Whirlpool

Hey all,

not sure if this is possible but looking at having parents place installed with exetel adsl2+ while using Telstra phone plan. only problem is i can't seem to find anywhere to sign up for exetel adsl2+ plans by itself . Theres only Naked (no possible phone line rental at all) or bundled.

However i do see that on the side bar, Exetel does provide 'terms and conditions for exetel adsl2+ with another telecom).

So what i'm saying is how do i sign up for just internet from Exetel? (like what TPG provides). From what i can see with the naked plans, it seems as though with those plans you're not able to connect with any telco for phone line in conjunction with the plan. Its exclusively just internet.

Thanks in advance!

cheers

Firstly, naked IS just internet. The phone line is connected for data only, it carries no dial tone and cannot be used for voice calls, either made or received.

Regarding line rental, it MUST be with exetel. You can choose to use a different provider for long distance (for a $10 extra fee on top of the inclphone plans, NOT the nonphone/naked plans).

Mind if I ask why you want the teltra phone plan?

exetel use to offer just adsl2 with a telstra line via the powertel hardware, but that was cut a long time ago.

there has been talk of using optus hardware for adsl2 but with a telstra line, but the costs where far worse overall. So besides the talk, nothing has eventuated in this area and it has been going on 3 months of no mention so I think the idea is dead currently.

might change in the future, but not today or possibly next month (guess). looks liek adsl1 for your parents if you want exetel.

I was once one of those people who wanted to keep their phone line with Telstra, with the thought that there'd be better service/quality with the line and fault restoration times etc. However, having rtecently gone through experiencing absolute appalling service with Telstra, I have now moved my phone and ADSL2 onto Exetel. The quality is great and am saving a lot compared to before.

You cannot get Exetel ADSL2 with another telco carrier anymore. You must bundle, otherwise get a 2nd line and go Naked.

thanks greenhawk, peter and hardya.

I thought so.
The reason for telstra line is because its cheaper. they're on 25-30 dollar line rental. which gives same 18c local calls as exetels. but then std calls (which they often call my sister in syd) are capped for few $ per 20min or so which is cheaper than exetel too.

3monthly phone bill is ~$260. plus telstra offer higher line rental plans but cheaper rates.

thought i would put them on exetel to make some savings. invitation and overall net cost is cheaper.
So i guess its a no? :(

Any chance of talking them into using VOIP?

I use mynetfone on Exetel ADSL2. You can get a VOIP ATA box for $19 and the STD calls are then $0.10 untimed, with no monthly rental fee. Refer to their Whirlpool special: https://www.mynetfone.com.au/offers/whirlpool/whirlpool-specials/ and the VOIP forum: /forum-threads.cfm?f=107

Standard PSTN telephone line rental from Exetel (when bundled with their ADSL2 internet) is $25/month.

sorry, i have considered it but don't know much about how it works so wasn't sure if i should go with it.

Things such as do i get keep my home number? so interstate, overseas, local are all cheaper than normal lines?
at only 10c a call that is mighty cheap.

still $25 line rental for VOIP though?

Yes,yes and yes! You can get Voip from Exetel and it's cheap!

bossyboots writes...

The reason for telstra line is because its cheaper. they're on 25-30 dollar line rental. which gives same 18c local calls as exetels. but then std calls (which they often call my sister in syd) are capped for few $ per 20min or so which is cheaper than exetel too.

If you are on ADSL you can use VoIP. 10c calls ... Untimed (not capped, just a flat 10c each).

And if on naked ADSL not only do you save $10 a month on your over plan + line rental cost, but you ALSO get 100 VoIP calls per month (another $10 saving).

And if your sister gets exetel voip as well, the call will be FREE.

bossyboots writes...

sorry, i have considered it but don't know much about how it works so wasn't sure if i should go with it.

Simple ... You get an adapter, plug it into your modem, and plug the phone in. Then just use the phone like you normally do.

Things such as do i get keep my home number? so interstate, overseas, local are all cheaper than normal lines?

If you choose the bundled ADSL2 you can keep your number (the adapter needs to have a "landline ring-through" feature – some do, some don't. Yes ALL Australian landline calls are 10c each. Not per minute, just a flat 10c. No such thing as an STD (long distance) call anymore. International calls are also dirt cheap – <a href="http://www.exetel.com.au/voip_pricelist.php>see exetel's prices here</a>.

at only 10c a call that is mighty cheap.

Yes. The way they do it is that most of the call travels via the internet, and then pops out in the destination town and becomes a local call. Of course, you don't see all of that, you just dial the number as normal.

still $25 line rental for VOIP though?

No line rental for voip. Line rental for ADSL2 if you don't bundle a "normal" phone line. Why bundle a normal line? Well, 2 main reasons:

1. if you want to keep your phone number the same you MUST bundle the service. Naked ADSL will cancel your number. Either way, VoIP will give you a new number, so if you bundle you'll actually have 2 numbers (your current one, and voip). If you go naked, you'll only have the voip number.

(A thought: if you bundle, why not get the voip number in Sydney so your sister can ring for a local call – so you'd have your normal number for local friends, a Sydney number for your sister, and calls you make are all 10c. How good's that???).

2. Backup / "feel good" / emergencies. If you have naked ADSL you no longer have a "normal" pone line. Your calls go via the internet. In a power outage, your modem will be off, therefore your phone service will be off. Also if your internet is down your phone is dead. If this thought worries you, then I suggest bundle the service. It is ONLY $10 extra (not $25), if you add up the naked cost and compare with the non-naked + line rental cost. ($45 for naked, $25+$30=$55 for bundled).

Hope all that helps. VoIP is great as long as your internet connection is stable. If you're more than 4km from a phone exchange you might be disappointed in the voip stability. If you're 5km from the exchange then forget ADSL2 and stick with ADSL1. In which case the 512/128 plans do work with voip but the 1500/256 will work better (both my parents are on 512/128 and use voip successfully, but it can sometimes be a bit flaky if they're using the net at the same time – 1500/256 would be fine but they can't be bothered changing).

I have exclusively used VoIP for the last 2.5 years, and I run my business on it too. If it wasn't good I certainly wouldn't risk using it for business. VoIP is as good as your internet connection, as long as your provider is in Australia, which Exetel are.

PM me if you want a hand with the choice of adapter or need info re voip numbers (the Sydney number example I gave etc).

peterh_oz writes...

If you're 5km from the exchange then forget ADSL2

What's the problem over 5km if ADSL1 is working Ok at that distance?

bossyboots writes...

how do i sign up for just internet from Exetel?

The quick answer is that at the moment, you can't.

The longer answer is that Exetel used to provide this ability via Powertel wholesale provisioning, however they stopped providing services via Powertel when they were bought out by AAPT, as the provisioning times and fault resolution times were blowing out to an unacceptable level.

The good news is that Powertel/AAPT claim to have improved their methods and as a result have brought down their fault resolution times by a great deal, and as a result, Exetel and AAPT will be engaging in talks this coming week with an aim to a possible new offering by Exetel of ADSL2 services via Powertel/AAPT, which if sucessful, will in every likelihood allow Exetel to once again offer an ADSL2 service which can be provisioned alongside a Telstra telephone service.

BTW, the biggest barrier to Optus-provided phone services for many people, is the requirement that they must waive their entitlement to a CSG.

They can keep their ex-Telstra number and have it ported over to Exetel as a srandards bundled PSTN service.

Then get a totally separate VOIP number.

So they can use the normal PSTN number for local calls and receiving calls, then use VOIP handset/number for making STD calls.

You can integrate them via a VOIP box with passthrough function, however it might be a bit complicated if they are technophobes.

bossyboots writes...

not sure if this is possible but looking at having parents place installed with exetel adsl2+ while using Telstra phone plan.

Your parents should have seniors subsidy with telstra phone and your parents need a live phone instead of VOIP because if they got emergency or power failure, their VOIP phone wont work if their internet is down. Unfortunately purely VOIP is not an option for older people or people who have illnesses.

with due respect

cheers

russg writes...

What's the problem over 5km if ADSL1 is working Ok at that distance?

the problem is that for most cases the delivery of adsl at that distance is from a RIM, not the main exchange.

So the onlty ports the user can connect to is the ones in the RIM and currently, those ports are only telstra ports.

This means only adsl1, adsl2 with telstra, or adsl2 with a telstra adsl2 reseller (very few).

bossyboots writes...

looking at having parents place installed with exetel adsl2+ while using Telstra phone plan.

So what i'm saying is how do i sign up for just internet from Exetel?

You can now choose a PTL ADSL2 plan...

http://www.exetel.com.au/a_plan_pricing_adsl2.php#

http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/isp-340-10/exetel-adsl2.htm

Am I blind or are the order links for the PTL plans currently just redirecting to the main ADSL 2+ plan list page?

Edit: It's fixed now.

Edit 2:Err no, it's not fixed. The link is pointing to the ANYPHONE plans at different prices.

Hi all, Thank you all very much for your replies. Especially peterh_oz!!

ok i also have just realised exetel is now providing regular adslx plans which is great. But i looked it over and think it maybe best to go with the bundled PSTN and adsl2+ then get a seperate VOIP number.

peterh_oz writes...

1. if you want to keep your phone number the same you MUST bundle the service..........

(A thought: if you bundle, why not get the voip number in Sydney so your sister can ring for a local call – so you'd have your normal number for local friends, a Sydney number for your sister, and calls you make are all 10c. How good's that???).

Thats a great Idea!! So as it seems VOIP has no rental fees but the most daunting is the $25 reconnection fee for payment failure.
With only 10c per call and 22c for mobile, There's easily 70% saved per month!

So what im wondering most is, what else do i have to buy to implement VOIP. I know i'd need a new router (current one needs upgrading anyway), anything else? a VOIP telephone? and a VOIP adapter?

Could someone please recommend one from each of those departments and a approximate cost, sorry i have no idea where to start.

Thanks a lot all for helping. cheers

bossyboots writes...

think it maybe best to go with the bundled PSTN and adsl2+ then get a seperate VOIP number.

All Exetel ADSl2 plans include a DID (Direct Indial Number) so that you can receive incoming standard PSTN and ISDN calls. All you need to do is setup your VoIP account, and you're away.

So as it seems VOIP has no rental fees but the most daunting is the $25 reconnection fee for payment failure.

That's easy fixed... use a credit card for payment, or if you use direct debit, just be diligent in making sure sufficient funds are available each month. I've managed to do it for nearly 4 years now without a problem.

With only 10c per call and 22c for mobile, There's easily 70% saved per month!

I've been able to reduce my monthly telephone spend from over $200/mth, to about $25/mth since changing over to VoIP. A very worthwhile saving.

what else do i have to buy to implement VOIP. I know i'd need a new router.

In practical terms, you need an ATA (analogue telephone adaptor) or a VoIP-capable modem. (which has the ATA built-in)

If you intend buying a new modem/router anyway, then the decision is pretty-much made for you already.

You can plug any normal telephone into the modem/router (or ATA), and then use it for making your calls. (after setting up your VoIP account)

That's it. I can recommend the Billion range of modem/routers, however any name brand will probably do the job for you quite adequately.

Have a look in the VoIP forum for recommendations... /forum-threads.cfm?f=107

bossyboots writes...

So what im wondering most is, what else do i have to buy to implement VOIP. I know i'd need a new router (current one needs upgrading anyway), anything else? a VOIP telephone? and a VOIP adapter?

I recommend you buy Billion 7404VGP http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/PARTS.pdf or
Open Networks 824RLW http://www.cormain.com.au/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=161.27130&p_id=O-824RLW4&xm=on&ppinc=detail

They have more features then you might need. But they are both rock solid.

I bought 7404vgp for $175.00 from www.msy.com.au in Auburn
and 824RLW for $99.00 + $5.50() from www.cormain.com.au.

I have both of them connected to Exetel “Naked” plan NONPHONE A + VoIP.
Hope this helps.

Will.
---

Cool, Thanks a lot for the info Will

Whooah1979 writes...

They have more features then you might need. But they are both rock solid.
I bought 7404vgp for $175.00 from www.msy.com.au in Auburn and 824RLW for $99.00 + $5.50() from www.cormain.com.au.

So i can choose to buy the billion ~$180 OR the much cheaper 824RLW for $100?

Can i buy one of these Billion 7401VGPM for $135? the specs are here http://www.billion.com/product/voip/bipac7401vgp.php and suit me very much. Does everything i need all in one :)

one more thing i will need is another telephone for VOIP right? Is there any cheap $40 cordless ones?
Is this the same? http://www.megabuy.com.au/sedna-se-p1k-usb-voip-skype-p36461.html

Thanks a lot Will.

thanks in advance all

bossyboots writes...

one more thing i will need is another telephone for VOIP right?

Wrong. You do not need a special VoIP phone.

The VoIP modem/router (or ATA) allows you to use a normal phone for making VoIP calls.

Just plug it into the analogue phone port. Some VoIP modem/routers and ATAs will even allow you to choose whether your call will be made by VoIP or the normal PSTN network. (if you have access... ie: not naked))

Midnight Rider writes...

The VoIP modem/router (or ATA) allows you to use a normal phone for making VoIP calls.

Just plug it into the analogue phone port

Cool

Some VoIP modem/routers and ATAs will even allow you to choose whether your call will be made by VoIP or the normal PSTN network. (if you have access... ie: not naked))

double cool haha.

Actually. although the second option allows for use of the same phone, won't be as suitable at the folks. I think i'll just buy another cordless phone for VOIP.
Netcomm V20 looks good http://www.gamedude.com.au/prod_show.php?art_no=phoNCv20

Thanks Midnight.

peterh_oz writes...

1. if you want to keep your phone number the same you MUST bundle the service. Naked ADSL will cancel your number.

What if I was to get the adsl2 plans offered? http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/isp-340-10/exetel-adsl2.htm

Would I be able to keep my current telephone number then?

Also, it says:

Each Exetel ADSL2 account includes...
A DID number (Direct Inwards Dial), so you can make and receive standard PSTN calls.(via VoIP)

Does that mean I'm automatically signed up for voip too if I get the adsl2 plans offered?

x3ellyy writes...

Would I be able to keep my current telephone number then?
Does that mean I'm automatically signed up for voip too if I get the adsl2 plans offered?

I believe so. All Their adslx plans can be used with VOIP. that particular plan you're getting is stand alone adslx and you choose your own line rental company. hence your telephone has not changed, but you can additionally get another number for VOIP.

I'd suggest you go to exetels website, as they have just updated their pricings...

My plans are now $20 more expensive.. (+$5 for phone line, +$15 for internet..)

bossyboots writes...

My plans are now $20 more expensive.. (+$5 for phone line, +$15 for internet..)

Why are you attempting to perpetuate this myth???

Whatever plan you're on is exactly the same price today, as it was last week.

INC2DSLB (12GB/48GB for $45/mth) is a completely new plan that was only introduced yesterday, and it is actually $5/mth cheaper than IncPhone B was when it was introduced back in December 2007.

http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/isp-340-5/exetel-adsl2-phone.htm

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w302/MR_WP/IncPhoneB-Dec07.jpg
(Note that the price for IncPhone B includes the phone rental)

Yes, the phone line componant has gone up by $5/mth, but that just brings the INC2DSLB price back to exactly the same price as IncPhone B was when it was introduced. Both plans cost $75 for ADSL2 plus phone.

The main differance is that during the 11 months it was available for new users, the IncPhone B download allowance was considerably increased. (along with most other Exetel plans) No doubt this will occur with INC2DSLB too in time.

Midnight Rider writes...

Why are you attempting to perpetuate this myth???

Its no myth by my calculation.

From the google cache (14 Nov): http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:xlSn7yMGb2EJ:www.exetel.com.au/a_plan_pricing_adsl2.php+http://www.exetel.com.au/a_plan_pricing_adsl2.php&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1

IncPhoneZ:
12/48 GB
Line Rental: $25
ADSL: $30
Total: $55

Today: http://www.exetel.com.au/a_plan_pricing_adsl2.php

INC2DSLB:
12/48 GB
Line Rental: $30
ADSL: $45
Total: $75

So the equivalent plan is $20 more.

crikey writes...

So the equivalent plan is $20 more.

Except you're not comparing like with like.

IncPhoneZ was only introduced about 5~6 months ago, with a download allowance of 1GB and no offpeak. That's why it was so cheap.

It was intended as an early attempt at a PAYU plan. (Pay As You Use)

It only ended up with a 12GB/mth allowance after Exetel increased all of their plan's allowances a month or so ago, and added an offpeak allowance to it.

As I stated earlier, the previous equivilent plan to the new INC2DSLB plan, was IncPhone B, with the same allowances and the same price. (but eventually increased to 30GB + 48GB/mth)

If you condemn Exetel for not matching IncPhoneZ, then you're condemning them for being generous and raising the allowances of their plans over time.

I'm not sure you want to go there.

I'm also pretty certain that all the users who are still enjoying the benefits of their old plan's increased allowances don't want you to go there either.

Midnight Rider writes...

Except you're not comparing like with like.

We seem to differ on that point. Here's my situation so you can understand where I'm coming from:

I'm on an old Exetel AnyPhone plan. I was planning to switch to the IncPhoneZ, $55 as stated above. Yesterday I emailed residentialsupport to confirm a couple of things regarding the change over. I got my reply from them today. I went to fill out the online form and bugger me, in the past 24 hrs IncPhoneZ has gone and been replaced with INC2DSLB: same service, same download allowance, $20 more a month.

I'm not so concerned about the history of the various plans, or Exetel's naming schemes. In my opinion, the equivalent of the new INC2DSLB plan was, most recently at least, IncPhoneZ not IncPhoneB. And I'm pretty sure every new user out there would agree.

crikey writes...

I was planning to switch to the IncPhoneZ, $55 as stated above. Yesterday I emailed residentialsupport to confirm a couple of things regarding the change over. I got my reply from them today. I went to fill out the online form and bugger me, in the past 24 hrs IncPhoneZ has gone and been replaced with INC2DSLB: same service, same download allowance, $20 more a month.

Now I see why you're a little disappointed.

As many old Exetel hands will tell you, you need to strike while the iron is hot when it comes to the plans that Exetel are offering.

They have a history of "pulling them" out of the blue, and next thing you know, a new plan has replaced the one you had your eye on.

Those of us who have been around for a while have learnt to spot the signs. See this post of mine from a couple of weeks back...

"Obviously, they're about to be replaced as mentioned above. (anyone who wants the old versions should jump in right now.)"

/forum-replies.cfm?t=1081654&r=17130031#r17130031

Yeah i agree. However I actually got to be on the $55 plan (for one glorious month) and now instead of $10 increase which i would be happy with (when i first joined it $65 which was reasonable) but now its jumped even more to $75!

In all honesty, exetel isn't bad. great for those who know what they're doing and don't need the techs help and so you can really save some bucks.
But now without the cost savings NOR the high download limits (not to mention the slower speeds) just going for TPG $50 plan and a standalone line rental from somewhere else is more worth it.

I really hope it changes back soon... because not many others have increased prices due to the market crash.

ps: i thought it was obvious but i'd ask anyway. Does anyone know if this price change affects old customers?? Sure hope not as I've got some confidence that their prices will go back down soon and they won't be forcing all users to follow..

On a side note. They could've kept similar prices for their more budget plans by cutting some of the Offpeak quota off and putting back some to its PEAK. I wouldn't mind a 12GB + 35GB bundled for $60-65

bossyboots writes...

Yeah i agree. However I actually got to be on the $55 plan (for one glorious month) and now instead of $10 increase which i would be happy with (when i first joined it $65 which was reasonable) but now its jumped even more to $75!

I'm not sure I understand where you're coming from.

Are you saying that you signed up for the $55 plan (I presume IncPhoneZ... $30 + $25 for phone) and had it for 1 month, but now you're no longer on it???

Why??? Exetel have not withdrawn any of the older plans for existing users, so you should still be on that plan.

Is it possible that you either were not on that plan at all, or did you perhaps choose to move to the new plan???]

Something doesn't add up here.

As I said earlier, none of the old plans have changed, and AFAIK, nobody has been required to move to the new plans.

Midnight Rider writes...

Why??? Exetel have not withdrawn any of the older plans for existing users, so you should still be on that plan.

That is not true

I have TWICE been told my plan is no longer available and been forced to move to a current plan. In fact I am only on IncPhoneZ because of this.

As I said earlier, none of the old plans have changed, and AFAIK, nobody has been required to move to the new plans.

Not yet but as I said I have had to shift twice in the past.

It used to be their policy that you could stay with a plan forever but that was ditched a couple of years ago.

Everyone on IncPhoneZ and not under contract will eventually be told to move to a much more expensive new plan.

Midnight Rider writes...

Something doesn't add up here.

As I said earlier, none of the old plans have changed, and AFAIK, nobody has been required to move to the new plans.

VeeP writes...

That is not true

Ok thanks both. Sorry my bad. I thought they would force us to be paying the new price as shown. Forgot I'm on a contract and ISPs often honor their first set of prices. My bad, i appologise to Exetel. :)

If i get to keep my price until atleast my contract is over, i will be willing to help exetel out to keep them up and running.

edit: As shown here http://forum.exetel.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=288&t=29500&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=forced&start=15

PS: I was planning to to put my old folks on this but it seems too late. Will have to wait till prices go down a bit.

Do you happen to know if the $30 referral fee saving for new signups is deducted MONTHLY or is a ONCE off payment?

bossyboots writes...

If i get to keep my price until atleast my contract is over

That is guaranteed, they are very good about that.

VeeP writes...

That is not true

I have TWICE been told my plan is no longer available and been forced to move to a current plan. In fact I am only on IncPhoneZ because of this.

Well, if you want to be pedantic, I also have had my plan cancelled in the past, and had to move to a new one.

But of course I'm not talking about ages ago... I'm talking about the old plan withdrawals and the new plan introductions of the last couple of weeks.

It used to be their policy that you could stay with a plan forever

I've been with Exetel almost from the beginning, and as far as I can remember, Exetel have never allowed people to stay on their plans forever.

Everyone on IncPhoneZ and not under contract will eventually be told to move to a much more expensive new plan.

I would think that users on virtually every plan that Exetel have, will be required to move at some point in the future. It's always been the case with Exetel.

But there's nothing stopping any user from moving to a cheaper plan if they wish.

bossyboots writes...

Do you happen to know if the $30 referral fee saving for new signups is deducted MONTHLY or is a ONCE off payment?

This is a one-time payment.

Midnight Rider writes...

I've been with Exetel almost from the beginning, and as far as I can remember, Exetel have never allowed people to stay on their plans forever.

I have been with Exetel since month two.

It was always implied that you could stay on a plan forever, in fact I am certain Forumadmin stated such. Wish I had the link. There was an expectation then that prices were on the way down not up.

Years ago (pre ADSL2) they released a $25 a month 1500k plan to new users in expectation that Telstra would reduce their wholesale price, it never came about.

Those people stayed on the plans for ages until the change of policy. It may even have caused the policy change as Exetel were losing heaps of money on the plans.

VeeP writes...

It was always implied that you could stay on a plan forever,

Your memory seems to be different to mine.

Some other ISPs have had such a policy, but not Exetel. (I still maintain a dialup account with my original ISP from 1995, and the terms are the same as they were then)

Years ago (pre ADSL2) they released a $25 a month 1500k plan to new users in expectation that Telstra would reduce their wholesale price, it never came about.

I remember that plan well. It was the talk of Whirlpool.

Those people stayed on the plans for ages until the change of policy.

Indeed, but I don't recall any suggestion that they could stay on that plan forever.

Anyhow, it's all academic now.

Midnight Rider writes...

(I still maintain a dialup account with my original ISP from 1995, and the terms are the same as they were then)

Seems you are a candidate for their HSPA plans.

Is dialup still usable now with all the Flash?

Anyhow, it's all academic now.

Yeah

VeeP writes...

Seems you are a candidate for their HSPA plans.

Been looking very closely.

Is dialup still usable now with all the Flash?

I only use it for specific business purposes when travelling, so I couldn't tell you.

bossyboots writes...

I believe so. All Their adslx plans can be used with VOIP. that particular plan you're getting is stand alone adslx and you choose your own line rental company. hence your telephone has not changed, but you can additionally get another number for VOIP.

Ah, great! Now all I need is to upgrade my modem. :)

I'm thinking of getting the Billion BiPAC 7404VGPM. Is that compatible with Exetel's adsl2?

x3ellyy writes...

I'm thinking of getting the Billion BiPAC 7404VGPM. Is that compatible with Exetel's adsl2?

Im using the open824RLW which is re badged 7404 with naked with no problems

greenhawk writes...

the problem is that for most cases the delivery of adsl at that distance is from a RIM, not the main exchange.

So the onlty ports the user can connect to is the ones in the RIM and currently, those ports are only telstra ports.

This means only adsl1, adsl2 with telstra, or adsl2 with a telstra adsl2 reseller (very few).

I previously had an ADSL2 service on a 6.5km line, top speed was 1.2k (from speedtest.net), average speed was between 300 and 700k. Constant dropouts caused by the line length. Useless for VoIP.

So unfortunately I had to go back to cable with its counted uploads and "only" 25Gb usage.

Moving shortly and will be CERTAIN to ensure I have ADSL2 coverage before I settle. ADSL2 is now a deal breaker.

bossyboots writes...

Things such as do i get keep my home number? so interstate, overseas, local are all cheaper than normal lines?
at only 10c a call that is mighty cheap.

Don't get Exetels Voip service it is crap.

Go with MYNetFone or alike.

What you need to get is a Voip adapte
rd with PSTN relay feature. Something similar to this Zyxel model.

Basically you get a new Voip number however both your Voip and PSTN lines are passed through this device so anyone can still call you on your PSTN (normal telstra phone) number and you can seamlessly make cheap calls on VOIP using your normal phone handset.

All you need is a Voip provider.

Also with the pass through feature if Voip fails or power is lost calls are automagically diverted through the normal PSTN phone system.