The complexities of today’s telecommunication market can be very daunting at times to say the least, and when it comes to choosing a Broadband Plan, it’s no different. With so many Broadband Internet Service Providers (ISP) and different products to choose from, you’ll need to be aware of all the finer details as for one, you don’t want to be stuck with a Broadband Plan that’s ‘not right for you’, and two, if you do happen to make that mistake, more importantly, you don’t want to be hit with a nasty bill for breaking your agreement contract.

Broadband Bundles

There are generally two types of plans to choose from when considering a Broadband Plan. These are Standalone Broadband Plans and Bundled Broadband Plans. Many ISPs try to entice customers to their products by Bundling Home Phone, Mobile Phone, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), or on some occasion Pay TV services into a Broadband Plan. To do this an ISP may offer a discount such as $10 off the total cost per month, or waive many set up costs and installation fees. You’ll need to do your maths and work out whether or not it actually is cheaper to Bundle your Broadband over the course of your contract term.

Broadband Types

You might already know what you want from a Broadband Plan but aren’t quite sure what Broadband connection type is right for you? First you may want to source what’s available in your area. For example, Broadband availability in region might be restricted to Mobile Broadband, or ADSL, or you may have a choice of ADSL, Cable and Wireless Broadband. Secondly, you will also need to consider what you want to use your Broadband Internet connection for and how much data you are likely to chew through? E.g. Browsing the web, a little Internet Banking and Emailing, or perhaps some Downloading and Video Streaming. Generally speaking, the closer to a Metropolitan CBD you are, the more chance you have for choice. Therefore, if you’re in a provincial area or country region, it’s quite possible that standard ADSL, Mobile Broadband and Satellite Broadband could be your only choices. The faster Internet access types such as Cable Broadband and ADSL2+ Broadband are typically restricted to Metropolitan areas and the inner to wider reaches of these capital cities.

Another primary aspect of Plan types to keep in mind is Broadband Speed. The faster you go, the more Data you will consume. The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines Broadband as a continuous Internet connection with a speed of at least 256/64k. This speed is only several times quicker than Dial Up and if you’re upgrading to Broadband, you might want to skip this connection speed. Most Broadband Service Providers have dropped this speed offering in favour of 512/128k as an entry level. 1500/256k, which is classed as ADSL, is still very common, however the likes of ADSL2+ which theoretically delivers speeds up to 24,000/1000k is rapidly emerging in popularity. If you have a small family or multiple users sharing the one Internet connection, an ADSL2+ Broadband Plan would be the plan for you. It’s robust enough for several connections to be used simultaneously.

Broadband Types – Breakdown

ADSL Broadband (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
Typical Broadband speeds that range from 256/64k, 512/128k,1500/256k and 8000/384k and delivered through PSTN copper telephone lines.

Pros: Always on connection; considerably faster than Dial Up; Can be used for limited Home Network Use; Wide spread availability compare to other Fixed Line Broadband types.

Cons: Telstra Owns Infrastructure making it expensive to obtain, even from alternative Providers; Considered slow compared to other Fixed Line Broadband types such as ADSL2+ and Cable Broadband

Ideally Suit: Those upgrading from Dial Up and individuals or couples who seldom use the Internet or generally use the Internet for emailing and Internet banking only.

ADSL2+ Broadband (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Plus)
Typical Broadband speeds that range from 12,000/1,000k through to 24,000/1,000k and delivered through PSTN copper telephone lines via a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) that is installed at local telephone exchange.

Pros: Always on connection; Up to 15 times faster than ADSL; Great option for Home Networks and multiple users such as families; good for downloading larger files and streaming HD video. Competitive Prices.

Cons: Limited availability outside metropolitan areas; maximum speeds reduce significantly the further away connection is from local telephone exchange. Transmission can lag or drop out on occasions.

Ideally Suit: Average Families; Frequent Internet Use; Heavy Downloading; Multiple Users; and IPTV or Video Streaming

Naked ADSL Broadband (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line without Phone Rental)
A rapidly growing Broadband Type that is essentially ADSL without the otherwise mandatory requirement of a phone line. ISP’s can now offer these plans provided you have a phone line connected. Typical Broadband speeds are identical to ADSL and ADSL2+ that range through to 24,000/1,000k and delivered through PSTN copper telephone lines via a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) that is installed at local telephone exchange.

Pros: Same as ADSL2+ benefits; No need for Phone Line rental; Cheap and Competitive Pricing

Cons: Same as ADSL2+ disadvantages; Even more availability limitations; Can be frustrating process to get signed up/connected.

Ideally Suit: Same as ADSL2+ benefits; good for those who wish to do away with Phone Rental; Potential to save more on telecommunication Bills

Cable Broadband (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line without Phone Rental)
Cable Broadband is delivered through Coax material and boasts speeds up to 30,000/1,000k which is the fastest residential Internet access speed currently available. Cable has the potential to be upgraded to faster speeds, and through the upcoming National Broadband Network, its believed that this technology type will move across into a Fibre-to-the-Premises technology and deliver speeds up to 100,000k (100Mbps).

Pros: Faster than ADSL2+; No need for Phone Line rental; Robust Broadband Bandwidth; Will handle Triple Play services (Broadband/Phone/Pay TV simultaneously); Frequent Downloading; Network Use; Reliable and Constant

Cons: Predominantly limited to metropolitan areas and not as available as ADSL2+; Expensive

Ideally Suit: Family and Multiple user Networking; Triple Play customers; and those who wish to do away with Phone Rental

Wireless Broadband / Mobile Broadband
Wireless Broadband (or Mobile Broadband) has the fastest growing take up due to its freedom of Internet access without the need wires, when and where you want it. Although there still are coverage, speed and latency issues, Wireless Broadband is constantly improving and over time will be the number one Broadband type. Telstra Next G Wireless Broadband currently reaches out to 99% of Australia’s population.

Pros: Portable; Wire free; Convenient; No need for Phone Line rental; Constantly evolving; Coverage and Availability

Cons: Latency; Could be a little cheaper; Speed; Drop outs and Black Spots; Not good for Multiple Network Use

Ideally Suit: Business people; Regional and remote customers; Those who want to be able to take their Broadband on the road, to a cafe, to work or even out into the backyard.

Broadband Plans, Prices and User Profiles

Entry level (occasional light use)
A good place to start if you’re upgrading from Dial up or new to Broadband.

Wireless Broadband Plans
Don’t pay any more than $20 per month for a 1GB Wireless/Mobile Broadband Internet Plan. There could be some additional set up costs involved. Always good if you can avoid excess charges for breaching your monthly data limit too, so if possible, try and get a Broadband Plan that ‘shapes’ (slows) your speed, opposed to charging additional costs for going over your limit.

ADSL Broadband Plans
$25-$35 per month is around the cheapest you’ll get for between 1GB to 5GB on a 512/128k or 1500/256k Broadband Plan. It’s advised that you first try and obtain an ADSL2+ plan. These plans are generally around the same price at entry level however you’ll enjoy the luxury of faster speeds.

Intermediate User (casual to frequent light use)
Couples who like to use the Internet a fair bit, but are not overly keen into downloading larger files much.

ADSL Broadband Plans
Essentially the same as an Entry level ADSL plan, 5GB on a 1500/256k speed should be more than enough to cover your browsing, banking, emails while checking out a few you tube videos every month. At around $40 a month, its advised that you try and find out if you’re eligible for ADSL2+ first.

ADSL2+ Broadband Plans
At around $50 for 5GB worth of data and speeds up to 24,000/1,000k, this would be the Broadband Plan to go for if you’re after something to suit light frequent use for one or two people.

Family
Small to medium sized families, multiple user networks, share houses with several people, and a healthy appetite for all things multimedia. Do you download large files and music occasionally, watch online videos, and find that there is always someone or some people on the Internet, then this is your profile.

ADSL2+
10 to 25GB and $50 to $70 with speeds up to 24,000. This will do the trick and if you’re not quite sure and worried about exceeding your limit, make sure you get a plan that is shaped (speed is slowed when data limit is reached opposed to charged).

Cable
Same as ADSL2+ 10 to 25GB, but can be a little dearer ($80). Again, if you have kids and find it difficult to track usage, it’s imperative to get a plan that is shaped.

Professional/Gamer
Ultra hungry family, (or at least one member who is e.g. Gamer), 5+ regular Network users and those who basically live on the Internet or download large files constantly. If the other profiles don’t suit, then this is it!

ADSL2+/Cable
50GB+/Unlimited and speeds of up to 24,000 and 30,000 will only do in this profile. Expect to pay anywhere from $70 -$100. If there is a member in your family or group who is exceptionally hungry for downloading, then it might pay to get a plan that has an additional ‘off peak rate’. These are widely available nowadays and it’s not uncommon to see an ‘unlimited off peak’ data limit. You must make sure that all significant download files are set to commence between the designated off peak times.

Buyer Beware!

Excess Usage Charges: If possible join a ‘Shaped’ Broadband plan(speed slowed) to begin with. This option typically ‘shapes’ (slows) a user’s broadband download speed, opposed to charging fees for each megabyte used thereafter. This way a user will not receive a any nasty surprises when the monthly bill comes.

Unlimited Broadband: This is a term that can be used in conjunction with usage limits. Sometime a ‘fair use policy’ (or acceptable use policy) may accompany such plans that stipulate speed can be reduced after a specific amount of data is consumed (e.g. 30GB). Sounds limited doesn’t it?

Download Limit/Usage Limit: Many ISP’s have appeared to steer away from using the term ‘Download Limit’ as many Providers now charge for uploading too. Uploads are necessary not matter what actions you perform on the Internet. They can contribute to approximately 25% of your total data usage, so it might be worth taking that into consideration when considering Broadband Plans and asking your prospective ISP’s if they charge for uploading.

Early Termination Fees: Looking for a Non Fixed (month-to-month) Broadband plans that don’t come with a lengthy contract term? Think again. Another tactic that can be used by Providers is an early termination fee. For example, you may enter a non fixed broadband plan and decide to transfer providers after 3 months only to find out there is a early termination fee for those leaving within 6 months. Sounds like a contract length to me. http://broadbandguide.com.au/no-contract

Wireless Broadband Security: You need to keep your wireless network secured. Just because your ISP gives you a unique user name and pass that doesn’t mean your wireless network is secure. It’s recommended that you use encryption to protect it, otherwise nearby users will be able to access your network. A method of encryption is WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) . Use this and make up a pass containing both numerical and alphabetical characters.

Broadband Plan Finder – Beginners Search

]]> http://broadbandguide.com.au/blogs/2009/10/broadband-buyers-guide-australia/feed/ 0 http://broadbandguide.com.au/blogs/2007/10/new-adsl-pricing-structure-for-people/ http://broadbandguide.com.au/blogs/2007/10/new-adsl-pricing-structure-for-people/#comments Sun, 07 Oct 2007 15:15:00 +0000 Admin /blogs/people_telecom_broadband/archive/2007/10/08/new-adsl-pricing-structure-for-people.aspx People Telecom have today introduced an overhaul for their ADSL Plans/Pricing structure in a bid to keep high standards in check and ensure quality of service.  Current customers will not be affected by the new changes as their contracts are ‘grandfathered’.

When so many ISP and Broadband services appear to be raising fees and charges significantly, People Telecom price changes have been kept at a very low minimum, with customers now being rewarded by choosing longer contract terms.

View and Compare People Telecom ADSL Broadband Plans right here at Broadband Guide.

Bundling your Broadband, mobile phone, home phone, VoIP and Pay TV services into the one package is usually the way to go when it comes to saving a few dollars on your overall monthly bill. Many Broadband Internet Service Providers constantly advertise special offers, deals or discounts for a multiple service Bundle when you typically sign up on a 12 or 24 month contract. The longer the contract length you sign up to, usually equates to a larger discount. Or does it? A recent SMH article suggests that ‘all is not what it seems’ and that consumers should carefully read all the terms and conditions prior to joining a Bundled Plan in haste. It certainly pays to make enquiries prior to joining a bundled package or when speaking to a customer service operator regardless of the discount you receive. 

Telecommunications companies have upped the ante in their sales and marketing by enticing consumers into agreeing to contracts for bundled packages of broadband, landline, mobile and pay TV on the promise of big savings. But contracts agreed to in haste may not always deliver the best results.

“It looks competitive because there are so many price plans but it’s so difficult to analyse,” says independent telecommunications consultant Paul Budde.

**Remember: Before signing up to a Bundled Contract, make sure you ask the customer service representative about any issues you may have on connection times, billing enquiries, contractual queries, processing times and hidden fees or extra penalties that you may incur for extra data usage or terminating your contract prior to it’s completion.

Handy Broadband Bundle links:
Broadband Bundles at Broadband Guide
Broadband Plan Search including Bundle Options

Look no further as Broadband Guide understands the complex issues and confusion behind choosing a Broadband Plan that’s right for you, and as a result have implemented many online resources to ease the burden. Making an informed choice has never been easier when using one of many search and comparison tools at Broadband Guide. Perhaps the easiest method, for even the most novice user, is our Broadband Plan Wizard. This online resource is simple to navigate and will take you through a step by step process which will assist you with making a Broadband choice within minutes, no matter how much you know.

For those with a greater understanding of Broadband Internet can use the Browse or Search Plan features which give a user greater control over the Broadband criteria that they seek from a Plan.

Broadband Guide also targets specific direct and indirect usage areas of Broadband Internet use, and from this have categorized individual areas to assist those who know exactly want they want from their Broadband.

All the tools you need to find a Broadband Plan that’s right for you!

What type of Broadband Internet is right for you? Everyone has their own specific requirements for purchasing a Plan. For Example. ADSL, Cable, Wireless, High Speed, Usage Limits, Upgrading from Dial Up, Broadband Bundles, Cheap Broadband Prices, Broadband Special Offers and Deals etc.. That’s just some of the criteria that people select as a primary method of preference.

If you’re not exactly sure about what you want from a Broadband Plan or Bundle, or if you’re interested to see what other people are viewing and buying, how about checking out our Most Popular Broadband section as a guide. The list of products there are compiled from our data base which shows statistics ranging from Broadband Plan Searches, Broadband Plan Comparisons and joining Broadband Plans.

Most Popular Broadband Plans and Bundles at Broadband Guide

Other useful links at Broadband Guide:
Broadband Bundles
Upgrading from Dial Up
Cheap Broadband

Make an informed choice on Broadband the easy way, and within minutes, by using the Broadband Guide ‘Plan Wizard’. If you’re new to Broadband, having issues selecting an Internet Plan or perhaps wishing to switch Providers, then try our Plan Wizard. It’s an easy to use online tool that assists you with choosing a suitable Broadband Plan almost immediately.  What’s more, once you find the right plan or bundled package, the joining process can be completed almost instantly by simply calling the respective ISP’s phone number that appears in the Plan, or by applying directly online. 

Just follow the seven Step-by-Step Guide below and find a plan that’s right for you within minutes. Try it and see for yourself how easy it can be!

1. Click on the Broadband Plan Wizard link –> here ( http://choice.broadbandguide.com.au/introduction)

2. Select your State of residence

3. Select your preferred Broadband Type

4. Select your preferred Broadband Speed

5. Select Download Limit (estimation usage choice or select pre-determined amount)

6. Select Contract Term

7. Select Standalone or Bundle service

Hey Presto! After this process is completed, a list of Plans based on the criteria you entered will be returned. If not, it’s possible that some of the criteria you entered was not compatible> If so, you will need to start again using different criteria parameters. OK, once you have found the Plan or Product of your choice, or if you wish to find out further information on a plan, call the associated phone number that should be displayed in the respective Plan’s details.

Good luck.

Regards,

Broadband Guide

More Broadband:
Various Broadband Options to choose from
Broadband Bundles: Choice of  Internet, Home Phone, Mobile Phone, VoiP & Pay TV

You can receive Internet Access almost immediately, along with extensive information on Broadband right now with our free to use service. No need to wait any longer or spend countless hours researching Internet Service Providers or Plans when everything can be explained in simple to understand English right here at Broadband Guide or by speaking to a consultant. 

Search, compare, and find the best Broadband Internet Plans right here within seconds!  Using Broadband Guide’s Search & Comparison Tools can be a very fast, efficient and informative avenue of finding a Broadband Plan thats right for you. Furthermore, once you’ve found a Broadband Product that you like, you then have the option of joining up to that plan right there and then! Searching for Broadband has never been easier.

Search & Comparison Features
The Broadband Guide site has been developed to help prevent the complexities involved with searching for plans and facilitating the process of making an informed choice. Below are some of the features you can use to find a plan thats right for you.

Quick Search - Search by ISP, Type, Speed & Limit. A simple yet fast and efficient feature for those who have a rough idea of what they want from a Broadband Plan.

Refine Search - After using the Quick Search function, users are then able to ‘refine’ their search returns by making a selection from the added criteria available – Contract Length, Bundle Options and Pricing.

Search Plans – This advanced method of search enables users to make customized selections by using a Dynamic Display Interface thats simple and enjoyable to use. Here you can choose from Region, Type, Provider, Speed, Download Limit, Contract Length and Price Range.

# Note - A Comparison feature can be used in conjunction with any Search function. Simply check the boxes that appear on the left hand side of each plan in the search results, then either scroll up or down to the ‘Compare Selected Plans’ button, then simply ‘click’. A new window will  then display a comparison of all the associated plans you selected. You can choose 2, 3, or more plans at one time to compare.

Browse Plans
Alternatively, for those seeking further information on Plans, our ‘Browse Plans’ section has an array of various components that lets users browse Connection Types, Popular Plan Types, Australia’s Broadband Internet Service Providers & Broadband Regions along with a Help Centre full of Resources.

Plan Finder Wizard
Another excellent plan search tool that we provide thats simple and fun to use. With its dynamic features and comprehensive information on Broadband, an informed choice is only steps away. Highly Recommend!

Tips
Broadband Guide Forums – Not sure about which plan to join, or perhaps you want some advice? Ask and answer questions, or add comments and concerns in our Broadband Forum. Joining is easy and instant. Also Highly Recommend!

Broadband Help Centre - Choose from a smorgusboard of topics. Technical; Services & Uses; Conversion Tables and much much more.

Which Plan? - If you’re not exactly sure about which plan to join? When in doubt consider starting on plan that has a smaller usage limit and slower speed. It’s usually ‘free’ to upgrade but not to downgrade.

Terms & Conditions - Its a must to read over, or inquire about a respective Internet Service Provider’s, or Individual Plan’s Terms & Conditions. There are quite often user guidelines or specific conditions that can be overlooked or interpreted incorrectly. A quick example is excess usage conditions (responsible usage and charged or speed limited usage conditions) and contract lengths (moving house, changing providers, early termination fees). Don’t get caught out!

Research - Ask friends or colleagues and surf the Internet for handy advice and feedback that could help you out. Using keywords in search engines can be very useful for finding out relevent information.
 

Good Luck!

Broadband Guide
 

Here’s are a few simple pointers that we hope will assist you when choosing a plan thats right for you.

Budget
How much are you prepared to pay per month? Try compare it to your home phone & mobile bills, or reach a figure that reflects the amount of time you intend on using Broadband Internet. * Remember, it can pay to start on a lower priced plan as it usually doesn’t cost anything to upgrade, but it can cost you to downgrade! Also keep in mind the length of your contract and what it means (or costs) to break it if necessary.

Usage
Perhaps one of the hardest choices to make when it comes to choosing a Broadband Plan revolves around the download usage limit. Again, how frequently are you intending on using the Internet and what for? Budget/New – Light Use: New, occasional, and light frequent users who intend on using the Internet for surfing, chatting, banking, paying bills and emailing will use a small amount of data. Popular/Light – Medium Use: Those intending on constantly using the Internet and to download files such as music and pictures will start pushing the limit a little further. Medium – Heavy Use: Then we have the heavy users, those that are always online and constantly download huge files such as Movies, Major Software Applications and regularly Stream Video.

Types
Availability aside, most ISP’s offer quality products and reliable services. ADSL is by far the most common choice of Broadband among Australians, as its infrastructure is already in place and can be installed quickly. Cable is next in line but is generally limited to metro/major regional areas. Cable is currently on par with ADSL2/2+ Speeds, however its robust nature also allows other services such as Pay TV to run parallel on the same line. After these types comes Wireless Broadband Internet. Its nowhere near as fast and robust as ADSL & Cable, yet its technology and coverage is rapidly growing and can be very appealing for its mobile flexibility.

Bundling
Bundling services like Mobile Phone & Home Phone accounts with your Broadband Internet can save you more than a few dollars every month. Reduced monthly Broadband fees and or other special entitlements can make bundling your Internet service attractive. Bundling is displayed on Broadband Guide products where applicable, so keep an eye out for these options.

Broadband Guide highly recommends that you visit the following sections. These guides plus heaps more Tips and Faq’s on Broadband related information can be found in our Broadband Help Centre.

Broadband Speed Comparisons - Find out about, and compare Broadband Speeds
Download Usage Guide – Facts, Figures and Measurements on Downloading

Good Luck!

Regards,

Broadband Guide

Are you working from home? Perhaps you may own and operate a small business. Did you know that Broadband Guide can assist you to find a suitable plan primarily for your business as well as your home? 

We’ve actually created a search feature designed specifically for Professionals, Network Share and SOHO (Small Office Home Office) type businesses. Based on research and feedback, we’ve compiled a list of popular products thats especially suited for these purposes. Simply click on this link or on the Small Business link found on our front page. It’s that easy.

As some of you may know, most Internet Services Providers usually require you to Bundle a Broadband Plan in order to obtain ADSL2+ products. This trend appears to be gradually changing with iiNet leading the way with their recent Broadband Plan overhaul.

Previous iiNet Standalone Plans that were limited to download speeds of 3,000kbps have now been upgraded to potentially reach ADSL2+ speeds up to 24,000kbps. No longer will you need to Bundle an ADSL2+ Plan to enjoy maximum Bandwidth connectivity.

Check out iiNet’s new range of ADSL2+ Standalone Plans along with their entire list of other ADSL/ADSL2+ products here. 

Regards

Broadband Guide 

With ADSL2+ Products constantly being deployed throughout Australia, more and more exchanges are being enabled with the latest Broadband technology. Taking the continual ADSL2+ Roll out into account, I’d like to point out that availability for these products in some areas will be limited. So if you’re considering joining or switching to an ADSL2+ Plan, it’s advised that you contact your prospective Provider to enquire about the availability in your area….. Keeping in mind that if you already have ADSL enabled in your area, it doesn’t necessarily mean that ADSL2+ will be currently available.

You can view Westnet and Netspace products by clicking here and using our search feature tool.

Regards,

Broadband Guide

We have been working hard over the past few months to bring you the new Broadband Guide website, broadband blog and a new forum to help you with all things broadband.  The new site will help you make an informed choice when looking for Internet Access as it has many tools to make the buying process easier. You can compare broadband plans from multiple broadband providers side by side. We have rebuilt the Plan Finder Wizard and have a new Advanced Search Tool. We also have a new Broadband Help Center with many tools and resources dedicated to Broadband.

Cheers

BBG