I am sourcing internet possibilities for my father. His current provider has cancelled their dialup plan that he was on and now he would like to make the move to broadband. He has a Telstra home phone but I think he wants to leave that out of his broadband choices. His local exchange is Peakhurst - www.adsl2exchanges.com.a...hp?Exchange=PEAK

Thanks for any help.

How much are you looking to spend per month? and what is his usage like?

He would be lucky to use 1-2gb per month. He only logs in to check his emails, do a little surfing and pay a few bills.

jostubbs writes...

He would be lucky to use 1-2gb per month. He only logs in to check his emails, do a little surfing and pay a few bills.

Ok, we'll theres a few different plans you could choose. I assume high speeds isn't really an issue, and a 512kbs connection would be suitable. Id personally set up a connection with internode on the home-512-starter plan, its $39.95/month with 5Gb downloads. Other than that, theres a few plans on westnet that would be ok too.

How much did you want to spend each month?

He would obviously like to spend as little as possible. He is currently eyeing the $29.95 Light TPG plan and the $19.95 Beagle ADSL plan.

if he chooses the smaller isp's dont forget to add in the set up fees ( modem etc )

pensioners get x amount of $ per year now for internet not that it will impact anything too much

plan search will bring up plenty of options

bc.whirlpool.net.au

but I am in favour of bodyboardings reccomendation of Nodes 512k

Great Service!

How about iiNet naked? $50 a month with unlimited calls and 2GB+2GB broadband. Here: www.iinet.net.au/products/naked/plans.html .

bodyboarding_bum writes...

Id personally set up a connection with internode on the home-512-starter plan, its $39.95/month with 5Gb downloads

+1

That would probably be the best option.

jostubbs writes...

Thanks for any help.

He has a number of options.

bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/?...p;upfront=999999

The aaNet one looks good on top of page.

KickStart-512 10 GB No limit $6 /GB Free Static $29.90 /mo

He wouldn't get anywhere near the 10GB so he would be safe from the $6GB

Spin and Comcen also have a $19:95 seniors plan with 1gb data.

www2.comcen.com.au/products/adsl2/seniors
and
www2.spin.net.au/products/adsl2/seniors

you will notice they are the same as these are sister ISPs.

I would go for Node. Simply because you know it will work 99.8% of the time.

funkyblue writes...

I would go for Node. Simply because you know it will work 99.8% of the time

Agreed. That's one of the reasons why I recommended node as well.

Id personally set up a connection with internode on the home-512-starter plan, its $39.95/month with 5Gb downloads.

I set my Mum up with this account and she thinks it is so much better than her dialup she was on. Reasonably priced and has never failed her.

You guys thought this was CHEAP????
the internode is a 12month plan with a setup of $183(includes modem etc.) and a monthly cost of $40
so thats $663 for his first year.

Actual cheap is
www.exetel.com.au/a_plan_pricing_new.php
Exetel 6 month plan 256/64 with 2GB peak/48GB off peak with a setup of 153 ($88 setup +53 for modem plus 20 postage) at a cost of $30 a month.
So thats $513 for his first year. Saving $150 off the node plan.

This means he isn't locked in a contract for as long, pays less and if he exceeds his quota he can choose either shaping or $3 per GB to keep normal speeds. Also Exetel are in the top 10 most used on whirlpool. So it's not like they are a small ISP.

And before all the internode ppl go "HEY Exetel you suck, you have no support"
They have a support including a support phone number:
www.exetel.com.au/contact.php
(Ask on the exetel section of whirlpool if you need any information about pro's/con's of exetel)

jostubbs - I have a couple of spare D-link dsl 200 (USB only) modems if you want one to reduce the set up costs for your father.

Send me a whim if you need one :)

Cody Wilson writes...

You guys thought this was CHEAP????

Never said it was the cheapest, but it is one of the best options.

the internode is a 12month plan with a setup of $183(includes modem etc.) and a monthly cost of $40

Wrong. Internode have no 'contracts' on any of their plans, you're free to leave when ever you like. But i believe there might be a small leaving fee before 6 months or something.

Actual cheap is
www.exetel.com.au/a_plan_pricing_new.php
Exetel 6 month plan 256/64 with 2GB peak/48GB off peak with a setup of 153

And thats half the speed! 256 isn't really an option in todays market, its not much better than dialup. They only give you a 48Gb off peak because its not possible to use that on a 256 connection.

And before all the internode ppl go "HEY Exetel you suck, you have no support"

Wasn't going to say this, and i have nothing against extel, just IMO internode is a better option. Check out the australian broadband choice survey that was done, internode ranks VERY highly.

EDIT: They aren't no.1 on this list for no reason ;)
bc.whirlpool.net.au

Oi³ writes...

KickStart-512 10 GB No limit $6 /GB Free Static $29.90 /mo

Hard to beat that plan

homersmithson writes...

Hard to beat that plan

I'm curious, how are they making money on that plan, most other 512/128 start at 40. Is it the connection costs? If not thats a good plan.

bodyboarding_bum writes...

Wrong. Internode have no 'contracts' on any of their plans, you're free to leave when ever you like.

Wrong, Internode have a minimum 12 month commitment with a penalty fee for leaving earlier, just like almost every other ISP.

Even BC agrees... Contract 12 mths

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I still think he is looking seriously at the $29.95 TPG plan but you never know. it all gets so confusing after looking at so many plans.

I apprecite all your feedback and will be passing on to him the plans suggested.

The other issue is the phone concession for pensioners from Telstra. If you choose a non-Bigpond plan that bundles the phone in you lose the concession.

No, he doesn't want to bundle his phone.

.

+1 Node, he may enjoy the free radio stations and other cool content.

Cheers

Dave

bodyboarding_bum writes...

Internode have no 'contracts' on any of their plans,
If there is a $65 fee for leaving before 12 months that might as well be a contract. Its rather deceptive to say NO CONTRACTS but there is a fee to leave. Exetel will let you leave in the first 6 months for $100 (kinda pointless on a $30 plan.)

If you noticed he said "His current provider has cancelled their dialup plan that he was on and now he would like to make the move to broadband."

He obviously isn't using it for things that require speed. so 256/64 would be fine.

bodyboarding_bum writes...

They only give you a 48Gb off peak because its not possible to use that on a 256 connection.
Thats standard with all exetel plans even the 512/128 thats $5 more expensive than the 256/64 plan. Its probably good to know that for the same price as other plans he has more quota than he can use.

Check out the australian broadband choice survey that was done, internode ranks VERY highly.
Here whirlpool.net.au/survey/2007
From that I've found that exetel is considered the cheapest for ADSL 1 followed by TPG, has a lower quality of service but 85% of users would recommend their friends. I also noticed people left internode because they believed it was too expensive (second only to telstra).
My point is that internode may not be the cheapest plan that suits this persons criteria.

EDIT: They aren't no.1 on this list for no reason ;)
bc.whirlpool.net.au

If we were going by size why not recommend bigpond. They are the no.1 provider for australia

Cody Wilson writes...

If we were going by size why not recommend bigpond. They are the no.1 provider for australia

Lol, that would just be a joke!

If there is a $65 fee for leaving before 12 months that might as well be a contract.

It might as well not be a contract, contract means you have to pay out your remaining months plus a leaving lee. Not at all the same.

To the OP, in the end its your choice who you choose. There have been options given, and all are quite viable :)

bodyboarding_bum writes...

contract means you have to pay out your remaining months plus a leaving lee

I'd suggest that a contract is something that contains a duration in which your charged if you exit early. Even Bigpond make you pay $15 for each month remaining in ur contract.

To the OP, in the end its your choice who you choose. There have been options given, and all are quite viable :)

I second that.

Andy. writes...

Wrong, Internode have a minimum 12 month commitment with a penalty fee for leaving earlier, just like almost every other ISP.

Wrong. The only contract that Internode has with it's home users is an early termination fee of $65.00 if you leave before the first six months plus any monthly fees for data. eg. You could leave Internode 7 days or less after becoming an Internode customer.

Note the above figures do not include any setup fees .

I believe that I should know I am an Internode customer. If any Internode customers saw any contracts they would probably leave Internode in droves. FYI.

www.internode.on.net/res...standard/pricing

ADSL Early Cancellation Charge

$65.00

This is charged if you cancel your Internode ADSL service prior to 12 months of use.

Note it is waived on an existing service if you are relocating with Internode ADSL at your new premises; or if you are changing service type to Internode Naked ADSL2+.

www.internode.on.net/contact

I am a pensioner that uses Internode as my ISP.

wfdtamar writes...

The other issue is the phone concession for pensioners from Telstra. If you choose a non-Bigpond plan that bundles the phone in you lose the concession.

As a pensioner that uses Telstra I can tell you that you do not have a Telstra concession unless you make Telstra calls eg. if you use VoIP you are not making Telstra calls however there is the Australian Government Telephone Allowance for pensioners that can be used with any phone service including non Telstra telephone providers and there is the Australian Government Internet Allowance for pensioners that can be used with any ISP.

I am a Internode customer that uses a Telstra line for Internode and VoIP telephone calls,a person that does not have a Telstra concession , a few calls are made such as 1300 calls that are Telstra and other Telstra calls may be made when I anm downloading an Iso and prefer not to use VoIP.

My telephone plan and ADSL plan are not bundled in any way.

Ken Richards. writes...

Wrong. The only contract that Internode has with it's home users is an early termination fee of $65.00 if you leave before the first six months plus any monthly fees for data.

Wrong,its 12 months.

I believe that I should know I am an Internode customer.

Maybe you should check the link you supplied:)

Ken Richards. writes...

is an early termination fee of $65.00 if you leave before the first six months plus any monthly fees for data.

OR

ADSL Early Cancellation Charge

$65.00

This is charged if you cancel your Internode ADSL service prior to 12 months of use.

Which is it?
6 or 12.
12 is the one from the internode website.

If any Internode customers saw any contracts they would probably leave Internode in droves.

Clearly node users are pretending they aren't in a contract cause they can pay to exit anytime. But this is the same as nearly ALL ISPs in Australia.

Hello,

You will find that all ISP's have a minimum commitment of at least 6 months due to early termination charges imposed by Telstra on the port itself.

Chris

Cody Wilson writes...

Clearly node users are pretending they aren't in a contract cause

Some of us do read contracts, such as when I moved from Exetel to Node.

I set my parents up on node with a VOIP router. I was slow to send them the configured router, and Node support called them to see if there was any problems they could help with.
If they lived next door, I would have thought about exetel, but as they do not, it was an easy choice.

Thank you everyone who replied.

As it turns out my father is too far away from the exchange to get any broadband other than wireless so it looks now like I'm off to the dial-up forum.

homersmithson writes...

Maybe you should check the link you supplied:)

I did. see one of my posts above.

Try www.tadaustconnect.org.au

This has very cheap plans and includes dial Up.

Ken Richards. writes...

I did. see one of my posts above.

So which is it?6mths or 12?

Lizzy internet I have dail up with them at $8.90 per month. There are cheaper plans available elsewhere though...

lizzy.com.au/dialup/featured-plans.php

NO contract term & no credit card required.
20 free email boxes, Free junk email filter, free email virus filter.
5 free SMS txt messages/month.
10 MB free web space.

Cody Wilson writes...

Clearly node users are pretending they aren't in a contract cause they can pay to exit anytime.

There is no contract that says I have to pay $x times it by y months in order to get out like some other ISP's.

All Internode says is that if you want to leave within the first 12 months you pay a $65.00 disconnection fee.

So you're not bound to a long term contract like other ISP's, nor do you have to pay the total contract cost out if you do want to leave.

A mob called TADAUST have various phone and internet services specifically for people on pensions or with disabilities. My mother-in-law is on an old age pension and is using them for dial up (cannot convince here to go to broadband yet). The provide great support and are very helpful in getting people set up and running.

The ADSL plan is unfortunately not the fastest in the world at 256/64 but gives 12 GB for $29.95 and this would be more than adequate at that speed. While their FAQs page list other speeds, they don't seem to have any info on these.

The also offer bundled telephone and YES, pensioners do get the Telephone allowance with bundled services. Details here... www.tadaustconnect.org.au

Edit: Apparently the broadband servive is provided in association with ispOne but is organised through Tadaust.

IMO, internet should be free for pensioners or get some sort of rebate. Though TPG is pretty cheap.

Len writes...

Lizzy internet I have dail up with them at $8.90 per month. There are cheaper plans available elsewhere though...

Tadaust Connect dialup for people on pensions or with disabilities is $6 a month with unlimited download (not that you can do that much on dialup).

unique7 writes...

IMO, internet should be free for pensioners or get some sort of rebate.

Most public libraries in Australia provide free internet access.

unique7 writes...

IMO, internet should be free for pensioners or get some sort of rebate.

I'm nearly with you. I'd give them a dial up cost amount in their pension.

tasmanian guy writes...

All Internode says is that if you want to leave within the first 12 months you pay a $65.00 disconnection fee

so to encourage people not to leave they are penalising people x amount of $ if they leave in 12mths, sounds like a contract to me

long term contract like other ISP's, nor do you have to pay the total contract cost out if you do want to leave.

what? like bigpond who you only have to pay $15x remaining months ( not the full contract ) so i am not on a contract with bigpond i have an exit fee

FlipFlopHippityHop writes...

I'd give them a dial up cost amount in their pension.

they get $150 a year towards internet

drahcir,
Its no use trying to convince them they are under contract. The fee has to be per month for them to be in a contract. They don't see that a fee for leaving within a certain period is also a contract.

Personally if I sign something that someone says I can't do something when I want to without paying money thats a contract.
I don't care what the ISP call it. Its a contract.

Cody Wilson writes...

Its no use trying to convince them they are under contract

yeah i should learn my lesson but.........

don't care what the ISP call it. Its a contract

exactly

drahcir writes...

they get $150 a year towards internet

According the this site, fairfield.yourguide.com....ease/287203.aspx , they get a new $44 pa allowance - not $150- pa. This was the only site I found though, so may not be accurate with it not being a Govt. site. To quote part of the above website :-

An increased rate of telephone allowance from $88 a year to $132 a year will be available for veterans, income support recipients of age pension age, commonwealth seniors health card holders and recipients of carer payment and disability support pension who have a home internet connection.

funkyblue writes...

I would go for Node. Simply because you know it will work 99.8% of the time.

Node make mistakes, they "accidently disconnected me" a few months ago for 1 week i got stuffed around and eventually got someone who told me the truth and told me my codes had ripped off my line but i still had a dsl light (still jumpered @ exchange!)

FlipFlopHippityHop writes...

hey get a new $44 pa allowance - not $150- pa. This was the only site I found though, so may not be accurate with it not being a Govt. site. To quote part of the above website :-

It isn't very well worded, but a copy of the official info is here... www.tadaustconnect.org.a...onyAllowance.pdf

Telephone allowance will be paid at the basic rate of $22 per quarter ("basic rate") for phone only and $33 per quarter ("higher rate") for phone and internet. This rate current as of 20 March 2008 and the rate will be adjusted anually each September in line with CPI.

This rate actually stated last March so the announcement in the Budget cofirmed what they had already decided

jostubbs writes...

As it turns out my father is too far away from the exchange to get any broadband other than wireless so it looks now like I'm off to the dial-up forum.

It can be worth checking what exchange your father is on and whether there are any non-Telstra DSLAMs available - some providers use their own DSLAMs to provide ADSL beyond the Telstra arbitrary limits.

drahcir writes...

so to encourage people not to leave they are penalising people x amount of $

Wrong. They are not 'penalising' people - they are passing on a Telstra Wholesale early termination fee. By contrast Bigpond are penalising people since the exit fees are not directly related to costs imposed on them by others.

I got my father-in-law on to the 'Node starter plan. He loves it. He used to be with Dodo and would get bills $50-$60 a month more than the monthly charge, even if I wasn't at his house!! He uses Faktortel for his calls and was about to can it until I switched him. Since then, 'Node and Faktortel have won him over and he is a total convert.

Queeg 500 writes...

Wrong. They are not 'penalising' people - they are passing on a Telstra Wholesale early termination fee. By contrast Bigpond are penalising people since the exit fees are not directly related to costs imposed on them by others.

Thats pretty off the mark. Regardless of who or what the costs are for if your charged to leave your in a contract. Just because the are "forced" to do it doesn't make it not a contract.
"Yes your Honor, I shot the man, but it wasn't my gun so it wasn't really murder..."

Cody Wilson writes...

Regardless of who or what the costs are for if your charged to leave your in a contract.

I never said it was or wasn't a contract - I was referring to drahcir's emotive and incorrect statement that it was a penalty. FYI penalties are not allowed - www.tio.com.au/POLICIES/...%20contracts.htm

"Yes your Honor, I shot the man, but it wasn't my gun so it wasn't really murder..."

Huh?

Internode 512 - $39.95 + setup for traditional DSL

iiNet Naked for $49.95 if his exchange supports it to save on phone, or

3 wireless for $29.95/month 2GB, 24 months, no signup, free modem. Fast and good coverage, but does have excess fees and it's a pain to have to connect manually each time though.

homersmithson writes...

So which is it?6mths or 12?

Ask Internode, at one stage it was 6 months now it seems to be 12 months , but to my knowledge it is only a verbal contract.

unique7 writes...

IMO, internet should be free for pensioners

I agree, ADSL2+ for nothing would be a very good idea .

or get some sort of rebate.

We do now from the government but as usual it is not enough, the rebate paid every quarter covers about the cost of one months broadband access only.

Queeg 500 writes...

I was referring to drahcir's emotive and incorrect statement that it was a penalty

well excuse me , sorry i should have said "exit" fee

drahcir writes...

well excuse me , sorry i should have said "exit" fee

No, you should have avoided posting based on a false premise - early termination fees as charged by Internode, Westnet and some other ISPs aren't designed to encourage people not to leave, they are designed to ensure that the ISP is not out of pocket as a direct result of the consumer's decision to terminate the agreement.

Queeg 500 writes...

they are designed to ensure that the ISP is not out of pocket as a direct result of the consumer's decision to terminate the agreement

so as to encourage them (the customer) to stay to avoid them (the isp) getting a charge due to the customer terminating early

No, you should have avoided posting based on a false premise

locking people in isnt new, it just takes some isp's a bit longer to catch on, but they all do

early termination fees as charged by

cancelling of contract fees

Queeg 500 writes...

terminate the agreement

also known as ending a contract :D

You might consider satellite which is available for the sort of prices being talked about (lower limit though). Under the Broadband Guarantee set up costs are covered.

Re the Telstra (not Bigpond or Government) pensioner discount. It's $3 min up to $12.25 max based on number of calls. Not available with Homeline Budget.

www.telstra.com.au/acces...ner_discount.htm

wfdtamar writes...

You might consider satellite which is available for the sort of prices being talked about (lower limit though). Under the Broadband Guarantee set up costs are covered.

The Broadband Guarantee only applies where the customer cannot obtain ADSL - i.e:

"unable to receive a broadband service of at least a 512k/128k and 1000MB per month for a total price of $2500 over three years;" ($69.44 per month)

Friend
By years I use Lizzy isp dial-up($7.95pm unlimited) and Nitro accelerator ($39 pa).Together I have very good speed particularly to surf web and to read. Of course it is not suitable to download big programs as the download speed is app 5kbs. Sometime is possible to use a good download manager for it.Of course you must take to account telestra dial fee. But all is more cheap than broadband with particular connection outlay (modem, activate etc.)
Other is mobile internet as 19.95 but connection fee is big too.

There is also an internet provider through Telstra called TADaust. It is specifically for pensioners and for older persons with disabilities.
They have broadband 256/64 for 12gig for $29.95 mth, but you have to bundle phone as well.

davidxxxx writes...

How about iiNet naked? $50 a month with unlimited calls and 2GB+2GB broadband. Here: www.iinet.net.au/products/naked/plans.html .

+1

iiNet's NDSL plan is a great option. Takes a little while to setup and a bit of extra cash but the best option IMO.

I was once with Virgin Broadband but had several problems with them (Like many others). If that worked well then I'd recommend that.

:-)

marzipan writes...

TADaust. It is specifically for pensioners and for older persons with disabilities.
Anyone on DSP, Old age pension and I reckon our heroes who were disabled doing armed forces for our country.

They have broadband 256/64 for 12gig for $29.95 mth,
Unless you are a super download freak, this is a very suitable and affordable plan.

but you have to bundle phone as well.
Hopefully, the moving your home phone to TADaust is competitive.

Knowing the work TAD Australia do with supplying PCs and software as well as home delivery, I am sure they have sourced the best broadband for pensioners.

What about 3 network 1G for $15/mth -- or is it risky if you move out of their 3G network

marzipan writes...

There is also an internet provider through Telstra called TADaust. It is specifically for pensioners and for older persons with disabilities.
They have broadband 256/64 for 12gig for $29.95 mth, but you have to bundle phone as well.

Your information is quite incorrect. TADAust is not part of Telstra. TADAust is a non-government organisation Technical Aid to the Disabled Australia (TADAust) which was originally set up to provide low cost aids to people with disabilities.

Tadaust's internest services are provided by TADAust Connect which is part of TADAust. TADAust Connect provides dial up internet from its own resources and broadband internet in conjunction with ispOne.

You can have broadband services alone or in conjunction with TADAust's home phone services. The $29.95 /month plan does NOT require bundling but you must be on a pension.

You can get information from here... www.tadaustconnect.org.a...adband/index.php

Their home phone services have a similar pricing structure to those provided by Telstra however some services that are available from Telstra are not avialable, e.g. Home Message 101.

wfdtamar writes...

Re the Telstra (not Bigpond or Government) pensioner discount. It's $3 min up to $12.25 max based on number of calls. Not available with Homeline Budget.

From Telstra:
Eligible Pensioners on Telstra’s HomeLine Budget plan receive a monthly Pensioner Discount of up to $3.50 per month on local calls and calls to the Internet (MegaPop 019830 numbers). I suggest that you read the fine print.

www.telstra.com.au/acces...ner_discount.htm

The Government telephone including a internet allowance is also paid to pensioners every quarter no matter what ISP or telephone provider that you are using.These together might equal the cost of my HomeLine Budget plan for one month .

I have been a DSP for 29 years or since I was 30 and I am now on a 1500 plan .

www.centrelink.gov.au/in.../pay_how_tel.htm

Ken Richards. writes...

From Telstra:
Eligible Pensioners on Telstra’s HomeLine Budget plan receive a monthly Pensioner Discount of up to $3.50 per month on local calls and calls to the Internet (MegaPop 019830 numbers).

Oops, yes missed that. So if you make very few calls Homeline Budget might be better than the next one up.

I also stuffed up recommending the Broadband Guarantee for satellite. :-)