Help Me Choosing an NBN Provider

peuwayaqdq on 27/06/2017 - 11:18

Hi there, NBN has arrived in my area and I am in the market for an NBN provider.

Three providers catch my attention: iiNet, Internode, TPG

I had good experience with Internet before I switched to Telstra (my current ADSL2 provider) because Telstra is the only one can provide me with ADSL2.

They have similar prices, and I am looking at the one with 25Mbps download speed. TPG offers them for $69 while both iiNet and Internode offer them at $79 unlimited data.

I think all have the same value because iiNet and Internode include unlimited call while TPG has pay as you go calls. However, I don't need call feature and I would be more comfortable to go with iiNet or Internode.

Any comments or suggestions? Thank you.

Internet

Comments

  • psyren89 on 27/06/2017 - 11:30
    +4

    If you don't care about speeds, you can go with any of those 3 providers, since they'll provide you the same (terrible) experience.

  • ShortyX on 27/06/2017 - 11:39
    +3

    Go with Aussie Broadband if you are in one of their on-net POI areas - https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2623849

    If you are willing to risk congestion, go with myrepublic for $60 100/40 unlimited.

    I'd suggest Skymesh but they've reduced their CVC capacity and some customers are now experiencing congestion.

  • sane on 27/06/2017 - 11:41
    +3

    iiNet, Internode, TPG

    No, No, No

    They are all the same owner, and they are all now crap with poor reviews and a whole lot of angry customers.

    Aussie Broadband is the current best bet.

    • Nugs on 27/06/2017 - 11:54
      +2

      ssshhhh

      don't want aussie getting too popular

        • ShortyX on 27/06/2017 - 12:42

          Aussie Broadband use dedicated Telstra backhaul (not shared) and can scale it up if needed and seem to ensure the CVC bandwidth is adequate (they can also increase if required at better rates).

        • sane on 27/06/2017 - 13:00
          +1

          @Stix:

          This diagram might help explain how it's supposed to fit together.

          http://www.smh.com.au/cqstatic/12z7v7/SMH-300916-NBNpricing.…

          Everything to the left of the PoI is NBN and has to be paid for by the provider. To the right is the provider's responsibility (connecting to the internet in other words). What Aussie Broadband has been doing is to the right of the PoI - they still have to pay NBNCo for things like the CVC (which is a complete con job and well overpriced).

        • ShortyX on 27/06/2017 - 13:34

          @sane:

          I understand that. Sorry, didn't mean to reply to your comment - I should have replied to sandp's comment reassuring him that it shouldn't really matter if ABB get popular because they can increase their connections from NBN POI to their data centres, their backhaul (Telstra dedicated) and CVC (via NBN) if required.

        • sane on 27/06/2017 - 13:37

          @Stix:

          No probs. Just pointing up the NBN playing field is slanted towards the big boys, so more users (providing you ramp the CVC and backhaul) is actually an advantage.

          And, of course, unlimited downloads means that cost for extra download bandwidth has to come from somewhere (and generally it's at the cost of extra contention)

        • ShortyX on 27/06/2017 - 16:01

          @sane:
          👍🏻

        • peuwayaqdq on 28/06/2017 - 19:38

          Based on feedback on this thread I am deciding between Aussie Broadband and MyRepublic. If I am going with Aussie, how do I use the referral?

        • sane on 29/06/2017 - 11:02

          @peuwayaqdq:

          If you go Aussie there's two bits. First is claiming the free trial month and double data that they are offering (wpfreetrial in the promo box). The second is to get the ID of the person you want to use for the referral (I assume ozbargain has a private message option?) and put that in the referral box. They then get a free month.

          Everyone wins.

        • peuwayaqdq on 29/06/2017 - 15:41

          @sane: Do we have a randomly selected referral just like for a deal? Otherwise I am happy to use yours.

        • sane on 29/06/2017 - 19:35

          @peuwayaqdq:

          Hopefully the message I sent to you will get there.

    • psyren89 on 27/06/2017 - 12:10
      +1

      If you do go the ABB route: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2623849

  • boomramada on 27/06/2017 - 12:13

    You only need Aussie Broadband, if you into online gaming. else waste of money.
    Aussie; 100gb for $50 vs iiNet 250gb for $60; TPG Unlimited for $60. (comparing lowest plan without VOIP with the same price bracket)
    You get what you pay for but, get it based on your needs.

    • dcep on 27/06/2017 - 12:50

      all 12/1 speed ?

  • peuwayaqdq on 27/06/2017 - 12:57

    I have looked at Aussie Broadband but they don't seem to have unlimited plan and if they do I guess it will be over my budget. Having said that, currently I am on 500GB limit (Telstra) and I use only about half. But with faster download/upload, shouldn't I expect to use more? I use most of my bandwith for synching years of photos collection to Google Photos. So yes, that will end once I have uploaded all of them and need to only sync new photos.

    I will have a look at Aussie Broadband again. Thank you for your inputs.

    • psyren89 on 27/06/2017 - 13:20

      ABB has a $10 bolt-on option to have only downloads count toward your usage, and another for having off-peak usage not count at all.

      Again, evaluate when you want with your connection; if you don't care for speeds at all and won't be bothered by congestion, any provider that offers an unlimited plan will do.

  • peuwayaqdq on 27/06/2017 - 13:05

    Btw, how is Telstra going with their NBN offer? I just realised, compared to Aussie Broadband, the monthly cost will be similar ($80 for 500GB per month).

    • psyren89 on 27/06/2017 - 13:20

      Telstra and ABB apparently have a similarly good quality of service, but I think ABB's customer support would win.

  • Make it so on 27/06/2017 - 13:19

    It really depends on your situation. What type of NBN do you get? If you are on Fibre to the Node (FTTN), then you should try to find out which node you are on, to see what kind of speed you could realistically get (how far from the node, how many people on your node). This site can help. No point paying for something you can't get (e.g. below 300m you should be able to get 100Mbps, but at 800m you are lucky to get 25Mbps). Do you download a lot? Do you absolutely require it to give top speeds even during peak hours? If so, avoid budget providers, or even Iinet and TPG.

    I am with MyRepublic, which includes unlimited downloads and speeds up to 100Mbps (in reality I get up to 73Mbps due to FTTN limitations). For $60/month I am happy, but some other people have congestion issues. But it has a short 12M contract, no connection fee and a $1 Wireless-AC modem.

    I would not lock myself in for 24 months if I could avoid it.

    • here2rock on 28/06/2017 - 09:46

      How do you find out what node you are on and distance from this node?

      • Make it so on 28/06/2017 - 11:06
        +1

        The side I mentioned (Finder) gives you the ID of your node. You then have to scout around your neighbourhood to find it (assuming you are on FTTN) and measure the street-distance in Google Maps.

        • AncientWisdom on 29/06/2017 - 14:05

          Hmmm I can't get Finder to tell me the ID of my node… I just got connected and getting around 35/20 with MyRepublic.

        • Carbon Door on 10/07/2017 - 23:58

          @AncientWisdom: that's pretty good. I'm only getting 39/10 on myrepublic fttn also.

          You can try this to check your node location
          http://nbnmtm.australiaeast.cloudapp.azure.com

        • AncientWisdom on 19/07/2017 - 18:21

          @Micoa: Thanks! It's a great resource. How do you use that to find out node location? All I can see is FTTN (No Speed Estimate)

        • Carbon Door on 19/07/2017 - 18:41

          @AncientWisdom: mines also the same. mine also says no speed estimate but the every other street around me has a rating. i just assume its the one going back to the exchange and i'm connected to the street over.

  • SomeGuyOnOzB on 27/06/2017 - 13:55

    I'm also looking into who to go with for NBN, down in Vic. (I'm currently on Optus cable)

    How about Optus?

    eg

    $60 a month bundle
    24 month contract
    Unlimited data
    includes a modem
    includes phone line (but maybe pay as you call / calling packs)

    $80 a month bundle for the above + modem upgrade + Yes TV box with 1 channel pack + sport

    If you want month by month it's the same monthly price but adds a $200 up front cost.

    NB
    1. Default speed is called "speed boost"; $20 extra a month for "speed boost max"
    according to this page
    "Boost" is up to 25 MBps Download / 5 MBps Upload per "nbn 25" which allows for video streaming
    "Boost Max" is up to 100Mbps Download / 40Mbps Upload per "nbn 100" which allows for 4k video downloading

    1. $2.20 extra per month if you don't let them direct debit!

    2. They also have a "data only plan" which is a very bad plan
      $80 a month, line only, no phone, no Fetch tv AND $125 up front cost … ???

    • Wallace on 27/06/2017 - 16:23
      +1

      I too am looking at Optus $60 unlimited plan. I want to sign up at a physical store.

      On cable 'Boost' for this plan is 30Mbps and not 25Mbps.

      Disadvantages:

      1. The included home phone call rates aren't great but pretty much no one uses landline anyway (except emergencies).

      2. My only concern is this Start-up Fee: "Additional fees may apply for a first time nbn™ connection to dwellings in new developments, for additional lines or for non-standard installations." Not sure if this applies to ADSL or Cable,so who knows what the technician will charge!

      • SomeGuyOnOzB on 11/07/2017 - 20:46

        Hmm … I'm reconsidering Optus.

        It's now saying only 12 Mbps for the $60 plan
        Even their $80 plan is only 25MBps

        No 100MBps :S

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 13/07/2017 - 10:25

          that should've been no default 100MBps. It says you can pay for a speed boost

  • srhardy on 28/06/2017 - 07:18

    not perfect, but myrepublic $60 a month, unlimited speed and data +1 modem (its pretty good too)

    use the phone for incomming only, or do like i did and never plug it in and use your mobile! lifes good, no more nagging calls!

    • Wallace on 28/06/2017 - 11:44

      We have a contender:

      • $59.99 on 12 month contract is goods.

      • 100/40Mbps, that's very good too.

      • VOIP call rates are reasonable (but irrelevant to most people).

      Setup Fee: "MyRepublic does not charge a service connection fee for customers who are transferring a service or activating a new service. If you are in a new development area and not already connected to the nbn™, a $300 New Development Charge may also be applied by nbn™."

      So make sure to ask if there's connection fee!

  • munecito on 28/06/2017 - 11:57

    Where are you located?

    Nbn isn't the only player in high speeds even if it sounds like that.

    I'm the sunshine coast there are quite a few new technology internet sellers that have nothing to do with the nbn, are cheaper and faster.

    Do your research. My friend had just got symmetrical 100/100 pays what he uses, no speed capping and cost him less than 70 bucks a month

    • peuwayaqdq on 28/06/2017 - 19:37

      I am in Brisbane and there is no cable TV in my area. I am lucky to have ADSL2 though I suspect I don't get the ADSL2 speed.

      • munecito on 29/06/2017 - 11:12

        Check vivid wireless or clearstreambroadband

        Try to find alternative wisp or fibre internet providers that are not attached to the nbn in your area

  • sween64 on 29/06/2017 - 00:32

    I'm in Nunawading VIC currently on Optus Cable Unlimited bundle at $81/month. I don't use the Fetch TV and I could forego the land line.

    I want good speeds and I'm currently getting close to 100/2 during off-peak with cable. I've had the outside installation done for HFC NBN.

    I could go with ABB 500GB month to month for $80/month with no upfront cost. Or My Republic Unlimited $70/month month to month + $100 up front cost. Both are 100/40.

    I guess ABB is better for me, 500GB should be enough and there's no upfront cost.

  • peuwayaqdq on 29/06/2017 - 09:13

    I have a couple more questions … before deciding:

    • Does switching NBN provider work just like fast churning in ADSL?
    • There is no provider that will connect NBN to houses and wear the cost charged by NBNCO, is there?

    Thanks,

  • pegaxs on 29/06/2017 - 11:35

    I can tell who NOT to go with. MATE Communicate. Shocking service. Paid for 100/40 and best I ever got was 36/20. Took them 2 weeks of constant phone calls to get anything sorted, and after 2 weeks of not being connected, I have been using their service for a week and get an email saying that the issue was with my modem. This was a modem that was working on another provider without issue, tested at numerous other houses and worked flawlessly. The speed issue they told me was my distance from the node. It's about 200m away. How far is too far if 200m is causing this much of a drop. My neighbours house gets 42/15 on a 50/20 plan with another provider and they are further away from the node than me.

    And then I start on their customer service. It's condescending and patronising. Too much "I feel your pain, bro." and not enough action. And i think of all the times i called them, I only once got to speak to someone, every other time it was "we'll ring you back." It was nice to not have to wait on hold, but still, waiting over an hour to get to speak to someone got tiring, real quick.

    How they get so many positive reviews is beyond me.

  • peuwayaqdq on 29/06/2017 - 19:57

    Is there anyone using Netcomm NF8AC that is offered for $169 when signing up with ABB? Is it good for the price or I should bring my own? For example: TP-LINK ARCHER D7 AC1750? I have good experiences with TPLink routers but I don't have experience with NetComm.

    Also, do I need central splitter? I won't use my NBN for phone and no plan to subscribe to the IP phone service.

    Thanks.

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