Horrible Internet Speed - What to Do?

TassieJones14 on 26/08/2015 - 19:06

Hello all,

I live in a household of two internet users. I am currently subscribed to TPG's 500GB ADSL2+ at $50/month.

But the main problem is my internet speed is really, really bad.

Apparently this is because I live really far from the closest internet 'exchange'?
Is there anything I can do - ie. switch to another provider like Telstra, in the hopes that it will provide faster service? I've asked my friends (since I have no clue on these things) and they said switching to a more reputable ISP like Telstra won't change anything.

What should I do? Given we don't use up our 500GB quota, is it worth downsizing it to a 150GB Telstra/Bigpond plan and hope for a faster internet speed?

Thanks in advance!

Internet

Comments

  • pjetson on 26/08/2015 - 19:20
    +1

    Your internet speed is unlikely to change with a different ISP because all ADSL providers use Telstra's telephone wires and have their equipment in the Telstra exchange.

    Does your street have Optus or Telstra/Foxtel cable?

  • TetrisMango on 26/08/2015 - 19:22

    I reckon ask your neighbours what their internet speeds are like and who their provider is, firstly. If they say the same speeds, but with Telstra (for instance), I wouldn't think there would be much you could do about the situation.

  • chill on 26/08/2015 - 19:22

    Only if you can get Cable through Telstra (Provided via the foxtel cable and only if your foxtel connection isn't from a satelite on your roof)

  • scrimshaw on 26/08/2015 - 19:44

    TPG uses Telstra DSLAMs, don't they?

    Going with Telstra means you end up again on Telstra exchange, and again you are at the mercy of cable line and distance.

    I'd be looking not at ADSL anymore but at Cable internet.

  • KaTst3R on 26/08/2015 - 19:56

    Can you run a speed check at http://www.speedtest.net/ and let us know the results

    TPG is a re-seller of the service, which means the equipment still belongs to Telstra so it may make no difference at all.

  • TassieJones14 on 26/08/2015 - 20:19

    Hmm actually a little bit faster than I thought:

    PING: 43ms
    Download: 1.8 mb/s
    Upload: 0.2mb/s

  • unco on 26/08/2015 - 20:44

    How far are you away from the exchange?
    You can input your address to this page and click on the marker to see distance. It will also give you an idea of speeds.
    http://www.adsl2exchanges.com.au/

  • xyron on 26/08/2015 - 22:03

    either switch to telstra cable (if available in your area) or suck it up - these are the only options until the NBN is rolled out down your street.

  • the hammer88 on 26/08/2015 - 22:04

    Can i ask what your modem sync speed is ?
    If you log into the modem what speed the 'sync' is at and not the Speed test result.

    I work on ADSL everyday. (not going to disclose what my job is, but you should be able to guess)

  • Garden gnome on 26/08/2015 - 22:30
    +1

    Hi TassieJones14,

    Reducing your monthly data quota most likely won't affect your internet speeds, they will remain the same, because it seems like the limiting factor with your connection is the distance from the exchange (where the copper line from your house joins to the broader backbone of the internet).
    With copper, the longer the line is, the worse your connection gets. That's the physical limitation of copper using ADSL technology. Also age and physical condition of the line may play a role in determining your speeds.

    Your options are most likely
    - As above, try and connect to Telstra or Optus cable (should get speeds around 100mbps compared to your 1.8mbps).
    - Sign up to a 3G or 4G mobile broadband service (Optus, Telstra or Vodafone). That would be a very very expensive option, and it depends on your reception. Also in my experience, speeds fluctuate highly around times of peak phone use (e.g. people on lunch breaks, people finishing wok).
    - Check your modem (maybe try an borrow/trial a better modem than yours and compare speeds). My relative got an extra 1mbps boost by buying a better modem.
    - Pray that the NBN is coming to your area. (Either FTTN, FTTP and Fixed Wireless). FTTP is the best for speed and reliability out of the 3, but all 3 should work better than your current line.
    - Maybe sign up to the NBN satellite service if you are eligible?

    Check the NBN website to see what is happening in you area (if anything). http://www.nbnco.com.au

    NOTE mB/s is different to mbps (megabytes per second compared to megabits per second). Megabits is a smaller unit than megabytes.
    For example, 1.8mB/s (megabytes per second) converts to a 14.4mbps (megabits per second) connection. 14.4mbps is not a bad connection by current Australian standards. 1.8mbps is a very average speed.

  • TassieJones14 on 27/08/2015 - 22:31

    If Cable internet is not available and neither is NBN, there is basically nothing I can do right?

    • [Deactivated] on 28/08/2015 - 12:42

      You can always use 4G if you can get reception at your place, it's just a lot more expensive.

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