What Other Options Do You Have if nbn HFC Keeps Having Outages?

Lpahuang on 10/07/2023 - 15:52
Last edited 10/07/2023 - 16:13 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I live in a place where cable network used to work really well. A few years ago they forced us all to move to NBN and HFC is the only option here. It worked ok for the first a few years except noticeable service degradation during raining days. I tried purchasing the top speed plan (100M?) from Aussie Broadband but the speed is pretty much capped so now I am with 50M plan. I know ABB is just a provider so no complain to them.

Now in the recent month, there are planned outage or emergency outage of NBN happening almost every week. Some planned one happened in the midnight which I am fine with. But there are more and more emergency outage just happen during the day which interrupts my work as I work full time remotely.

I already checked, there is no 5g, no free upgrade to FTTP option (unless I pay premium I guess). ABB doesn't have 4G fallback but also I am not sure about 4G either. My phone with telstra network (woolworth mobile) have weak signal (1,2 bar at home).

So, does anyone has similar experiences have any advises? What other options is viable?

TL;DR; I'm on HFC NBN and NBN keeps having outage in my area. No 5G, no FTTP, what can I do?

Poll Options

  • 11
    4g fallback
  • 0
    go to local library for free wifi
  • 7
    just pray
  • 0
    wait for 5G
  • 2
    wait for FTTP
  • 0
    wait for NBN to settle down
Internet Broadband HFC nbn

Comments

  • battler on 10/07/2023 - 15:59
    +2
    • bikies
  • scrimshaw on 10/07/2023 - 15:59
    +2

    Starlink? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/deals/starlink.com

    You'll need to check your address to see if you're in the sat coverage zone.

  • ESEMCE on 10/07/2023 - 16:01
    +3

    Complain is all you can do. You definitely should complain as if it is a fixable issue, it will only be repaired if you make a complaint.
    Secondary option is to move to an ISP with 4G fallback.
    Even slow connectivity is better than no connectivity.

    • pahuang on 10/07/2023 - 16:56

      Thanks. Complain to nbn or complain to ABB? I can't seem to find any complain channel in NBN in regards to service disruption. It seems they only let you complain about bad installation or device? https://www.nbnco.com.au/support/complaints

      • Twix on 10/07/2023 - 17:17
        +2

        Call and complain to Aussie BB. If you get nowhere after a week go and escalate the complaint here.

      • ESEMCE on 11/07/2023 - 09:17

        You can only complain to your ISP, so ABB in this case. They will escalate the issue to NBN probably after getting you to do a few basic troubleshooting steps like power cycling your HFC Modem

  • Twix on 10/07/2023 - 16:04
    +2

    The top HFC plan is 1000/50. You shouldn't be capped at 50/20. Has nbn replaced your NTD and coax lead-in cable?

    You are probably looking at $10k to $20k for the HFC to FTTP install. Get a $0 quote here.

    • pahuang on 11/07/2023 - 16:06

      holy… if I go to starbucks or library and use their free wifi I feel like I am saving $10k already

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/07/2023 - 16:10

    Maybe a 4g powered business plan? Seems to work ok at my office, we got a 4g plan for data, one for voice (via optus loop cloud network).

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2023 - 19:42

      Yikes 4G for voice I mean its OK for a backup but 5G is far better and fixed line even better again. You can get NBNEE for a reasonable price at CBD office buildings or even the Fibre 10000GBPS product from TPG. Talk to a reseller for better pricing.
      Yes in selected CBD areas you can get 10GBPS links for business connectivity now.
      Not that expensive either.

  • Benoffie on 10/07/2023 - 16:32
    +1

    Had the same issue. After loads of complaints, narrowed it down to the new lead in cable. They refused to replace it.

    During a timely storm, we went out and ripped it down. Made it look legit.

    Replaced. All good after that. NBN are 100% idiots

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2023 - 19:36

      Officially I wouldn't recommend doing that, as technically its tampering with federal government communications infrastructure and can attract huge fines and criminal convictions.
      I'd just see if fixed Wireless was available in the area.
      That said as I've said previously NBN Co don't give a stuff about residential customers its all about the business end of town.
      If you pay NBN Co enough they will give you Fibre even in Satellite or fixed wireless areas NBNEE is available everywhere its just expensive.

  • Love a bargain on 10/07/2023 - 17:14
    +6

    1. Woolworths mobile doesn't have access to the full Telstra spectrum. Get a Boost or Telstra prepaid sim to see if reception improves.

    2. Maybe also see if optus/ Vodafone has better reception at your place. Telstra isn't always superior.

    3. If either of these works, consider if using 4G mobile broadband (or just 4G data on number SIMs) instead of NBN is a viable option.

    • Love a bargain on 12/07/2023 - 12:21

      Was meant to say "normal SIMs", not "number SIMs".

  • JimmyF on 10/07/2023 - 17:16
    +2

    What Other Options Do You Have if nbn HFC Keeps Having Outages?

    Pay for FTTP upgrade

    https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/technology-choice-program/onl…

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2023 - 19:47
      -3

      The NBN Co technology choice program isn't available in HFC areas only for FTTN or fixed Wireless.
      As HFC can already reach speeds of 1000Mbps so job done as far as NBN Co is concerned.
      The only upgrade to Fibre that would be possible in HFC areas would be NBNEE Enterprise Ethernet which is aimed at larger businesses needing both the same upload and download speeds and priority service.
      That said a few home users people running video editing businesses from home etc who require decent upload speeds have opted for this solution but it starts at around $300 per month depending on the speed required and the location.

      • JimmyF on 11/07/2023 - 20:41
        +2

        The NBN Co technology choice program isn't available in HFC areas only for FTTN or fixed Wireless.

        Its available anywhere. Enter your HFC address in the above link and get your quote.

        As HFC can already reach speeds of 1000Mbps so job done as far as NBN Co is concerned.

        HFC can be upgraded to FTTP, you just pay for it.

        If you have crap HFC, you either keep complaining to support in hope they fix it one day or pay for a upgrade to FTTP.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2023 - 13:22

          Oh right yeah nah, cheaper to register an ABN setup a home based business, or if working from home just get permission to use your works business details and setup an NBNEE Business connection as its only $300 a month starting price so would work out cheaper then the technology choice program in most cases.
          The quotes NBN Co want is a rather expensive I mean if they are charging you more then $3000 up front cheaper to just get NBN EE for 36 months.
          This depends on location but the prices i've scene it would be cheaper to just buy a 100/100Mbps NBNEE plan. Or even a faster one.

  • payless69 on 10/07/2023 - 20:00

    My ABB kept on slowing down down down.
    Got temporary help out of hell but as new games come out the NBN backbone is just what the name suggest a BONE.
    Back to the Dog and Bone stoneage.

    Last minute a glimmer of ABB promise: For AUD 799 PLUS GST every month it supposed to be a little bit faster.
    Phew!

  • bteq on 15/08/2023 - 15:28

    I feel for you. Took me months, 2 RSPs and 2 NBN visits. Because of the outrageous NBN requirement that it has to be failing 5 times PER DAY to allow a NBN call-out! In the end all they had to do is replace my NTD 🙄 (PS - NEVER sign up with SpinTel - Aussie BB were too honest for their own good, tried really really hard to help and get NBN out again, but in the end NBN was blaming them and they couldn’t prove it wasn’t them despite seeing no evidence it was, so they were very honest and told me they’d run out of options - I’m about to churn back to them now because of that since Launtel is upping there 50/20 plan to $102/month ($3.40/day) 😲)

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2023 - 15:41

      Yikes $102 a month for 50/20 Mbps is quite a lot.
      You would want a lot of extras for that considering most business NBN plans are cheaper then that and include a routable static IP.

  • pahuang on 17/08/2023 - 11:15

    thanks for all the info. I got my quote from upgrade choice, which is $30,960 inc. GST (FTTP)…… just no way…
    I switched to telstra that has 4g fallback. but 4g speed is around 10m which is only enough for checking emails not enough for anything else. Tried going to nearest library and the speed there is also not enough. Tried lodged complain/request to telstra and they contacted NBN to check this Monday (first said will be onsite but then sms to say no need to onsite). So far it seem to be a bit more stable. I will keep complaining as others suggested if this happens again. Meanwhile NBN EE seems to be really a viable option. I am guessing the service uptime guarantee would force NBN to take it seriously? It may be my last hope…

    • Twix on 17/08/2023 - 18:58

      Enterprise ethernet is fibre. Are you willing to pay around $300 a month for 100/100 on a 3 year contract?

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