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Thread ID: 63421	2005-11-09 02:45:00	TelstraClear cable broadband restructure	pixeldust (6619)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
402862	2005-11-09 02:45:00	A workmate of mine just pointed out to me that Telstra have gone and reshuffled all of their broadband packages with a view to changing everyone over to the new options (and higher pricing) within the next 12 months. As someone who pays $150 to Telstra for broadband and mobile services, I'm a little miffed that I've had no contact from them to advise of these changes. For instance.. the package I'm on now has had an entire GB chopped off the cap. From 5GB down to 4GB. And its hard to tell, but it appears that you may not be able to use TCL/Paradise/Clear for internet only, that you need to buy entire packages (either phone/internet or phone/internet/TV) from them. Was anyone else aware of this? pixeldust - disconnecting her TCL connection on Friday.	pixeldust (6619)
402863	2005-11-09 02:50:00	1st up I'd contact a human at TCL and confirm the changes, then I'd argue that you (a loyal customer) are being disadvantaged by the new lower limit. If you grumble enough they may let you keep your current plan. 2nd, if that doesn't work- get rid of them.	Shortcircuit (1666)
402864	2005-11-09 02:55:00	1st up I'd contact a human at TCL and confirm the changes, then I'd argue that you (a loyal customer) are being disadvantaged by the new lower limit. If you grumble enough they may let you keep your current plan. If I had 3 hours to spare to sit on hold, I'd be more than happy to. I must say that each and every time I've had to call them for support it's been a frustruating experience. 2nd, if that doesn't work- get rid of them. As above - "pixeldust - disconnecting her TCL connection on Friday" I'm thinking of going to ADSL. I figure it might be a bit easier to deal with Telecom support rather than Telstra, since I don't think I've had a negative experience when trying to get answers out of them before..	pixeldust (6619)
402865	2005-11-09 02:59:00	I have had a similar issue with them before, when they tried to make me pay more than I signed up for. Basically, you signed a contract for 2 years (in my case) therefore they have to abide by that contract for that time. They can't change anything (well they can if you don't complain enough) until the contract has finished.	netchicken (4843)
402866	2005-11-09 07:29:00	Of course Telstra want out of all except the business sector in NZ, so I wouldn't waste any more time on this. Just change, even if it a nuisance you will have to do it sonner or later. Ian G	grantji (3847)
402867	2005-11-09 08:24:00	... For instance.. the package I'm on now has had an entire GB chopped off the cap. From 5GB down to 4GB. And its hard to tell, but it appears that you may not be able to use TCL/Paradise/Clear for internet only, that you need to buy entire packages (either phone/internet or phone/internet/TV) from them. ... Worse than that - seems they are also dropping the 90% discount on National traffic, so your effective cap is reduced even more than 1GB New plans were announced today on the TC web site & are a huge disappointment. Follow links from www.telstraclear.co.nz Cable internet now only available in a package that must include at a least phone line For us, the new plans would mean a $30pm increase in cost to go from 10GB/256kbs + ph + TV to the cheapest new 10GB plan with TV (ie. $30 extra for a reduced cap, since national traffic no longer rated at 10%). This at a time when broadband prices elsewhere are tumbling. Their additional data charges remain extreme - up to $4.96 / 100MB (= $495 / 10GB compared to as low as $10 for 10GB elsewhere). Some of the plans are absurd; eg. 100MB cap/month for a 2Mbs service - that would take just 14 mins to be exceeded - then hit by data charges of $4.95 / 100 MB. Better not leave Windows, Office, & security software automatic updates on if on that plan ! (entrapment?) TC's complaints against Telecom practices have lost all credibility. Widespread hostility on games sites such as Gameplanet & nzgames.com eg. www.gpforums.co.nz (Caution - some language there may offend)	KKTec (9220)
402868	2005-11-09 18:25:00	Can anyone suggest a plan from anywhere else that it comparable? I'm moving into a new place this weekend and will have to get either cable broadband or ADSL connected at some stage. We only use between 2-4GB/month and in the 14 months or so since I've had TCL cable I've only exceeded 4GB once. We're currently paying around $75/month for broadband + modem rental. Suggestions?	pixeldust (6619)
402869	2005-11-09 20:32:00	Lots of options out there. What is best / cheapest depends very much on your own situation (both phone / tolls-wise & internet) - a matter of doing the searching. Some providers you could look at incl. Actrix, Orcon, ihug, Quicksilver, Slingshot, Xnet, xtra, ... even TelstraClear. For a normal maximum of 4GB / mth, the CURRENT cheapest INTERNET I saw was Xnet ($42.95 for 5GB/1Mbs*). To that you have to add the cost of your phone line ( AFAIK you have to have a landline for DSL ). Not certain what Telecom charge, but if you are in a TC cable area, it will likely be te same as the TC phone line @ $31.95 (TC new pricing). Have no idea what the Xnet service is like. [* 1Mbs download - upload only 128 kbs :-(]. Total phone line & internet cost is c. $75/mth (+$2.45 wiring maintenance). Corresponding TC cable plan (new) is the 4GB / 2Mbs (up & down) internet + phone line at $81.90 (+wiring maintenance). Cable is better quality (faster - esp. much faster upload, and lower latency). Depends if the extra quality is worth $7 pm to you (maybe, especially if you retain your existing email address etc). But also be aware that TC excess data charge (for over 4GB pm) is heavy ($4.95 / 500MB). Also, would not surprise me if there are significant changes in the DSL offerings over the next year or so. Xnet also offer cheap tolls (separately), though from my observations Slingshot seem to have the best rates for tolls at the moment (other than Skype of course - excellent quality & free broadband-broadband). Some phone cards also offer very good rates if they fit your situation. Have no idea how TC mobile affects the above.	KKTec (9220)
402870	2005-11-09 21:25:00	I'm seriously considering ihug now after having a talk to some folks around here. I doubt I'll stay or go back to TC, it's just not worth it. I'd be happier staying with a larger ISP for support reasons, and ihug (IIRC) are meant to have reasonable Helpdesk support, correct? Not 100% sure as yet though which direction we'll go, there's much more investigation to be done before making a decision. Thanks for the info, KKTec.	pixeldust (6619)
402871	2005-11-10 03:52:00	Of course Telstra want out of all except the business sector in NZ, so I wouldn't waste any more time on this. Just change, even if it a nuisance you will have to do it sonner or later. Ian GUm..... Could someone explain how it would be advantagious to telstra to stop using all those cable connections and dedicated phone systems they laid through all the heavy business use areas (sarcasm) like Aranui , or Phillipstown, where i am? :confused: I too am on a contract, but i am considerin going to IHUG/telecom as soon as it runs out, as the ADSL/phone/sky deal a friend of mine is getting beats what i am getting by a long shot.	personthingy (1670)
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