ADSL Broadband
We are pleased to announce our association with Exetel Communicalion Services.
What is ADSL
ADSL stands for Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line, and is a way of making use of existing analogue telephone lines to provide high-speed digital Internet access.
ADSL (commonly know as "Broadband") enables both voice and high speed data to be sent simultaneously over existing phone lines. This means that you can surf the Internet and make normal phone calls at the same time.
With ADSL you are always online and there are no connection costs like the old Dial Up system. In many cases ADSL is cheaper to operate and gives a much faster and more reliable service.
Remember, everytime you connect with a Dialup system you pay for a local phone call. ADSL also gives you the oportunity to make your phone calls using VOIP for much reduced cost. Typically 10 cents for any call to a land line phone.
How fast is ADSL
Typical speeds available are
256kbps download/ 64kbps upload
512kbps download/128kbps upload
1.5mbps download/256kbps upload
512kbps download/512kbps upload is also available
How Fast is This
A 56K Dial Up connection rarely connects above 52kbps. A 256kbps connection is 5 times faster than an optimal 56k Dial up connection. A 512kbps 10 times faster and a 1.5mps connection 30 times faster.
What does this mean in the real world
|
Size of file |
Dial up Modem |
ADSL |
|||
|
28.8kbps |
56kbps |
256kbps |
512kbps |
1.5mbps |
|
|
300KB |
1 minute 33 secs |
41 secs |
9secs |
4.5secs |
1 second |
|
4MB |
20minutes 50 secs |
9minutes 18 secs |
2minutes 2 secs |
1minute 1second |
20seconds |
|
25MB |
2hours 10 minutes |
58minutes |
13minutes |
6minutes 30secs |
2minutes 10seconds |
What does it Cost
Costs vary considerably between ISP Company's. Many Company's have low introductory offers to entice customers in only to rip them off with usage charges. A couple of examples are detailed.
Case A.
A well known Broadband provider offers half price ADSL for the first 12 months with a 24 month contract. They cut the installation fee to Zero and throw in a Free Modem. Sounds good. What is the catch.
* A down load limit of 400 mb - This is very easily exceeded.
* 15c a mb when you exceed this limit. This equates to $150 a Gb. Very easy with Broadband.
* Traffic both to and from your computer is charged. This counts towards you usage.
* The modem has only 1 Network connection (plus a nearly useless USB connection). If you want to hook up more than 1 computer you have to buy more equipment and probably pay a Technician to install it.
* What happens if you move house. 24 months is a long time. You will get no sympathy from them. You will pay.
* So you decide to change to an UNLIMITED plan , you pay extra and they limit your speed to 64 Kb when you exceed the limit. Remember you are paying for traffic in both directions with no Free period. This is not broadband - almost dialup.
* One of my customers has paid $200 - $300 a month on a $29.95 service.
Case B
Another well known provider offers deals during the Olympic Games. $9.90 for Broadband.
* The download limit is a measly 80 Mb with 17c a mb for excess usage.
* Luckily they limit your bill to $69.95. When you complain they offer you an unlimited account for $49.95 a month.
* And yes they cut your speed to 56K