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Belong - Free Line Installation and Setup

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Belong - Free Line Installation and Setup
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freedomtrader on 29/09/2014 - 22:37 belong.com.au (1472 clicks)
Last edited 04/10/2014 - 12:21 by 1 other user

I'm moving into a new home and upon finding out I would need to install a phone line for Adsl2+, I was mortified at the cost that Telstra quoted me for line installation - $299 minimum! No internet company I've looked at can seem to waive this except Belong. I almost couldn't believe my ears when the sales rep told me that they would waive the line installation and setup costs. I only have to pay for the $10 modem and the monthly fee. Apparently this is a special promo that ends on the 2nd of October. Saved myself over $400 so I signed up right away! Anyway, seemed like a decent bargain so thought I'd post

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  • mwblink86 on 29/09/2014 - 22:39

    I thought belong was owned by Telstra? I might be wrong

    • jv on 29/09/2014 - 22:49
      +7

      "Belong is a division of Tel$tra Corporation Limited"

    • IVI on 30/09/2014 - 05:11

      So, how free will it be…? I guess you'll be paying - what? ~ $ 30 / mon - forever, right?

      ie, you won't have the option of a "naked" ADSL connection… right?

      • IVI on 30/09/2014 - 05:49

        As I that: No one gets trenching costs waived!
        also, it's $70 / Mon for 70 GB or $80 / Mon for 250 GB. only 2 plans to choose from.
        includes cost of line, free local & 1300 calls. not a deal, IMO.

        • abh_gup on 30/09/2014 - 09:07

          Quality! Telstra direct Internet is much better (including service) than that of TPG and most similar cheaper options there, IMHO. That's why a slightly higher ongoing cost.

        • freedomtrader on 30/09/2014 - 11:46

          @abh_gup:

          Exactly. Sometimes it's worth paying extra for quality!

        • Nousernamehere on 30/09/2014 - 16:50

          @abh_gup: Internode give you 250GB a month as well for $79.90 including line rental (http://www.internode.on.net/residential/adsl_broadband/easy_…). iiNet are the same. Sure, it doesn't give you local calls, but most people don't even use a landline for calls nowadays anyway.

          Would you say that Internode aren't a 'quality' provider?

        • tommy-darko on 01/10/2014 - 18:24

          Adam Internet Naked DSL at $60/month for 200GB is still good value. I've been on that plan myself for about 2 years and with uploads not counting towards your download quota, you can torrent and game away to you heart's content.

  • ezza on 29/09/2014 - 22:48
    +4

    Not sure that the telephone line connection is free maybe you got someone to waive it out for you.
    The activation of Adsl on an active line would be free from my understanding.

    • jv on 29/09/2014 - 22:51
      +4

      it says on the website that activation is free until 2 Oct. Does not mention free line installs…

  • NosDan on 29/09/2014 - 22:51
    +13

    did you finally kick that gold digger to the kurb and move out on your own? if so im willing to kick in some bucks to pay for your internet connection :)

    • Bren20 on 30/09/2014 - 11:23
      +1

      haha, the wording of your comment seems to have changed overnight! Probably for the best

      • NosDan on 30/09/2014 - 11:42
        +2

        it actually changed twice…. seems there was a sneeky mod edit after i posted originally which changed it from "bitch" to "person"…. i guess gold digger still works ;)

  • thejew on 29/09/2014 - 23:05

    Month to month or are you now locked in?

    • Logical on 30/09/2014 - 09:02
      +7

      with the marriage plan or the adsl2+ ?

  • paloverde88 on 29/09/2014 - 23:05

    I agree this is a fantastic deal never to be repeated again deal I signed up too. Only thing is you do have to wait a while for the Telstra tech to visit if you have no phone line like where I am. No other ISP will waive setup charge or Telstra tech visit charge, even if they make you sign a 24 month contract they still want the setup charge so this is really a Ozbargainer's dream. Plus there is no contract for this one, you can leave anytime no penalty no excess charge just shaped.

    • Nousernamehere on 29/09/2014 - 23:23
      +5

      No other ISP will waive setup charge or Telstra tech visit charge

      That would be because it's a Telstra charge.. and wow, who'd of thought that Telstra could waive a fee that they're responsible for, it's awesome to be a monopoly! :)

    • Axelstrife on 30/09/2014 - 01:43
      -1

      Iprimus credited my a count $299 when a tech had to come out to my house.
      i still had to pay setup fees which wher much less then $299.
      plus i am getting unlimited adsl2+ for $59.95

  • Make it so on 29/09/2014 - 23:43

    I'm with Belong. Great connection, very good value. But don't waste your money on their "technicolour" modem router.

  • dosada on 30/09/2014 - 00:20
    +1

    Server not found

    Firefox can't find the server at www.belong.com.au.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2014 - 00:35

    I doubt they are waiving the $299, usually it is only the $59, but they are part of Telstra so it is plausible even though Telstra retail doesn't even do this.

    • batrarobin on 30/09/2014 - 00:47

      I just had an online chat with them, they confirmed it that there will be no setup charges. I mentioned to him that we need connection to a new home where there is no line connected etc.

    • IVI on 30/09/2014 - 05:53

      They told me: No one gets Trenching fees waived. I have you got a new house with no lines to it?
      our target (for daughter) is more like an(existing) granny flat (no phone line to it). they didn't answer my question about any above ground options for phone line…!!! grrr!!!

      • Make it so on 30/09/2014 - 10:56
        +2

        I think there are three different kind of scenarios:
        1) There is a line in the house, and it has a dial tone. They normally used to charge about $59 to get it hooked up to an account
        2) there is a physical line, but it is not "connected" (no dial tone). This happens when a line has not been used for a long time, and they needed to use the connection (socket?) in the exchange for another line. In this case, they used to charge $150 on top of the normal $59 connection fee to get it hooked back up. So the physical infrastructure is there, but it's "offline".
        3) There is no physical line, and physical work needs to be done to get one connected.

        I suspect Belong may cover (1) and (2), but not (3). That's my guess.

        • Johnny-Kun on 30/09/2014 - 11:13

          You are totally correct there buddy ;)

      • IVI on 01/10/2014 - 05:33

        Were YOU told "Trenching fees waived."

        If so, I suggest you USE CHAT & get a transcript of what you were told (eg: $0 Trenching) eMailed to you at end of chat.

        If anyone spoke - by phone - to Belong, maybe an overly eager sales droid said what s/he thought s/he had to to get you to sign-up, to earn point towards min quota or some bonus. Better have a voice recorder running ("by mistake") as you hear about waived fees…

        • aaronaldo on 01/10/2014 - 09:33

          Have a look in the FAQ

          Line installation is included (according to the Sales rep). Trenching will be extra cost though, but you can back out of the whole service after receiving the quote from Belong.

  • batrarobin on 30/09/2014 - 00:46

    Signed up :)

  • Axelstrife on 30/09/2014 - 01:39
    +4

    It's $0 "ACTIVATION" fees NOT installation.

  • marcozmitch on 30/09/2014 - 02:31

    I would be (pleasantly) surprised if it included free "trenching" as mentioned in the critical information summary.

    • freedomtrader on 30/09/2014 - 07:52
      +1

      Yep, I told the rep that I didn't have a line running through the house as it's a new property. He confirmed that they'll waive the line installation, technician and setup costs. It's a promo until the 2nd October

  • tintsurfer on 30/09/2014 - 06:29
    +1

    We're currently unable to provide services at your address

    but telstra can LOL

  • freedomtrader on 30/09/2014 - 07:50

    I asked confirmed with the rep 3 times and he confirmed $299 waived and setup costs also waived. This is a great deal considering I'm only going to be in the property for probably 12 months and me and the missus are only light to moderate internet users. I didn't say it's the best deal out there - but it's the best for our situation!

  • theguru1 on 30/09/2014 - 08:05

    Telstra will usually pay the first 20m of conduit/ line, but not the trenching. You can have the trenching done by a private contractor. Probably cheaper.

    There are some Telstra plans where the $299 installation fee is waived.

  • Kolo on 30/09/2014 - 09:00

    If you speak to enough telstra people and tell them you cant afford the installation fees, they have the ability to wave the installation fee (i.e. just charge you the normal monthly fee).

    If it doesnt work, try saying first you want the budget line (cheapest on the market), and potentially mention you have a senior in the house.

    I've never paid installation fees for Telstra and i refuse to, thelines are already there and someone just needs to plug something in.

    • abh_gup on 30/09/2014 - 09:10
      +1

      The servicing/maintenance of the port for ADSL does have costs attached (and leasing costs for other companies too). I've previously worked for telecom for 5 years. Laying down new lines to each new house built and to new estates/suburbs costs money too, so does phone booths and fibre cable lines… something that none other than Telstra does (and previously Optus)… consumers don't see that extra effort by Telstra there!

      • MeltingIron on 30/09/2014 - 14:13

        Hi abh_gup…. I agree with you on the cost factor.. but cannot justify ongoing line rental that Telstra charges. So first they charge for the setup of the line ( Like build a home and sell it), then they still charge for the line rental which they have already sold.

    • Make it so on 30/09/2014 - 15:15

      Too often Telstra will pull the "this line is disconnected" trick out. They once did this to a roommate a long time ago for a line which had been connected just a week ago!
      Fortunately the Telstra rep was helpful. He said he would put it through the system "as if it was connected", and then if it does not work, lodge a fault.

  • tanastra on 30/09/2014 - 10:05

    thanks OP for posting.
    my property is able to "belong", however i could not figure out how much the rental line going to be. it says for 250 GB, minimum cost is $70 + Phone Line cost, however next to it , it shows $60 for 250 gig plan . So, at the end, i am really not sure what is the total cost per month for this plan. it really sounds like telstra, kind of difficult to figure simple things out. stick to internode for now.

  • spendinghacker on 30/09/2014 - 10:19
    +4

    Just to clarify to everyone what the 'Free activation' means in the context of this promo. I have just formally confirmed this with Belong.

    1. If you have a current ADSL service (including naked ADSL) and wish to switch - you qualify

    2. If you don't have an active ADSL service but do have an active landline on the Telstra network - you qualify

    3. If you do not have an active Telstra landline but the property did have at some point in the past - you qualify.

    4. If the property you live in has never had an active Telstra phone line but cabling is already in place - you qualify.

    5. If the property never got cabled for Telstra (e.g brand new build or only has Optus cabling) - you do not qualify and will have to pay the normal prices for Telstra cabling work to be done. If that is you, I suggest you stick with mobile broadband (you can get 12GB for $40 a month with Virgin) and wait it out for the NBN.

    • freedomtrader on 30/09/2014 - 10:44
      +2

      Really? That's not what the rep told me

      • freedomtrader on 04/10/2014 - 12:26

        Correction. You're right trenching is not included. Luckily, I don't need it! :)

    • aaronaldo on 30/09/2014 - 12:23

      For your last point, that wasn't what I was told on the phone. Cabling is included as part of the $0 installation. However, trenching is not included.

      That's what it says on their website as well

      • spendinghacker on 03/10/2014 - 16:21

        I'm assuming you are referring to this sentence:

        Note if a new phone line is required, there may be additional costs if any trenching is required.

        According to what I've been told by the Belong team, this is what this refers to:

        "If the property never had a Telstra phone line before but does have an existing connection to the closest exchange (i.e cabling is in place), there will be a need for a Telstra technician to visit the premises. The cost for that is normally $299 but will be waived as part of the current promotion.

        If there is no cabling in place connecting the premises to the closest Telstra exchange, this will need to be done first and is referred to as 'trenching'. Trenching work can be undertaken by Telstra or the customer might choose to employ a third party who is authorised by Telstra to conduct such work. Either way, the cost of this will be payable by the customer and is not included in the current promotion"

        I hope that clarifies my previous post.

        • aaronaldo on 20/10/2014 - 21:22

          Well, I'm connected to Belong now. Telstra technician came and installed a brand new line from the telegraph pole to my house. Granted it was overhead and not underground. Very happy that I got it all for free.

  • Candour on 30/09/2014 - 10:39

    what is trenching?

    am with iinet on a contract till mar 2015
    exit fees will kill the deal now.

    had dropouts and poor speeds
    belong said they would not connect adsl naked as there would be poor speed
    iinet says i get good speed.

    a good find.

    • spendinghacker on 30/09/2014 - 10:41
      +2

      "trenching" is the industry term for the work of putting the actual physical cabling in your property for the Telstra landline (i.e connecting your property to the closest Telstra phone exchange).

      As per point 5 in my post above, if you require 'trenching' you do not qualify for the free install.

    • Make it so on 30/09/2014 - 11:01

      I had a poor connection with Iinet as well. Moved to Belong, now a rock solid connection with a 25% higher sync speed. Highest speed I ever had at my property.

  • PissLUR on 30/09/2014 - 10:51

    I am not suprised with the free line installation and set up offered by belong because I also received the same offer 3 months ago.

    • freedomtrader on 30/09/2014 - 11:45

      Agreed. That's exactly what was offered to me last night.

  • theguru1 on 30/09/2014 - 11:55

    I found that no one would include free installation if no line was in place (active or not), except for Telstra.
    Doesn't help that it is a rural area and the exchange is totally Telstra.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2014 - 15:44

    Be prepared if they actually backed out from the free $299.
    It may be a miscommunication.

    If they honor it, it's a good bargain

    • spendinghacker on 08/10/2014 - 13:24

      I signed up my mum to that deal and she already got it installed.

      She moved to a new place that never had an active phone line before (but had the cabling to the local exchange).

      Both her landline and ADSL2+ service are now up and running (as of yesterday) and she didn't pay a cent for installation. This deal is legit :)

  • Talonparty on 30/09/2014 - 16:09
    +2

    Ah the benefits of a vertically integrated monopoly. Charge competitors $300 just to connect while you can do it free yourself.

    Unfortunately it's looking like NBNco is almost failing on purpose and will no doubt be sold to telstra for a pittance. This kind of thing will probably be the norm for the next 20 years.

    It's worth noting (if you didn't already know) that there is no $299 fee to connect to the NBN if you are lucky enough to be connected.

    • spendinghacker on 08/10/2014 - 13:25

      no $299 fee to connect to the NBN

      If your prediction about NBN Co. is correct, that will not last for very long….

  • tomwood on 01/10/2014 - 03:19

    What about Optus' month-to-month bundles that include free connection? (page2)

    And I thought Telstra's residential ADSL2 network, even direct, was generally worse than others?

    • spendinghacker on 04/10/2014 - 12:51
      +1

      They only give you 50GB a month for your $80. Also, their footprint is quite limited and is probably even less than Belong's.

      If you can't access Belong Services but happen to be able to connect to the Optus network, this might be worth a try just to get yourself the initial connection for no cost.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/10/2014 - 20:58

    I'm subscribed with Exetel. Just moved house and got a new connection (I had a previous connection for 12 months as well). There was an issue with the phone line and they sent out a Telstra tech. He reconnected the wires at the MDF on the side of the small unit complex (12 units) and then reconnected the wires inside my house which turned out to be the problem. Exetel only charged me $59 instead of the usual $200+ fee which I'm pretty happy about.

    I pay $70 a month for 500GB download, unlimited upload, static IP and line rental. That's on a regional exchange too so everyone can get it for that price. 12 month contract though so I know that might turn off some people but it's still better than 24 month contract.

    They have good service and support, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. TBH the best part of their support is that you can get support by email so everyone has a written transcript, not just the telco.

    Also just a heads up, when I was with Telstra I asked if I could change my contract and not have it renew another 24months in the process and got it. That was the only way I was able to leave them after 3 years total.

    • spendinghacker on 04/10/2014 - 12:55
      +2

      IMHO, signing up for a contract that locks you in is NEVER EVER justified due to the potential for a high 'opportunity cost' due to not being able to grab a better deal if it comes along.

      I am happy (and advocate the same to our readers) to even pay slightly more just so that I am not 'locked in'.

      The freedom to choose is the MOST important protection you have as a consumer and you must protect it at all costs !

      http://spendinghacker.com.au/loyalty-is-dead/

  • bitambitious on 02/10/2014 - 21:48
    +3

    I just signed up to the ADSL2+ bundle~ using the promo code OFFERV - $0 activation and $1 modem instead of paying $10 for the modem :) This promo code was advertised on the mx paper.

    • Make it so on 06/10/2014 - 12:43
      +1

      If you have an existing modem, do not throw it away yet. My 8-year-old Netgear modem/router syncs at speeds 15% higher than the "Technicolor" one provided by Belong. The Technicolor modem is locked out (cannot change all settings), only has 1 gigabit port (for WAN), and I think I read that Wireless 'n' is limited to 140mbps. It's still worth $1, though, because it comes with high-quality network cables and a Telstra ADSL splitter.

      • spendinghacker on 06/10/2014 - 13:50

        The Technicolor modem is locked out

        That is incorrect based on the official blurb from Belong as well as my own personal experience (I have been able to use the modem with another provider other than Belong or Telstra). The modem can be configured to be used with any PPPoE ADSL service:
        https://help.adsl.belong.com.au/customer/portal/articles/156…

        With regards to the expected speeds, here is the blurb from the Belong mob as to what you can expect:
        https://help.adsl.belong.com.au/customer/portal/articles/156…

        • Make it so on 07/10/2014 - 15:20
          -1

          Yes, you can change WiFi settings, and PPPoE credentials. But you could not user this modem/router with any other provider. That means locked.

          As for your "expected speeds", I was comparing to another modem. Of course speed changes with distance to the exchange. That has nothing to do with the fact that at a given distance, the technicolor router gives a lower speed than another router.

  • spendinghacker on 04/10/2014 - 10:42
    +1

    FYI everyone. This offer has been extended till October 31st. Get in quick.

    With the coupon code from humski, you'll only pay a dollar for the modem.

  • spendinghacker on 07/10/2014 - 12:32
    +1

    For the benefit of our fellow ozbargainers, we've prepared a detailed review of the Belong offering as well as what we suggest you do after your first month with Belong is over (remember that you are not on a contract).

    http://spendinghacker.com.au/cheap-no-contract-broadband/

  • furitsu on 07/11/2014 - 12:26

    Any one get have experience with Belong Connection ?

    • spendinghacker on 07/11/2014 - 16:18

      I've put my mum on it.

      She was using mobile broadband before as she had no landline and didn't see a reason to pay the $299 line connection charge

      She received the modem within 2 days of ordering.

      A tech came and did the line installation 8 days after ordering and the ADSL service was already up and running once the line was installed.

      She plugged in her modem to power and phone line and it worked straight away. No configuration of any kind was required.

      She paid nothing for the install and $1 for the modem (using the special coupon code) and now syncs at around 13-14 Mbps.

      If you don't currently have an active ADSL service and can get Belong where you live and while their special offer is available, there is no other deal currently available in Australia that can beat it.

      If you want more data, you can simply switch to another provider after the first month.

      • aaronaldo on 11/11/2014 - 15:06

        Same experience for me. Got a free line installed. Was happy at first but then realised I was getting unusable speed (<1Mbps) during peak times between 6-10PM. Seems like a common problem depending on whether you're on a congested exchange. Unfortunately for me I may have to move on from them soon if this continues.

  • freemoneyhunter on 07/11/2014 - 14:30

    I signed up my grandfathers place, I saw they extended the offer until the 5th Dec for $0 activation and $10 modem.

    Good deal, I would not have gone with the offer if they did not extend it.

    • spendinghacker on 07/11/2014 - 16:19

      I would not have gone with the offer if they did not extend it.

      Absolutely, if you have to pay for installation or the modem, this deal does not stack up and is not recommended.

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