Recently signed up for Optus wireless broadband, the speed indicated when I click on is 7.2mbps but the speed checker says 478kbps, I am checking it because of the slow operation, so this is probably correct [I left Bigpond because they were too slow and too expensive] Optus is cheaper but not any faster -- who can I complain to about being dudded ?  Emails to Optus are never replied to and I don't have the patience to sit on the phone forever -- are there any other options -- there is certainly misrepresentation involved, maybe a Govt. Dept?

G'day Nev,

Internet speeds for wireless broadband aren't cranked up to what they're meant to be!

Unfortunately mate, internet service providers usually advertise theoretical speeds which cannot be reached by the majority of subscribers.

You'll find that most wireless broadband providers hide away any references to the technical side of achievable speeds in their terms. They use words like 'variable' and 'theoretical' to pull the wool over and dupe the mis/uninformed.

It appears that they can get away with it, although the ACCC did tighten up on advertising guidelines last year. Apparently they should use examples of average attainable speeds, choose adjectives like 'typical' and 'up to' for describing speed , and display all information clearly when advertising broadband plans. Quite frankly, as soon as the ACCC put out new guidelines, it seems like isp legal dept's. are straight on to them looking for ways to use their rhetoric to exploit the unsuspecting subscriber. Buyer beware!

If you want to complain to someone (after exhausting efforts with your isp), contact this department -:Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman (link below). Otherwise make sure you read the fine print very carefully prior to signing up to a broadband plan.

Good luck, you'll need it!

http://www.tio.com.au/make_a_complaint.htm

the most terrible service u can find from constant faulty voip telephone at all times and slow unreliable internet which keeps getting d/c and the customer service the worst ive ever experience on average over 1 hour wait if u r lucky n ur phone doesnt d/c definetelly a terrible product in every way and always lack customer service staff n everytime u mention it theyre always training new people they say n as well never want to credit customers so i dont advise anyone to get virgin bundle unless u want constant problems n i will be trying iinet similar product and advertises more downloads and quicker voip hopefully it will better if not at least il get quicker internet n more downloads.