Broadband Guide Blog

May 2007 - Posts

• Rapid Transfer, Churn, Migrate or Switch Internet Providers

  In the market for a new ADSL Broadband Provider? Switching ISPs has now become a prompt, hassle free and cost efficient exercise with most popular Providers supporting fast ADSL transfers.  Commonly referred to as a ‘Rapid Transfer’ - Churning, Migrating or Switching Broadband Providers can streamline you to a new service within days.  What makes it more enticing is that switching Broadband Internet Providers can now be processed with minimal downtime and also offer very cheap transfers fees with the possibility of waiving the charge altogether. Furthermore, once you’ve made the decision to change, your new provider takes care of all necessary arrangements making the switch simple and effortless at your end.  How do I apply for a Rapid Transfer? When filling out your new ISPs application online (or speaking to a customer service operator), you will be either prompted or asked if you would like a ‘Rapid Transfer’ if migrating from an exisiting ADSL service. If you’re not made aware of this process, make sure you enquire!  I’d also like to make it very clear that…. by participating in a Rapid Transfer, you’re giving your new Provider the authority to cancel your existing connection and request removal of any codes specific to the old ISP.  So who supports ‘Rapid Transfers’? Every Provider on the Broadband Guide website supports ‘Rapid Transfer’. So if you decide to sign up through the Broadband Guide site, you’ll be eligible to apply for a rapid transfer.  BigPondOptus Internode AAPT Primus Westnet People Telecom Dodo Netspace What Broadband Service Types is it applicable for? As Telstra are not currently offering the rapid transfer process for DSLAMs (ADSL2/2+ services), only ADSL services are supported. But keep a vigilant eye out for ADSL2/2+ rapid transfers as they should be available sometime in the near future. How long does it take? Typically between 3-5 working days. There could be some Internet downtime, but it’s usually limited to a couple of hours.  How much does it usually cost? Generally speaking (and all contractual agreements aside) it’s either ‘free’ or between $25 - $40 depending on special offers etc... However if you take into consideration the costs involved with changing Providers without using a Rapid Transfer, it could save you hundreds of $$.  What should I be weary of? The amount of a Rapid Transfer fee may depend on current specials, offers, deals or the contract length you take with your new intended Provider. Some offer a flat rate regardless of the contract length while others, for example, may charge $0 for a 24mth contract or reduced fee for 12mth contract etc... *Please Note* Even though a new Provider may take care of everything during the Rapid Transfer process, it still may be wise to contact your old Provider after the process has taken place to confirm cancellation. Finally, just be sure that both the ‘Sending & Receiving’ ISP’s support the Rapid Transfer process before you apply.If you want to know more, check out this TIO link or post any questions or comments you might have in our Broadband Forum . Joining is easy and instant. Regards, Broadband Guide Moving House & Broadband Guide Bundle Broadband & Save when Switching Providers Upgrading from Dial Up?   Posted May 28 2007, 02:02 PM by Ronnie with no comments Filed under: Moving House, Rapid Transfer, Broadband Relocation, Switch Provider

• ISP Reviews Rate your Broadband Provider

  Are you satisfied with your current Broadband Internet Service Provider? Perhaps you're new to Broadband or hunting around for another ISP and seeking advice or assessments on new Broadband Provider Services? Another valuable tool found in  Broadband Guide's Help Centre is the ISP Ratings feature. Here you can find a breakdown of customers ratings (or add you're own) on Broadband ISPs found on the site. There are many characteristics to be mindful about prior to choosing a provider and our ratings section shouldn't be considered as the bottom line. However, we've managed to compile a ratings feature that lists the vital elements, that we think, are of utmost importance when choosing a provider. It just might be the little extra advice you need when making up your mind on a Broadband Provider that's right for you! ISP Rating Characteristics Customer Service, Technical Support, Reliability, Hardware, Pricing, Additional Services Find out the ratings that others have submitted, or add your own by clicking HERE! Regards, Broadband Guide  Posted May 23 2007, 12:03 PM by Ronnie with no comments Filed under: Broadband Providers, ISPs

• Broadband Internet Deals & Special Offers

  So you know what you want from a Broadband Plan and Internet Service Provider, but you’re looking for a little something extra? Saving money or being offered free installation, hardware, transfers, modems, routers, access or connection fees is certainly an attraction, but whats the catch?   Broadband Internet Deals and Special Offers can be the difference when it comes down to making a final decision. After all you may think there isn't much that separates some Plans over others, apart from the price, but look a little closer and you may find there can be. Lots of ISPs are offering loads of various discounts and incentives these days to lure the consumer, but one thing I’d like to point out before going any further is the bigger picture. Take this hypothetical example of a common offer into consideration: Here we have a ‘free hardware deal and $0 connection fee’ over a similar plan thats $10 a month cheaper  – The value of the hardware and free connection might save you $240 to begin with, but then again you could be recuperating that cost back over 24 months when taking out the plan that $10 cheaper (and its ongoing).  But hang on, what if I want to transfer or my conditions change? Then theres the catch of a possible early termination fee or administrative fee for transferring. Ok, I think you're starting get the picture but generally speaking, Special offers and Deals are great - but make sure you do the sums!   Below are the current deals and special offers available (at time of this post) from the ISPs at Broadband Guide. PLEASE NOTE:  Terms and Conditions Apply.   BigPond Broadband Big Broadband Offer: Broadband Access from $14.97per month for 12 Months + Free Standard Modem + Free Connection Fee Big Three Broadband Offer: 3 Months Free Access + Free Standard Modem + Free Connection Fee Big Speed, BigPond: Half Price Broadband Access + Free Standard Modem + Free Connection Fee   Optus Broadband 2 Months Free Broadband + $0 Installation + No Excess Usage Fees   AAPT Broadband Get a Wifi Modem for only $99 (RRP $299)   Primus Broadband Join any 24 Month Flexible Broadband Plan and get a Wireless Modem for Half Price $119 (RRP $239) Join any 24 Month Flexible Broadband Plan and get a Wireless Modem for $89 (Save $150)   Westnet Free Connection to ADSL (Broadband1) and Free Modem when upgrading from Dialup on 24 Month plan Free Connection to ADSL (Broadband1) when upgrading from Dialup and combine with Westnet phone for 12 Months   New and existing customers will receive FREE ADSL2+ (Broadband2+) connection valued at $139 when signing up to Westnet’s Broadband2+ and Phone product. Netspace Free Set-Up fee and Free Standard ADSL Modem when joining on 24 Month flat rate Broadband Plan Save $10 every month off your Broadband Plan when switching your Phone to Netspace Home Phone.   If you're already using broadband you can switch to Netspace broadband on a 6 month agreement with no set-up fee  Posted May 16 2007, 03:26 PM by Ronnie with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Special Offers, Discounts or Deals

• Plan Search - Find Broadband Internet Plans

  Search, compare, and find the best Broadband Internet Plans right here within seconds!  Using Broadband Guide's Search & Comparison Tools can be a very fast, efficient and informative avenue of finding a Broadband Plan thats right for you. Furthermore, once you've found a Broadband Product that you like, you then have the option of joining up to that plan right there and then! Searching for Broadband has never been easier. Search & Comparison Features The Broadband Guide site has been developed to help prevent the complexities involved with searching for plans and facilitating the process of making an informed choice. Below are some of the features you can use to find a plan thats right for you. Quick Search - Search by ISP, Type, Speed & Limit. A simple yet fast and efficient feature for those who have a rough idea of what they want from a Broadband Plan. Refine Search - After using the Quick Search function, users are then able to 'refine' their search returns by making a selection from the added criteria available - Contract Length, Bundle Options and Pricing. Search Plans - This advanced method of search enables users to make customized selections by using a Dynamic Display Interface thats simple and enjoyable to use. Here you can choose from Region, Type, Provider, Speed, Download Limit, Contract Length and Price Range. # Note - A Comparison feature can be used in conjunction with any Search function. Simply check the boxes that appear on the left hand side of each plan in the search results, then either scroll up or down to the 'Compare Selected Plans' button, then simply 'click'. A new window will  then display a comparison of all the associated plans you selected. You can choose 2, 3, or more plans at one time to compare. Browse Plans Alternatively, for those seeking further information on Plans, our 'Browse Plans' section has an array of various components that lets users browse Connection Types, Popular Plan Types, Australia's Broadband Internet Service Providers & Broadband Regions along with a Help Centre full of Resources. Plan Finder Wizard Another excellent plan search tool that we provide thats simple and fun to use. With its dynamic features and comprehensive information on Broadband, an informed choice is only steps away. Highly Recommend! Tips Broadband Guide Forums - Not sure about which plan to join, or perhaps you want some advice? Ask and answer questions, or add comments and concerns in our Broadband Forum. Joining is easy and instant. Also Highly Recommend! Broadband Help Centre - Choose from a smorgusboard of topics. Technical; Services & Uses; Conversion Tables and much much more. Which Plan? - If you're not exactly sure about which plan to join? When in doubt consider starting on plan that has a smaller usage limit and slower speed. It's usually 'free' to upgrade but not to downgrade. Terms & Conditions - Its a must to read over, or inquire about a respective Internet Service Provider's, or Individual Plan's Terms & Conditions. There are quite often user guidelines or specific conditions that can be overlooked or interpreted incorrectly. A quick example is excess usage conditions (responsible usage and charged or speed limited usage conditions) and contract lengths (moving house, changing providers, early termination fees). Don't get caught out! Research - Ask friends or colleagues and surf the Internet for handy advice and feedback that could help you out. Using keywords in search engines can be very useful for finding out relevent information.   Good Luck! Broadband Guide   Posted May 10 2007, 07:08 AM by Ronnie with 4 comment(s) Filed under: Broadband , Broadband Plans, Broadband Providers, Internet Access, Broadband Guide

• Finding the best Internet Service Providers

  If you're new to the Internet and considering joining up to a Broadband Plan, finding the best Internet Service Provider can be just as difficult as choosing the right Broadband Plan. The main features that most people consider a Reputable Provider to offer are Reliability, Customer Service & Support , Competitive Prices and Broadband/Internet Quality. Finding out about all these characteristics can be equally as difficult, and that's not taking into consideration any prior experience or knowledge that you may or may not possess.   Did you know that Internet Service Providers (ISP) are also known as Internet Access Providers (IAP) and that they usually equip their customers with other services consisting of email mailboxes, back up dial up accounts, email anti virus and spam filters? Some even grant you access to an online virtual tool box of that consists of handy features like an account usage gauge (which lets you keep track of your monthly quota as you go) and access to limited web space for hosting websites, pages and files. Below are just some features that you may want to consider when contemplating Internet Service Providers.   ISP Services  Account & Current Usage Information Change Password & Plan Abilities Pay Accounts Online Web Space (Hosting Sites & Files) Email Mailboxes (Multiple Email Accounts eg. yourname@yourisp.com.au) Spam & Email Virus Filtering Free Traffic/Usage (On limited Websites, Game Servers, Files etc…) General Statistics Free Help Desk/Technical Support & Tools Bundling Services Back up Dial Up Account Free Transfers (Typically limited to Special Offers) Free Connection (Typically limited to Special Offers) Free Modem & Router Hardware (Typically limited to Special Offers or Contract Length)    The Broadband Guide ISP list shown below has one or more of the following Broadband Services - Wireless (Mobile Wireless); ADSL - ADSL2/2+; Cable & Satellite:   Australian Internet Service Providers list: BigPond Optus Internode AAPT Primus Westnet People Telecom Dodo Eftel Netspace TPG   If you wish to search and compare Broadband Plans from any of these providers, simply click on the respective link and you will be transferred directly to their associated section. If you would like further elaboration, or perhaps you have some questions that you want answered, try joining up to our friendly Broadband Forum and make some enquiries there.   Regards,   Broadband Guide Posted May 05 2007, 07:59 AM by Ronnie with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Broadband Providers, Broadband Guide, ISPs

• Making the right Internet Choice

  Searching for the right Provider and making an informed choice on a Broadband Plan is proving more and more painstaking everyday. Deregulation has brought about the end of days when Telstra (BigPond) and Optus were the only ISP carriers around. Now the likes of Dodo, Internode, AAPT, TPG and many more are providing Australians with Broadband Internet as well. But who to choose?  With so many new Internet Service Providers and Resellers constantly springing up with various Broadband deals and products, its made choosing a suitable plan very difficult indeed.  This was the very reason Broadband Guide was established, to simplify the process, provide comparisons, and ease the complex nature of choosing Broadband Internet products. Here's are a few simple pointers that we hope will assist you when choosing a plan thats right for you. Budget How much are you prepared to pay per month? Try compare it to your home phone & mobile bills, or reach a figure that reflects the amount of time you intend on using Broadband Internet. * Remember, it can pay to start on a lower priced plan as it usually doesn't cost anything to upgrade, but it can cost you to downgrade! Also keep in mind the length of your contract and what it means (or costs) to break it if necessary. Usage Perhaps one of the hardest choices to make when it comes to choosing a Broadband Plan revolves around the download usage limit. Again, how frequently are you intending on using the Internet and what for? Budget/New - Light Use: New, occasional, and light frequent users who intend on using the Internet for surfing, chatting, banking, paying bills and emailing will use a small amount of data. Popular/Light - Medium Use: Those intending on constantly using the Internet and to download files such as music and pictures will start pushing the limit a little further. Medium - Heavy Use: Then we have the heavy users, those that are always online and constantly download huge files such as Movies, Major Software Applications and regularly Stream Video. Types Availability aside, most ISP's offer quality products and reliable services. ADSL is by far the most common choice of Broadband among Australians, as its infrastructure is already in place and can be installed quickly. Cable is next in line but is generally limited to metro/major regional areas. Cable is currently on par with ADSL2/2+ Speeds, however its robust nature also allows other services such as Pay TV to run parallel on the same line. After these types comes Wireless Broadband Internet. Its nowhere near as fast and robust as ADSL & Cable, yet its technology and coverage is rapidly growing and can be very appealing for its mobile flexibility. Bundling Bundling services like Mobile Phone & Home Phone accounts with your Broadband Internet can save you more than a few dollars every month. Reduced monthly Broadband fees and or other special entitlements can make bundling your Internet service attractive. Bundling is displayed on Broadband Guide products where applicable, so keep an eye out for these options. Broadband Guide highly recommends that you visit the following sections. These guides plus heaps more Tips and Faq's on Broadband related information can be found in our Broadband Help Centre. Broadband Speed Comparisons - Find out about, and compare Broadband Speeds Download Usage Guide - Facts, Figures and Measurements on Downloading Good Luck! Regards, Broadband Guide Posted May 03 2007, 08:46 AM by Ronnie with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Broadband , Broadband Plans, Broadband Providers, Broadband Guide

• Small Business Broadband

  Are you working from home? Perhaps you may own and operate a small business. Did you know that Broadband Guide can assist you to find a suitable plan primarily for your business as well as your home?  We've actually created a search feature designed specifically for Professionals, Network Share and SOHO (Small Office Home Office) type businesses. Based on research and feedback, we've compiled a list of popular products thats especially suited for these purposes. Simply click on this link or on the Small Business link found on our front page. It's that easy.   Posted May 02 2007, 09:10 AM by Ronnie with no comments Filed under: Broadband , Broadband Plans, Broadband Guide