Quickest way to get internet connected

[Guest Seabird50]

To let people know that I have just discovered a really useful system for getting internet connected. I have moved several times in Oz and each time had at least a three week delay in getting Internet connected, in one case it took 2 months! The 2 month episode was using Dodo for my phone line and Adam for my internet. Dodo wouldn't let me get a phone connection booked until I had a rental agreement on the house to show them, then I had to wait for phone connection. Adam wouldn't let me even book the intenet until the phone was connected and then there was another 4 week wait, along with other delays too.

 

Just found Internode, considered the best internet provider apparently. Move from Adelaide to Brisbane, get the keys to the house one day and internet AND phone connected the next. This is because I selected VOIP and because Internode will let you advance book your connection. How much easier??

 

Just wanted to let everyone know, and will try to remember to let you all know if it happens as promised.

 

:biggrin:

[Guest The Ropey HOFF]

sounds interesting, i wonder if anyone else is interested?

[Guest headinabox]

A really quick way to get up and running is to buy a 3G (wireless internet) modem. You can get these on Pay As You Go (called pre-paid here). It's exactly the same as the internet you get on your mobile phone, but seperated to be internet only and no calls.

 

I think you can still get a modem and 12GB of data for about $150 which lasts you 12 months. Not much data, but plenty to keep you connected when you first arrive and if you do move over to ADSL, then you can have the 3G as a back-up.

 

Cost:

Pre Paid (Pay as you go) About $150 for 12GB

Post-Paid (Contract) - I get 8GB per month for $32 on a 12 month contract (with Virgin mobile).

 

Pros :

 

• Buy from any mobile phone shop (you will need ID).
  
• Take it with you when you move - Useful when you are in temp accomadation upon arrival.
  
• Connect via your laptop/ netbook from anywhere (no phone line required).
  

 

 

Cons :

 

• Usually less data (how much you can download) than ADSL.
  
• Slower than ADSL (broadband). Although this isn't always true. I get 2-3 Mbps connection where we live and ADSL can only offer 1.5 Mbps!
  
• If the signal is weak (they use mobile phone masts) then so is the internet connection.
  

 

 

Hope this helps.

[Guest Jamie Hunter]

Hi,

 

I'm moving to Brisbane in April 2011 and will need internet quickly to continue an online study im working through.

Will I need to buy a new wireless modem or can a UK modem be used?

 

Jamie

[Bobbsy]

I have to say that we didn't have the problems the OP mentioned on either of our moves. Despite only giving three days notice, our phone was connected the day we moved in at our first house. We ordered our ADSL broadband a couple of days later, the modem was delivered within two days and the Internet service was there and ready when I installed the modem. (That was with Telstra)

 

After six months we moved to a more permanent place--the phone line was cut over on the day of the move and the Internet was up and running by the next morning.

 

A couple of years later, we had some problems with Telstra and moved both phone and Internet to Optus--the phone was cut over with only a few minutes outage and the Internet (which we were told could take up to 3 hours) was done with about 30 minutes outage.

 

A couple of other things:

 

First, when we first moved in we bought "pay as you go" dial up access from a Telstra shop. Not cheap or fast, but good enough for checking emails for our first few days in the house.

 

Finally, for Jamie Hunter: There's no technical difference in the wireless router/ADSL modem other than needed a cable with the Aus phone plug (and mains plug) but technically you need to use gear with the Australian approval sticker on it. Our ADSL deal included a modem anyway but I once tried my UK modem and got it working. So, it depends how honest/legal you want to be.

 

Bob