through September last year we lost service overnight - coincidentally around the time that NBN was being rolled out in our street. We did not get connection again until 31 days later. Two different modems and Hundreds of phone calls and emails to iiNet/Ombudsmen/telstra/independant technicians during this time to finally be told it was port problem at the exchange.

While this was going on I enquired about NBN plans at the local Telstra shop, and the rep i dealt with said that whilst we could connect to NBN almost immediately, his advice was to hold off until we had no other choice - i thought this a little strange.....

So we finally get our internet back, and due to financial constraints, some apathy, and bad stories from friends/family about their NBN experiences, we have not gone the NBN path yet.

Now over the last couple of months our ADSL2 has become next to useless. At peak times we are lucky to get a download speed of 2.5 Mbps and have regular dropouts - at best non peak speeds are around 7Mbps. iiNet are not particularly interested and tell us our line and modem are fine etc blah blah. I'm guessing we are being subtly forced towards NBN, or a more expensive ADSL package.

My questions are, should we:

As Jennie61_99 has done, invest in a new high-end modem, or

Sign up for an NBN package (we do have an existing cable to the house)

Thanks in advance!

2.5Mbps, lucky bustard. After a similar number of phone calls, Ombudsman etc since going to NBN, most of the time we're actually on 4G. ADSL was bliss in comparison.

 

[Brown_DOG68]

2.5Mbps, lucky bustard. After a similar number of phone calls, Ombudsman etc since going to NBN, most of the time we're actually on 4G. ADSL was bliss in comparison.

View attachment 467905

oh great - so I've got that to look forward to...

Are you in SA?

 

[1970crow]

oh great - so I've got that to look forward to...

Are you in SA?

Nope, Alice Springs. I have cable at my North Adelaide address and it's pretty good from what I can tell. I don't get there often, but when I'm there, a 1 hour show downloads in a few minutes. Whereas, here in Alice, it takes about 15 minutes to get the "watch now" question. It's a complete shitshow. ADSL was shit tins better.

 

[Brown_DOG68]

Nope, Alice Springs. I have cable at my North Adelaide address and it's pretty good from what I can tell. I don't get there often, but when I'm there, a 1 hour show downloads in a few minutes. Whereas, here in Alice, it takes about 15 minutes to get the "watch now" question. It's a complete shitshow. ADSL was shit tins better.

Is that accross the board up there? just bad infrastructure through the whole town?

A friend yesterday said a lot of it is to do with how far your house is from the 'node'? He said if its more than 800 metres you can forget about decent speeds. He reckons he gets 50 to 60 Mbps DL, and is about 100 metres from the node.

I dont even know where our nearest node is....

 

[1970crow]

Is that accross the board up there? just bad infrastructure through the whole town?

A friend yesterday said a lot of it is to do with how far your house is from the 'node'? He said if its more than 800 metres you can forget about decent speeds. He reckons he gets 50 to 60 Mbps DL, and is about 100 metres from the node.

I dont even know where our nearest node is....

I think it's a fairly common issue with NBN via Telstra up here. The only way to get decent speeds and quality is to go with Internode.

 

[Elite Crow]

Scorpus I need to pick your brains.

Just bought a brand new house and I’m trying to sort out internet.

Currently with internode who tell me I can transfer my adsl2 over but I’m going to be further away from the exchange and it’s slow enough as it is.

Telstra state wireless is only available but are getting back to me about cable as it’s only a few doors down. Since heard they are quoting the neighbour $2k to install it.

I’ve also checked into Nuskope but they have mixed reviews.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Scorpus I need to pick your brains.

Just bought a brand new house and I’m trying to sort out internet.

Currently with internode who tell me I can transfer my adsl2 over but I’m going to be further away from the exchange and it’s slow enough as it is.

Telstra state wireless is only available but are getting back to me about cable as it’s only a few doors down. Since heard they are quoting the neighbour $2k to install it.

I’ve also checked into Nuskope but they have mixed reviews.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

I was told the other day by a Telstra linesman, that if i had Foxtel thumbsu i could put a splitter on the incoming line & get true 100mg download speeds

 

[Elite Crow]

I was told the other day by a Telstra linesman, that if i had Foxtel thumbsu i could put a splitter on the incoming line & get true 100mg download speeds

The only Foxtel I can get is satellite so don’t think that will help

 

[Scorpus]

Scorpus I need to pick your brains.

Just bought a brand new house and I’m trying to sort out internet.

Currently with internode who tell me I can transfer my adsl2 over but I’m going to be further away from the exchange and it’s slow enough as it is.

Telstra state wireless is only available but are getting back to me about cable as it’s only a few doors down. Since heard they are quoting the neighbour $2k to install it.

I’ve also checked into Nuskope but they have mixed reviews.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

I'd look into bundling the cable installation cost with your neighbor, sometimes it can be cheaper if you are installing two neighboring houses. Even then, paying $2k to get it done will be worth it because ADSL is ****ing awful. Of course it will likely only be a stop gap until the NBN gets to your area in the next century.

Failing that, fixed wireless is improving a lot. I'm not sure about the Adelaide region but here in Melbourne you can actually get satellite or microwave services as a metropolitan resident with better than ADSL2 speeds. Cable is still superior though.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

The only Foxtel I can get is satellite so don’t think that will help

Nope .....Telstra came out to fix our phone line ......it's fixed ......but they removed my Foxtel cable, i'm talking all 50 mtrs of cable .....what possessed them, had 3 separate crews visit & after an hour, i'm happy to say they told me i had a problem (no cable)

That's 6 weeks ago now .....i'm sure Telstra create their own jobs

 

[FR0GGY]

I was told the other day by a Telstra linesman, that if i had Foxtel thumbsu i could put a splitter on the incoming line & get true 100mg download speeds

There must be something in it, I only have one cable coming in and it does my internet and Foxtel.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

There must be something in it, I only have one cable coming in and it does my internet and Foxtel.

Going to do it, as soon as Telstra finds & replaces my Foxtel Cable

 

[FR0GGY]

Going to do it, as soon as Telstra finds & replaces my Foxtel Cable

I must say I don’t get 100 speeds, but I don’t pay for that either.

 

[Elite Crow]

I'd look into bundling the cable installation cost with your neighbor, sometimes it can be cheaper if you are installing two neighboring houses. Even then, paying $2k to get it done will be worth it because ADSL is ******* awful. Of course it will likely only be a stop gap until the NBN gets to your area in the next century.

Failing that, fixed wireless is improving a lot. I'm not sure about the Adelaide region but here in Melbourne you can actually get satellite or microwave services as a metropolitan resident with better than ADSL2 speeds. Cable is still superior though.

Thanks, my kids are gamers so it’s for them that I worry

 

[Scorpus]

Thanks, my kids are gamers so it’s for them that I worry

Telstra's cable service is very good so if you can get it, you won't be disappointed. Especially if you pay for the top speed tier. Unless you wanted fast uploads.

 

[Elite Crow]

Telstra's cable service is very good so if you can get it, you won't be disappointed. Especially if you pay for the top speed tier. Unless you wanted fast uploads.

I’m going to need to go back to the Casino

 

[Elite Crow]

Telstra's cable service is very good so if you can get it, you won't be disappointed. Especially if you pay for the top speed tier. Unless you wanted fast uploads.

An update, can’t get cable, even adsl2 isn’t guaranteed, nbn unknown and the wireless satellite option is waiting on a tower upgrade, supposed to be 4 weeks before I even find out whether I can get it.

What ****ing country do we live in????

Anyway, is there a short term solution until I find out about the satellite without locking into anything? I move in on Monday.

 

[Scorpus]

An update, can’t get cable, even adsl2 isn’t guaranteed, nbn unknown and the wireless satellite option is waiting on a tower upgrade, supposed to be 4 weeks before I even find out whether I can get it.

What ******* country do we live in????

Anyway, is there a short term solution until I find out about the satellite without locking into anything? I move in on Monday.

Best option is probably a short term no contract 4G data plan with Optus or Vodafone