Broadband faq, Sydney Australia
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Broadband - Frequently Asked Questions
What is broadband?
Sometimes called DSL, ADSL or xDSL, broadband offers fast internet
connections up to 50 times faster than dial-up. It also allows you to
take phone calls or faxes while connected to the net. Unlike your
typical dial up service, broadband is always connected. That means you
have access to the net 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How does it work
Broadband utilizes the same copper wires that you use for your phone, but
at a higher frequency allowing you to take calls while still on the net.
Which means you can take calls and surf the net with just the one line.
What are the benefits
Here are just a few - but the benefits are limitless...
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Send and receive large documents quickly and easily.
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As you are always connected you do not lose time with a connection that drops out.
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You can access relevant information quickly while on the phone.
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Connect to your online banking and financial information quickly to make faster decisions.
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Connect with your customers, suppliers and colleagues anytime.
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stock day traders delight, receive un-interrupted, up to date, data and trade all day. And still be free to make those important phone calls. All on a single phone line.
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Fast and convenient access to stocking information at various suppliers
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Allows real tele-working, so why go to the office every day, get more done from home.
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Large programs and updates can be downloaded directly off the net.
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Lots of useful websites such as online map services such as www.whereis.com.au and the white or yellow pages become powerful tools because you are always online and the connection is fast. No need to call phone operators or search for street directories.
Sounds great... but what are the drawbacks?
The main limitation is availability. This is due to the condition of the
existing copper lines in your exchange as well as the distance to your
exchange. Also some broadband suppliers may not have their service
available through certain exchanges. However we can usually find which
suppliers provide services to your area and recommend a broadband
supplier that best suits your requirements.
Can I send and receive faxes when the Broadband is on?
Anything you could do on your phone line before you can continue to do
after you get broadband. So calls, faxes etc are not a problem.
What equipment do I need to get broadband?
A filter and a broadband modem are required. The filter is placed
between the phone line and the phone. The filter stops the high
frequency broadband signal getting into your phone and spoiling your
conversations. The broadband modem is designed to ignore the voice
part of the signal so it is connected straight to the phone line.
How do I know if we can get broadband?
You most probably can. The providers I deal with are well established and
service about 85% of Australian business users. We can usually find
which suppliers provide services to your area and recommend a broadband
supplier that best suits your requirements.
Type your phone number here and email and I will email you back info on what is available in your area – plus some additional information.
What pricing do I need to watch out for?
Ok. This is where you need to be careful. I’ve attempted to break-up the
major components of how broadband packages are priced, However call me
if you need assistance.
Here is what you should ask about
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How long is the contract term? They usually range from 6 months to 18 months.
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What is the total cost of the contract over the term?
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Is there a download fee? In other words, do you get charged by how much information you download off the net. Analysing your current habits may help here.
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Is there an upload fee? Be careful – if you send lots of large emails or upload to a website then you need to know what the upload costs will be.
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What is included in the installation and initialisation charge?
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If there’s any set-up on your computer included? If not who can do the installation and what is the likely cost?
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Care and attention paid to maintaining your existing on-line presence. What happens to your existing email addresses and website hosting when you change the way you connect to the internet.
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