markm1111 Posted March 1, 2021 Posted March 1, 2021 (edited) The NBN was recently installed down our street, so I have been bombarded with the "sign up now before you are cut off" mail, email and text messages from various providers. I understand I have up to 2 years in which to make decision? Anyway, we are currently on Bigpond Cable, which has pretty much always worked. I have heard horror stories about FTTN and/or FTTC giving slower speeds than my cable, so was looking at whether or not to try to get FTTP installed. There is a pit directly outside our house, so connection should be relatively straight forward. I have found a bit of information on this, but most of it seems to be a couple of years old. Whirlpool is a bit of a rabbit hole I don't want to go too far down at the moment. Does anyone have recent experience with connecting FTTP? Have costs been coming down? My online quote has come back at $3,428. Any thoughts, suggestions, tips and tricks etc very much appreciated. Also, any recommendations on hardware for either FTTC or FTTP appreciated, again the more recent the better. Thanks in advance Edited March 1, 2021 by markm1111
11Parsecs Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 (edited) On 01/03/2021 at 1:43 PM, markm1111 said: The NBN was recently installed down our street, so I have been bombarded with the "sign up now before you are cut off" mail, email and text messages from various providers. I understand I have up to 2 years in which to make decision? Anyway, we are currently on Bigpond Cable, which has pretty much always worked. I have heard horror stories about FTTN and/or FTTC giving slower speeds than my cable, so was looking at whether or not to try to get FTTP installed. There is a pit directly outside our house, so connection should be relatively straight forward. I have found a bit of information on this, but most of it seems to be a couple of years old. Whirlpool is a bit of a rabbit hole I don't want to go too far down at the moment. Does anyone have recent experience with connecting FTTP? Have costs been coming down? My online quote has come back at $3,428. Any thoughts, suggestions, tips and tricks etc very much appreciated. Also, any recommendations on hardware for either FTTC or FTTP appreciated, again the more recent the better. Thanks in advance Go with Launtel for either "HFC" (cable) OR Fibre. https://launtel.net.au/ If you "roll your own" FTTP, you're still looking at 6 to 9 months before its installed. https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/technology-choice-program/online-quote $3428 is actually in the lower bound for fttp. Anyone else who'e gone this route would say jump on it, at that 'cheap' price Perspective. https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/97wjj0k9?p=1058 I'm not a rep Edited March 19, 2021 by 11Parsecs 1
markm1111 Posted March 19, 2021 Author Posted March 19, 2021 45 minutes ago, 11Parsecs said: Go with Launtel for either "HFC" (cable) OR Fibre. https://launtel.net.au/ If you "roll your own" FTTP, you're still looking at 6 to 9 months before its installed. https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/technology-choice-program/online-quote $3428 is actually in the lower bound for fttp. Anyone else who'e gone this route would say jump on it, at that 'cheap' price Perspective. https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/97wjj0k9?p=1058 I'm not a rep Thanks very much for posting this. I started looking in Whirlpool, but was scared off by the mountain of information I had to wade through - just the thread you linked is 3 years old at the start and 1066 pages long. Your link has helped me immensely, cheers! 1
11Parsecs Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 (edited) On 19/03/2021 at 1:42 PM, markm1111 said: Thanks very much for posting this. I started looking in Whirlpool, but was scared off by the mountain of information I had to wade through - just the thread you linked is 3 years old at the start and 1066 pages long. Your link has helped me immensely, cheers! You're most welcome. Don't be put off by the jargon. They're mainly discussing pieces of equipment at the major 'junctions' between you and your ISP. And some "pit and pipe" stuff. Basically, you pay up front, and are then in limbo until NBN call. That's. Just. How. It. Is. No recourse*. No account manager etc. Spend a ton and then be patient Once you're connected, you can choose ANY ISP. I'd recommend Launtel's 250/100 plan at minimum, its about $160 a month. NBN have an artificial "segmentation" on upload speeds. Consumer uploads speeds tops out at 100/40. 'business' plans are the next tier up, providing UPLOADS beyond 100/40 If you don't NEED faster than /40 mbits of upload, then DON'T go with fibre. Launtel have "on the fly"plans - you can change speeds (and subsequent pricing) on a daily basis. ------- *Unless NBN just cant do it, then you'll get your money back. Edited March 20, 2021 by 11Parsecs 1
davewantsmoore Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 On 01/03/2021 at 1:43 PM, markm1111 said: I understand I have up to 2 years in which to make decision? Isn't always this cut and dried ..... but you'll get more warning before your existing services go out. On 01/03/2021 at 1:43 PM, markm1111 said: Anyway, we are currently on Bigpond Cable, which has pretty much always worked. I have heard horror stories about FTTN and/or FTTC giving slower speeds than my cable FTTC will go faster than your cable unless faulty. All will have the 100/40 product .... and some can get as far as 1gbps (which all will go beyond eventually). On 01/03/2021 at 1:43 PM, markm1111 said: Have costs been coming down? My online quote has come back at $3,428. Yes.... and your quote is close to as cheap as it ever gets.... congrats. .... but you should do some more sleuth work to see if FTTP is actually going to give you faster speeds right now. 1) Do you want > 100/40 ? 2) Can you get it on FTTC (maybe) ... put your address in the checker at www.aussiebroadband.com.au or similar and see. On 01/03/2021 at 1:43 PM, markm1111 said: Also, any recommendations on hardware for either FTTC or FTTP appreciated, again the more recent the better Nothing special is required.... unless you are trying to move 1gbps over the internet or wifi (or both) and then you need something newish.
Guest Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 What speed do you get from Cable now (I've forgotten the typical Cable speeds)? I'm 400m from the Node with FTTN, and I get a solid and consistent 96/36 on the 100/40 plan. I did get a quote from NBN for FTTP, but at $10K I am content with what I have.
Jventer Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 This is what I have with Aussie Broadband on a 100/20 plan. I get this consistently. I tried Telstra and Exetel. Telstra could not provide the speeds. Exetel speed was pathetic and their technical support could not assist. Aussie Broadband is good and technical support was fantastic to sort mout a problem for me. 1
007 Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Jventer said: This is what I have with Aussie Broadband on a 100/20 plan. I get this consistently. I tried Telstra and Exetel. Telstra could not provide the speeds. Exetel speed was pathetic and their technical support could not assist. Aussie Broadband is good and technical support was fantastic to sort mout a problem for me. Looks like you missed out the promotion ? I got the same plan as yours and this is my speed. And agree 100% : Aussie broadband has absolutely awesome customer service, second to none. Edited March 19, 2021 by 007 2
ThirdDrawerDown Posted March 19, 2021 Posted March 19, 2021 Quote I understand I have up to 2 years in which to make decision? Correct. Also, if there is any possibility of your internet being cut off, you will get two (or more!) letters from your current ISP beforehand. It is not done by phone call. The NBN don't touch your contract with your ISP. Anyone saying they are from the NBN and they want to change your account arrangements is a liar. (With that sort of start, it needs to be said for completeness: also do not trust the person at the end of the phone with any financial details!) The exception to the two years is the people on Optusnet hardware. Because the Government stuffed up the rollout they were forced to buy Optusnet's hardware to get out of a political pickle. As a result Optusnet got a sweetheart arrangement: three months not two years for customers on their network to make a decision. The other thing to be aware of is phone connection. You'll probably need an additional $60 box to plug into your modem to attach your phone into, so that you can use the NBN network for phone calls. Under the NBN you'll be restricted to that one phone point in the house. Most people plug a phone base station into that $60 box and scatter satellite handsets around the house, or they give up on a landline and use mobile only. Looks like I missed the AussieBB promotion too! But having used a cable modem for 15 years and AussieBB for 3 years, I've not noticed any change. It's all been seamless. I think AussieBB have delivered equivalent or better than cable on our standard $75 data plan. They've done it with far better customer service than Optusnet too! (Under Optusnet the last straw was this technical advice: - "You need to do [a certain thing]" - "If I do that, won't I be deleting all my emails?" - "No, you can go right ahead." - "If you say so" - [Deletes five years of emails. Whoops].) 1
markm1111 Posted March 20, 2021 Author Posted March 20, 2021 6 hours ago, Marc said: What speed do you get from Cable now (I've forgotten the typical Cable speeds)? I'm 400m from the Node with FTTN, and I get a solid and consistent 96/36 on the 100/40 plan. I did get a quote from NBN for FTTP, but at $10K I am content with what I have. I'm getting about 85 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, 12ms Ping and Jitter of 9.8ms. Upload is the killer for me, download has generally been sufficient. However, our usage is only increasing, and rather than have one set techs connect the FTTC, then later need to move to FTTP with another set of techs, I'm inclined to future proof to some extent and go FTTP from the beginning. Sounds like the pricing I have been quoted is reasonable. Thanks all for the input, I have a better understanding now.
Guest Posted March 20, 2021 Posted March 20, 2021 Running an online business from home, I was inclined at one point to consider paying the $10K for the upgrade. I even paid the quote fee and had it all surveyed. Then I got the following email from NBNCo in October 2020: Quote We are writing to you today in relation to your Technology Choice Program application, XXXXX. As you may be aware, we recently announced our plans to upgrade the nbn™ Fixed Line network, enabling us to deliver highest peak wholesale speed tiers of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps. This will be available on demand to an estimated 75 per cent of homes and businesses on the fixed-line network by 2023(wholesale speeds subject to access technology by which the service is supplied). These network upgrades will occur progressively, with the first areas anticipated to have the opportunity to order these higher speeds from mid 2021. What does this mean for you? At this time, we’re not yet able to confirm if these upgrades to the nbn™ Fixed Line footprint will be available in your area, and whether your premises specifically will be able to receive our highest wholesale speed tiers. We also don’t know how long it may take for these upgrades to rollout if they do become available in your area, and if these changes will be applicable to your premises. With this in mind, you now have the option to either cancel your Technology Choice application (and receive a full refund on the quote fee) and wait to see if your premises is part of the announced rollout referred to above. Or, you can still progress with your Technology Choice application. If you progress, the upgrade to a fibre service will be independent of nbn’s rollout as announced on 23rd of September, and you will need to cover all the associated fees and charges. Suffice to say I withdrew my application. With a chance our tech and speeds is going to be increased it's not worth spending the money at this point IMO.
Guest Posted March 20, 2021 Posted March 20, 2021 56 minutes ago, markm1111 said: I'm getting about 85 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, 12ms Ping and Jitter of 9.8ms. Upload is the killer for me, download has generally been sufficient. However, our usage is only increasing, and rather than have one set techs connect the FTTC, then later need to move to FTTP with another set of techs, I'm inclined to future proof to some extent and go FTTP from the beginning. Sounds like the pricing I have been quoted is reasonable. Thanks all for the input, I have a better understanding now. With those speeds I wouldn't hesitate churning to FTTC on a 100/40 plan. I also highly recommend Aussie Broadband. As a customer I even got in on their IPO, doubled my money and sold my shares within a few weeks. That's essentially 2-years free internet Thanks ABB. 5
11Parsecs Posted March 20, 2021 Posted March 20, 2021 (edited) On 20/03/2021 at 3:08 PM, markm1111 said: I'm getting about 85 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, 12ms Ping and Jitter of 9.8ms. Upload is the killer for me, download has generally been sufficient. However, our usage is only increasing, and rather than have one set techs connect the FTTC, then later need to move to FTTP with another set of techs, I'm inclined to future proof to some extent and go FTTP from the beginning. Sounds like the pricing I have been quoted is reasonable. Thanks all for the input, I have a better understanding now. NBN have an artificial "segmentation" on upload speeds. Consumer (priced) upload speeds tops out at 100/40. 'business' plans are the next tier up, providing UPLOADS beyond 100/40. Business plans start at about $160 p/m and go up from there. If you don't NEED faster than /40 mbits of upload, or sub 5ms ping, there's no compelling reason to go with fibre 40 mbs is already a 5x+ increase on the upload speed you have now, which NBN "HFC" can easily handle. Obviously, FTTP can 'handle' 100/40 easily too. But... you're spending $3.5K ish to get the same thing - unless you ALSO get a higher plan too. (I'm on my 5th fibre build in two years - none for me personally though). As others have mentioned any decent ISP can deliver 100/40 on HFC. ABB seems to be a favourite among a few members here. Mine is Launtel due to their backhaul SLA's, AND the flexibility to adjust your plan speed on a daily basis: https://launtel.net.au/databank/ (they also have outstanding service) but SLA's are probably not a consideration for most in the consumer space. Edited March 28, 2021 by 11Parsecs 1
Steffen Posted March 21, 2021 Posted March 21, 2021 I’m on HFC, too (hopefully it’ll remain in place for years to come), with AussieBB, on the 100/40 plan. I wouldn’t mind the 250Mbps download, but 20Mbps up is a little to low these days. It used to be said that only torrenters need fast upload, but I’m a fairly heavy cloud user and have lots of files that need sync’ing (photos, videos, etc between iPhone, iPad, Mac), sharing with other people, etc., so fast upload speeds are simply a necessity. If there was a 250/40 (or even 250/80) plan I’d jump right on it. 1
markm1111 Posted March 22, 2021 Author Posted March 22, 2021 I’m a bit mixed up on the terminology. Is HFC the cable joining FTTC to my house, or is it something else? If the FTTC connection isn’t HFC, what are my speed options? Sounds like I would be wasting my money on FTTP at this stage, and for a while to come, and may even get it free at some point.
Steffen Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 3 minutes ago, markm1111 said: I’m a bit mixed up on the terminology. Is HFC the cable joining FTTC to my house, or is it something else? If the FTTC connection isn’t HFC, what are my speed options? It’s what used to be called “Bigpond Cable”, and was also used for Foxtel. It’s a thick coax cable that runs along the street in Telstra ducts, and is accessible in the Telstra pits. From there, you get your home connected via a vampire tap and a thinner coax cable (RG6 I think). Upstream, the coax cables are serviced by an optical node that is connected to the exchange via fibre. I think HFC is good for up to 300Mbps download, but the highest speed I’ve seen on offer is 250Mbps. 2
Stereophilus Posted March 22, 2021 Posted March 22, 2021 I have a newish home with FTTP. I’m with iiNet on their NBN100 plan. Asus mesh router. Can’t complain... 1
markm1111 Posted March 22, 2021 Author Posted March 22, 2021 (edited) 8 hours ago, Steffen said: It’s what used to be called “Bigpond Cable”, and was also used for Foxtel. It’s a thick coax cable that runs along the street in Telstra ducts, and is accessible in the Telstra pits. From there, you get your home connected via a vampire tap and a thinner coax cable (RG6 I think). Upstream, the coax cables are serviced by an optical node that is connected to the exchange via fibre. I think HFC is good for up to 300Mbps download, but the highest speed I’ve seen on offer is 250Mbps. Ahh, that all makes sense now. As I have FTTC, and the pit is literally on our front verge, if I connect to that, NBN will run a cable from the fibre to my house. If I go FTTP, then they run fibre all the way in. My only question is, I have read they connect to the existing copper telephone cable, can you specify a new cable? Our home phone line has been patchy for us in the past, so my preference would be a new cable - is that possible? We don't really use our landline any more, and switched to Foxtel satellite, so I have no idea about its current performance. We always had issues with Foxtel and cable broadband when there was a lot of rain - like now - so I am concerned about connecting up a new service to something that might be faulty Edited March 22, 2021 by markm1111
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