ADSL Questions and Answers
What is ADSL?
ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line technology
This is a technology which enables high speed data services to run
over the standard telephone wire service. It works by linking a special
device from your premises back to special equipment installed at your
local exchange. This equipment links directly into the DSL data network
enabling high speeds all the way from your end to our end and hence
to the internet.
By installing a small 'line filter' you are still able to use the Telstra
voice phone line with the adsl service (neither affects the other).
What are the benefits of Netlink ADSL
- Speed - at least 5 times faster than a fast modem link
- Always on - there is no dialing up or logging on delay when you want
to use the internet
- The (usually supplied) line filter allows you to continue to use
your phone line at the same time - you can make and receive phone calls
whilst continuing to use the internet
- Savings - no internet dialup call costs, no extra phone line needed,
your valuable time is not wasted waiting for connections, downloads or
email...
- A backup dialup account is included. If, for whatever reason your
ADSL is unavailable - or, you wish to use a dialup account while
travelling - you can be confident that Netlink will be there with you.
Simply disconnect your ADSL at home prior to your journey.
- You can save on establishment charges by committing to a long term
contract.
Why Use Netlink Connect?
- We are an Australian company, fully owned and based in this
country
- We have been in the internet service business since 1995, providing
high quality services to individuals and companies across Australia
- We only offer realistic ADSL usage plans.
Quite frankly,
if you were only really needing a broadband service with a limit of just 200MB
of traffic in a month, then you probably do not need broadband at all and
would be best off with just a basic dialup internet service!
- Netlink usage based ADSL plans only count download traffic (some providers
combine downloads and uploads when calculating usage)
- Setup and getting started is simple. Whenever possible, we pre-configure
the supplied hardware and provide simple instructions for 'self-installation'.
We supply an ethernet router/modem and strongly recommend that you use
ethernet to connect your computer. This avoids problems with software
conflicts and provides a better level of security than, say a USB or PCI
modem...
- We add value to your ADSL service.
- Emergency or travelling dialup access is included for no extra charge
- Email service is included - your mailbox can be accessed using email
software (such as Outlook, Thunderbird or Eudora) or you can use
our Webmail service anytime and from any place...
- Expert and responsive helpdesk - phone, email or sms your query
What benefits for Netlink dialup upgrading to ADSL?
- Bonus download allowance for first 3 months of service:
Your traffic allowance will be doubled for the first 3 months - this
is a benefit which will help you to decide which usage plan best suits
you in the long term...
- OR if you select one of the unlimited adsl plans your
4th month plan fee will be at half-price
- You get to keep you current email address and even the dialup
account (20 hours of dialup included from January 2005 - you will only
be charged if you use more than 20 hours in a calendar month - at hourly
rates).
How can I save even more money?
- Committing to a long-term contract
We offer 12, 18 and 24 month term contracts with our homeadsl packages.
The establishment fee can be reduced by as much as $170 simply by agreeing
to a longer term...
- Pre-paying your monthly fee
Save up to 10% off your usage fees by paying 12 months in advance
(excess usage charges may still apply) - call for details...
- Talk to our customer care staff to find out what other special offers
will save you money...
Can upgrading to ADSL actually save money?
In many cases, upgrading from a dialup connection to ADSL actually
saves you money.
Saving example #1:
Your dialup internet access account costs you, say $30 per month.
You dial in to check email say six times a day, making a total of
180 calls per month @ 25cents, coming to $45.
Ignoring any other costs, this means you are spending $75 on
internet access - and its slow, sometimes frustrating and ties up
your only phone line.
Compare this with 'always on' ADSL from just $48.90 per month.
Its fast, convenient, does NOT tie up your phone line and (in this
example) saves you money as well!
Saving example #2:
As above, however you have installed an extra dedicated phone line
for internet access. This means you or other family members can
use the phone and use the internet at the same time.
You might not have to dial in to the internet as often, however the
cost of an extra line (typically $20 to $30 per month for line rental
only) means you are most likely spending, in total over $80 per month
on internet access - and its still relatively slow...
Compare this with a home ADSL connection which uses your existing phone
line and still lets you or family members use the phone (and saves you
even more money).
Saving example #3:
As with the above examples, but this time your internet access is not
just a hobby or leisure activity. You have a small business or you are
living a modern, busy lifestyle, balancing family, work and community
activities. (Hmm, sounds like most people I know!).
Lets imagine that you value your time at, say a conservative $12 per
hour and with a dialup connection you spend 30 hours per month sending
and receiving emails, doing research and helping out with homework.
That comes to $360 worth of your time!
Compare this with an ADSL connection - every time you download an
email or web page or software update it happens at least 5 times
faster than your modem. Conservatively, you won't do everything on
the internet 5 times faster (your typing speed stays the same!),
however even if you can do things twice as fast as before the 'saving'
(in this arbitrary example) comes to $180 worth of your time!
What Prerequisites are there for getting an ADSL service?
Existing phone line:
- The adsl service is added to an existing standalone POTS (plain
old telephone service, aka pstn service).
- It must be a Telstra service
- It must be in your name
- It must be a standalone service (not part of a rotary group)
- It cannot have any existing line sharing, such as Faxstream Duet
or an uncancelled adsl service
- It must be a stock standard normal phone line - that is the service
must be ordered on a number/line into which you can normally plug in
and use any standard telephone, modem or fax device - please contact
us if unsure... (There are tests we can advise of to determine that
the number is correct and in some cases we would ask for a copy
of your Telstra bill)
Your computer:
-
In general, we recommend that you use an ethernet connection - supported
by the standard hardware supplied from January 2004.
Your computer will need an ethernet interface, suitable connecting
cable and be capable of running tcp/ip networking. (Nearly all Macintosh
and Windows computers are capable of this - as are other operating systems
such as Linux and devices such as ethernet-enabled games consoles).
-
If you prefer or need to use your computer's USB interface then you
will need to have at least Windows 98 (or late model Macintosh).
Please check with us...
- As with most software requirements, you will need spare
hard disk capacity and at least 64MB ram.
- An alternative PCI adsl modem can be supplied, similar specs
as with USB above: Windows 98 or better and a spare PCI slot. (Note:
you will need to open up your PC to install this card. If not
comfortable with this you may need expert assistance).
What Support do I get?
You get the same high standard support enjoyed by the many loyal
Netlink customers who have been with us for the past 10 years.
All support requests are logged and handled in an efficient and
friendly way by the first available technician.
The Netlink helpdesk is open at a minimum from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and
for shorter hours on weekends and public holidays.
Emailed support requests are responded to in exactly the same way
as telephone requests.
All Netlink systems are continuously monitored and maintained 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.
Can this adsl service be used for business?
Yes!
However, please bear in mind that this is a 'residential-grade' service...
Many of our competitors charge a lot more for the same service and
simply call it a 'business adsl' service!
We actually do offer a quality business-grade ADSL/SHDSL services (for mission
critical quality of service).
You will certainly pay more for quality - but you will also see the benefits!
Business DSL FAQ's page here.
Please call us on 1300-655-066 for details or email.
Can a network be connected to this adsl service?
Yes!
You will (most likely) need an ethernet router instead of a standalone
adsl modem (eg. USB). As of January 2004 an ethernet router is included
in the standard establishment fee!
You will also need a hub, switch or wireless access point as well
as network cards and cables for each computer. If you don't have these
please contact us for pricing and/or onsite installation...
Please call us on 1300-655-066 to discuss any additional hardware
requirements.
What firewall protection can I have to protect my computer(s)?
The ethernet modem/router will automatically provide good firewall
protection for your connected computer or computers. Your computers are
'hidden' from the outside world so that you don't have to worry about
whether you are running some vulnerable application or backdoor service.
In addition there are other types of full-featured firewalls which can
be installed between the ethernet modem and your network to provide
an additional level of security. Please contact us if you are interested
in firewall options.
Important note: USB style modems or dual-mode (ethernet/USB)
used as USB modems do not normally provide any firewall protection...
It is a requirement under Netlink terms and conditions that you
take active measures (including running up-to-date anti-virus
software) to protect yourself and other internet users from harm.
Please call us on 1300-655-066 to discuss this or any other area of
concern.
I have an extension phone - do I need anything extra?
If you are using one or more extension points on the one telephone
service then you will need an additional line filter for each extension
point in use.
We can supply additional filters for $22 each.
What other costs can be incurred with ADSL?
In nearly all cases, the only charges from Netlink Connect will
be:
- The ADSL establishment fee, which normally includes the adsl modem
(eg. $249)
- The monthly charge, which includes your download allowance (eg.
$48.90)
Additional charges can be incurred if:
- Your usage in a calendar month exceeds the allowance. In this case
you will be debited for the extra downloads at the rate of 15 cents per
MB. (eg. if your allowance is 1000MB, and your actual usage for the
month is 1100MB, you will be debited for an extra $15 that month).
- You call Telstra fault line when a problem occurs with your ADSL
service. (Telstra have mandated that service providers, such as ourselves
pay a penalty which must be passed on - currently this is $70)
- You cancel the ADSL service before 6 months - a flat charge of
$69 applies (21 days written notice also required). This charge applies
regardless of the reason for the cancellation (eg. moving house).
Note: If your establishment fee was reduced due to taking out a
longer term contract then the cancellation fee will differ - please
refer to your contract and other material supplied to you.
- Optionally upgrade or downgrade the service speed. The charge
for this is a once-off $50 (your monthly fee will also change once the
upgrade or downgrade comes into effect).
- Optionally switch your Netlink plan to or from 'Unlimited'.
The charge for this is a once-off $50.
(Your monthly fee will also change, of course).
- Optionally at time of initial order request an upgraded ethernet
modem (router) which incorporates a 4-port switch instead of the standard
ethernet/USB ADSL modem (router).
This option will add $30 to the establishment fee.
Note: If you order the wrong type of adsl modem for your
needs or for any other reason decide you would like to change from one
type to another within 30 days of it being sent to you we are happy
to arrange a transfer - there is a $50 changeover fee on top of any
price difference and you are responsible for all freight, courier or postal
charges.
- Optionally at time of initial order request an upgraded ethernet
modem (router) which incorporates wireless networking and a 4-port
switch.
This option will add $90 to the establishment fee.
- Optionally request onsite setup or service from Netlink.
We are able to help with network, server and workstation setup if
needed. Charges apply depending on the time and tasks required to be
done.
Note: All prices quoted are inclusive of GST.
How to get more information on Netlink and ADSL?
- Check out our general information page.
- Email us at adsl@netlink.com.au
or call us on 1300-655-066
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