Choosing My First Ever Broadband Plan - Help!

drdynamite06 on 29/01/2018 - 01:10

Hi all, I am about to move into a studio in student accommodation near Deakin University in Burwood, VIC (3125) and am in the process of setting up internet.

I have never had to set up my own internet before and am not sure which plan/provider would be the best for me!

I have a budget of up to $60-100 a month, obviously would rather the lesser amount being a student haha

I'm not sure where to begin… I have been looking at Optus, iiNet, and Internode as possible providers. Any comments on those ISPs would be appreciated, and so would any recommendations!

A bit about my current usage:

  • I stream movies and TV shows on my laptop and smartphone daily
  • I stream music on my laptop and smartphone daily
  • I have a PS4 I use a few times a week, hours at a time and usually play Call of Duty online with friends
  • I am running out of specifics but essentially I am thinking I would need unlimited data, and probably would prefer it

I know there is no perfect ISP and things are bound to slow down especially during peak times; I've had my fair share of crap speeds at home but I don't pay that bill so I'm not complaining!

Are there any Ozbargainers in my area that could share some of their experience with different ISPs? Or are you with an ISP that you would recommend without a doubt?

Thanks in advance!

Internet

Comments

  • Wombat22 on 29/01/2018 - 01:23
    +1

    I'm not in your area. But I have Telstra $99 Unlimited Bundle. Expensive paying for the extra telstra tax $$ (As I like to call it). I get 25mbps speeds. But new customers automatically get upgraded to 50mbps, which seems like it'd be good for what you're asking.
    I'm only going to recommend Telstra because I have it, and I get no slow downs at all. But other people may, I guess its how lucky you are.

    Optus, I haven't heard too many great things about. iiNet apparently has a lot of congestion during peak hours?

    • drdynamite06 on 29/01/2018 - 18:29

      I have actually heard good things about Telstra, it was just the $99 price tag that I was a bit weary about but they are definitely on my list now!

      • Wombat22 on 29/01/2018 - 22:20
        +1

        Price is expensive. You're paying the telstra tax as I mentioned as I like to call it. But I guess its the reliability you're actually paying for. Could also be different regarding areas

  • amkssg on 29/01/2018 - 01:31
    +1

    I am about to move into a studio in student accommodation

    I don't see how it is possible for you to get ADSL/NBN considering that you are moving into University Accommodation.
    You just have to use whatever the university provides (and forces you to pay for).

    The only other option would be "wireless broadband", but that would be very expensive.

    • amkssg on 29/01/2018 - 02:37

      From : http://www.deakin.edu.au/life-at-deakin/accommodation/on-cam…

      At our Melbourne Burwood Campus you can:
      live by yourself in a studio apartment
      live with one other person in a two-bedroom studio
      live with other people in a four, five or six-bedroom shared apartment
      live with other people in a 10-bedroom shared unit.
      Whichever option you choose, you’ll have your own furnished, private bedroom and free internet access.

      Note: FREE INTERNET ACCESSS

      You do not get to sign up for a broadband plan.

      • drdynamite06 on 29/01/2018 - 18:28

        Hey! it's not actually the on-campus residence :) It's near campus though!

        edit: I will be moving into one of the sha.com.au studios in Burwood.. it's student accommodation but not through Deakin :)

  • Emerald Owl on 29/01/2018 - 01:45
    +1

    Understand that you not only pay for how much data but for the speed of the data. There are way too many people signing onto elcheapo nbn plans and then blaming the infrastructure when they are not paying.

    You have not said which connection type so too difficult to help with plans.

    Only some connection types slow down during peak.

    Telstra will always be the most expensive and the best, followed by Optus, then others.

    • drdynamite06 on 29/01/2018 - 18:32

      True, sorry about that! I think at this point the apartment building doesn't yet have access to nbn so will have to be adsl of sorts!

      I also am weary about the super cheap options as I know they're probably skimping out on service at low prices!

      Thank for your input :) I have Optus and Telstra on my list as my likely choices!

  • Wystri Warrick on 29/01/2018 - 02:39
    +2

    I have just joined up with Buzz Telco, they do have a lot of negative votes and comments in recent threads

    Buzz Telco currently doesn't provide a modem so I have to get one, I'm definitely certain I'll have one by the end of the week, I'll let you know the speed that I get.

    I did contact Buzz about their modem and received a reply the next day stating that they no longer supply modems, so on my account and in my opinion I got good customer service.

    PS. They normally charge $14.95 for their modem which must be returned upon terminatio on of their month by month plains.
    The NBN technican tested my speed at about 12:00pm on a Friday and said I get 41mbps down and 26mbps up, live near the Adelaide CBD.

    • drdynamite06 on 29/01/2018 - 18:33

      Oooh that's not too bad actually! I may have a look at Buzz Telco. Initially didn't include them in the search due to all the negative comments!

      • Wystri Warrick on 14/02/2018 - 04:43
        +1

        Sorry for the late reply my modem just arrived today.

        BuzzTelco 12/1 plan.

        Speed test by Ookla:

        Time of test: 4:10am

        Download: 11.40Mbps
        Upload: 0.94Mbps
        Ping: 8ms

  • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2018 - 07:05
    +4

    Welcome to the internet’s

  • Fergy1987 on 29/01/2018 - 10:45

    It's all the same - just pick one.

  • Magus on 30/01/2018 - 17:14

    First you need to find out what type of internet access is provided.

    ADSL
    ADSL (Telstra resold) Also called reach of off net.
    FTTN
    FTTB (similar to FTTN, but 100/40 available)
    HFC (currently a hold on any new connections for a few months)

    The prices and plans even from the same provider can vary greatly. Many providers had dropped 100/40 plans on FTTN, due to the service costs. Still available on FTTB. HFC all connections on hold.

    What will be very important is getting a decent modem/router (type varies with connection type) that supports 5Ghz.I would recommend something that has AC1000 to 1350. This means it has a decent antenna and supports 5Ghz. In student accom, it would be better to turn the 2.4Ghs off.

  • dantes on 31/01/2018 - 16:51
    +1

    Not unlimited, but Aussie Broadband is highly recommended if you can afford it. There is no peak time congestion.

    For unlimited, consider new entrant Mungi who seem to be getting some decent reviews.

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