Broadband Guide Blog

August 2007 - Posts

• Moving House & Broadband Relocation

  Moving house is generally an exciting time for many, new environment, fresh start etc... However when it comes to disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, the experience can soon change. Relocating your Broadband product is no different, and although usually a streamlined process, it might pay to prioritize your tasks by placing Broadband toward the top of the 'to do' list. Taking Broadband relocation for granted is definitely a no no. In most metropolitan areas reconnecting your Broadband shouldn't be a problem, however it can pay to prepare and make inquiries with your Provider before doing anything. I'm not talking about a 'she'll be right mate' couple of days either. I'm recommending at least several weeks notice in advance. This way, if you do run into any unforeseen issues, e.g. Broadband rejection at your new residence, it might give you enough time to rectify the situation or seek alternatives prior to being left out in the lurch. ADSL, being the most popular type of Broadband (currently), transmits data over a phone line.  Here's your first hurdle. As ADSL requires a phone line to operate, you'll need to have a new line sorted prior to relocating your ADSL (although with naked adsl coming soon new connection processes may change).  If you're lucky enough to have the same Phone and Broadband Provider, you may be able to synchronize your dis/reconnection process with relatively low downtime.  Let's take a look at some vital relocation details and difficulties. Process Duration: Typical Phone Relocation: Depending on which Provider you're with, relocation process could take anywhere up to 3 - 5 Days (Possibly longer) Typical Broadband Relocation: 7 - 10 Days (Again, could be longer so be sure to make an inquiry on all possible scenarios that may obstruct the relocation process) Relocation Rejections & Difficulties: There are various complex issues that may hinder your Broadband relocation request. Most fall into Technology, Availability and Customer Service categories. Let's take a look at some common reasons. Rim & Pair Gain (ADSL) - Alternative Telephone Service that is used in areas where there is no copper lines (ADSL Broadband requires copper telephone lines). There are some exceptions with RIM & Pair Gain, but generally speaking, if your Provider says that you're in one of these areas, your chances of obtaining ADSL Broadband could become remote. These types of systems are usually found in areas that are generally a few extra kilometers away from an established telephone exchange. So if you are intending on moving to an area such as a 'new Estate', you may face availability issues? Make inquiries, do the research! Limited Ports - Again, ADSL Broadband is based on phone line technology and each phone line has a port at your local telephone exchange. Limited ports in your local exchange may force you on to a waiting list. Limitations are usually confined within ADSL2+ type technology, but it can still pay to check. General Availability - DSLAM (ADSL 2+), Wireless & Cable Technology are subject to availability in many parts of Australia including major metropolitan areas. Check in advance with your Provider to see if these services are in fact available in your new prospective area. Customer Service - Humans are not perfect and either are customer service operators. Incorrect data entry or inadequate administration procedures can also affect a streamlined relocation (I know, as I've experienced this first hand). Read the fine print on terms and conditions as most Providers will not assume responsibility of rejection, incompatibilities and difficulties. Problems can occur even after they've previously confirmed Broadband availability with you! Tips: Relocating  ADSL & ADSL2+ (Phone) - You might need to call your Phone Provider to first get the phone connected. Obviously you'll have to obtain your new number so make sure you have your new phone details present when contacting your Broadband Provider.  In order to check Broadband availability in your new area, a phone number or street address must be cross referenced with the relative telephone exchange.    Relocating Cable Broadband - call your Cable Provider to check on availability (it's not wise to presume that because you live in a central part of a metropolitan city that your new location is Cable eligible!)   Relocating Wireless - Again, call you're provider and check on availability etc...   Relocating & Switching Broadband Types - Cable & ADSL2+ services are not readily available in every area, so if you're intending on switching from ADSL or Dial up to Cable, Wireless or ADSL2+ services etc.., its imperative that you check weeks in advance for availability issues.   Record Accountability & Document Inquiries - It helps to keep records of who you spoke to, what time you called, and keep a reference of the call you made by asking the customer service operator for a name, receipt number and logging the date/time of the call.   Final Word: Yes I know what you're thinking, there's a lot to be wary of. But then again Broadband services and technology are in a league of their own. Don't worry about it too much though, most relocations are relatively smooth (especially ADSL).  Think ahead, plan and prepare! Make inquiries on availability, possible downtime, relocation costs and duration. So depending on your Broadband Type and circumstances prior to making an inquiry, try to be sure that you have a check list of some description to use as a guideline. Good Luck The Broadband Guide Team Handy Moving House links: http://broadbandguide.com.au/moving-house http://broadbandguide.com.au/broadband-bundle/ Posted Aug 24 2007, 01:23 PM by Ronnie with no comments Filed under: Broadband Help Useful Resources, Moving House, New Residence, Relocating Broadband

• Video Games to grow by 50% in next 4 years

  High speed Broadband access is not the only market expected to flourish over the next few years. The Gaming Industry, driven beyond the demand from hardcore gamers, is expected to grow by more than 50% over the next 4 years says Game publisher 'Ubisoft'. Originally it was the 'Multiplayer' aspect of PC games that drove the online segment of gaming in the early part of the decade. Now it's the Console market with Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (PS3), Wii and many other compact gaming platforms driving the growth of Game sales. In regards to Broadband many of the Consoles Games, much like PC Games, are now able to access the Internet and play online. Playing PC, Console or handheld Games in a single player (local format) mode, or on the Internet (Multiplayer) is fast becoming a mainstream revolution for entertainment inside your home or beyond. Many Broadband Plans at Broadband Guide cater for Online Gaming as well as other general Internet uses. Although there are different Broadband requirements (and types) for various games, a good starting point for appropriate Gaming Broadband would be either an ADSL, ADSL2/2+ or Cable Type connection on a speed that's at least 512Kbps or above (higher recommended). "There are so many new customers to the business; this is going to grow the market tremendously. I expect the market to grow by 50 per cent in the next four years," Ubisoft chief executive Yves Guillemot said. casual games business was "extremely profitable" and helped to finance the initially costly development of games for next-generation consoles - Sony's PlayStation3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360. "There are 150 million gamers worldwide, but 2 billion people are ready to play,"  Search for Online Gaming Broadband Plans by clicking here. Online Gaming at Broadband Guide Read the entire AustralianIT article by clicking here. Posted Aug 23 2007, 12:37 PM by Ronnie with no comments Filed under: Online Gaming Plans, Video Games, Broadband Gaming Plans

• Broadband Future

  Recent statistics suggest that High Speed Broadband Internet is rapidly increasing in popularity. But how fast is fast enough, what are we using it for now, and perhaps more to the point, what will Broadband be used for in tomorrow's future? Quality Freeing up your time is of the highest importance now days and very fast Broadband Internet equates to very fast data transfers which can save you time. If time is money from a business point of view, then very fast data transmissions could save or make business lots of $$. How about from a residential point of view then? The convenience of Broadband Internet makes everyday tasks like Internet Banking, Emailing, Downloading, Online Shopping & Web Browsing operations much faster, thus more accessible. This is not too mention the advantages that high speed Broadband has with Triple Play (Internet, TV & Telephone) services. Very Fast Broadband has also witnessed the emergence and popularity of streaming video and music content. This type of Internet activity usually involves large files, and in order to achieve maximum resolution and clarity, file sizes are reflected by the quality of such. Generally speaking, high quality content will take longer to download as file sizes will be much larger. Streaming various types of media may not be accessible for those who are using slower Dial-up or Broadband connections. Speed  In regards to Broadband Speed, Australia is lagging behind other over seas developed countries who can obtain speeds in excess of 4 or 5 times our highest limit. Currently the maximum achievable speeds available in Australia to most metro households is about 20Mbps. To effectively catch up with the rest of the world, speeds of 50Mbps or possibly 100Mbps plus would need to be achieved. Now hang on a minute you might say, why do we need speeds that are so fast? Firstly, Investing in high speed Broadband Network infrastructure is far from cheap, try 5 Billion plus dollars for a fibre to the node (FTTN) network. Some experts suggest that a faster fibre to the home / premises (FTTH or FTTP) network may cost 20+ billion dollars. It's not cheap, therefore it's something you want to get right first time around and it's also something that could be upgraded down the track - opposed to replaced. Secondly, We can guess, but we don't exactly know what the future will hold with high speed Broadband. What we do know is that new products and services are constantly becoming available with faster Broadband speeds, therefore why not roll out a network that has the fastest Broadband technology available.   Let's take a look at some of the current advantages of fast Broadband. Time Efficiency & Convenience Internet Banking accessibility Download Larger Files faster Faster Web Page Browsing & Page loading times Stream high quality Video & Music content Access Emails & Email Attachments faster Browse and purchase Shopping online more efficiently Enhance Communication (Discussion Boards, Forums, Chat Rooms, Voice Chat & Video Conferencing) Online Gaming & Entertainment accessibility Future Advantages Whether it's Cable, ADSL, Wireless, Satellite or another form of Broadband Technology; At work, home or play;  Broadband has, and will continue to revolutionize the world we live in by combining existing and emerging technologies together. Here are some probable examples of how high speed Broadband may shape our future. Communication & Entertainment - High Quality Video & Voice services will require robust Broadband connectivity in order to deliver high definition/quality Video on Demand, Internet Protocol TV & Voice services across the Internet.  Health, Education & Consultations - Video Calls from your Home to a GP, Institution or Financial service in which diagnosis, tuition, advice, transactions and monitoring can be performed. Ideal services for remote and densely populated areas along with high risk patients. Tele-Working/Community - Using Telecommunications to work from home could also alleviate travel congestion and reduce pollution. - Consider the positive impact on the environment - Savings on emissions and energy efficiency. Automated Home Services & 'Smart Appliances' - Lighting, Climate, Video Intercom/Phone, Home Entertainment, Alarm Systems, Fridges, Ovens plus much much more all operating through Broadband Technology. There's no doubt that Broadband technology is re-inventing the wheel and proof of this impact is already emerging in many various shapes and forms. The question is, when and will some of these new products and services become reality and readily available, and what exactly will they be? If the current delay of Broadband development in Australia continues to be slowed by bureaucratic processes and hesitation shown by the current liberal government, well the wait might be sometime yet.   Posted Aug 10 2007, 10:33 AM by Ronnie with no comments Filed under: Broadband Guide, Broadband General, Broadband Future, Broadband Technology