NBN/ADSL: is it cheaper without phone service?

enveloped on 28/09/2016 - 22:33
Last edited 28/09/2016 - 22:34

I haven't used a phone service for years and have no need for it. I do notice that OPTUS charges the same ($80/mo under 24month contract) if you buy their broadband-only service or buy it in a bundle with an unlimited phone service.

I mention optus because I am an optus post-paid phone user, get 20% off if I choose Optus broadband, effectively $64/mo under 24mo contract.

So are there better services competing by not offering a phone service? My area has both NBN and ADSL.

P.S. It seems all ISP supply their router. I am happy with Modem only since most routers are not very good at wifi and that I want to use 5GHz which isn't often offered by ISP default routers. I guess allow Bring-your-own device is a competition disadvantage right? (Since support becomes more expensive.)

Internet

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 28/09/2016 - 23:39
    +1

    if you are technologically clueless, then yes, you should probably get a ISP supplied router and get all the on-the-phone support for that particular device.

    However there are no disadvantages or advantages to signing up to an ISP that supplies a router. They are often off the shelf units that you can buy from a computer shop — though noted that Optus does supply a Sagecom router which does appear to be a steaming pile of poo (according to WP).

    If it's an off the shelf unit, they can be sold to finance a better router or used as a Wifi repeater or extender to boost your wifi network.

    As for phone service, some providers do offer VOIP as part of the package. If you have no need for landline, then pay no heed to it and just concentrate on getting the best value unlimited plans at the best possible speed for the lowest price. The "My Basics" plan for you would cost 64 a month but that's for Tier 1 speed (12/1) which is really, really slow for fibre.

    I'd consider getting the Tier 2 Speed for +10 a month, which brings it to $72 a month.

    For your reference I'm paying $67 dollars a month for

    Provider: Devoted NBN (Acquired by Nuskope)
    Unlimited NBN (Fiber to the Home)
    Tier 2 NBN speeds (25/5)
    No phone or VOIP service
    BYO Modem or Router
    18 month lock-in
    $80 connection fee paid

  • fatpizza on 28/09/2016 - 23:54

    I chose to spend a little more when I got my ADSL just to keep the phone active. This is due to ISP's being obligated to prioritise fixing faults on voice activated lines. When you sign up for Naked DSL you usually have to agree to a waiver which pretty much signs away your right to complain about crappy fault response times.

    • Diji1 on 29/09/2016 - 00:28
      -1

      Naked ADSL is a joke in every deal that I've seen in any case because it barely works out cheaper. Lose phone line, save 3 bucks, what a deal.

      Naked ADSL is harder to churn from so ISPs like how it locks you in as a customer because of a higher barrier to switching ISPs.

      If you can find naked at a substantial discount then it might be worth it but I've never seen a case of this.

  • garetz on 29/09/2016 - 05:32

    Its always good to keep the phone line for fault protection. chasing your isp up for line protection is a total waste of time. You then have the right to complain to the ombudsmen if your service is terrible which obviously affects your line speed and disconnections for your net.

  • RockyRaccoon on 29/09/2016 - 06:51

    You give no details other than NBN/ADSL and Phone

    What speed are you looking for
    What download capacity?
    Time of day usage requirements- e.g. Offpeak/Peak
    Capital city or Regional area

    Without those basic things how can we give any insight.

    • enveloped on 29/09/2016 - 07:28

      hi. My speed requirement is equal to the requirement of Presto and Netflix. I don't "download" big set of data. I am usually not at home until after working hour. I have loads of spare routers in the closet and I know how to configure them, and I live in Harbour street, Sydney.

      • RockyRaccoon on 29/09/2016 - 12:03

        Think about it. We all watch different movies for different times, why not just give us the amount of data or even better the plan you are looking at with Optus, that way we can help you.

  • BobD on 29/09/2016 - 08:13

    I'm on NBN fibre to the home with Belong. www.belong.com.au
    Cost $70 / m
    No lock in, leave anytime.
    speed 25 / 5
    no phone, that's an extra cost and I use MyNetFone as a VoIP provider
    500 GB / m data

    They insist on supplying a cheap router which is still in the box. The idea is easier fault finding. I use an ASUS RT-AC68U and if I have a problem I swap their modem back in.

    If only want Netflix then 12/1 speed may be enough at $60/m on Belong.

    • enveloped on 29/09/2016 - 09:05

      The same option is $80/mo, maybe they updated their plans?

      speed: 25/5. no phone. unlimited data (since 500GB option is gone), no lock-in (+5/mo).

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