Exetel Country Broadband

**viewer** · 20-07-09, 08:00 PM

Hi,

Has anyone had experience using this mob?

My daughter is just outside of YASS NSW, in a place called Binalong.

TPG seems to have the best copper deal to suit her on ADSL, but I noticed this.

Exetel says if you receive Optus next G then you should be ok to receive.

I went through a "what if" on the planner,using YASS as the base, using the post paid/desktop-laptop/need a modem/no contract/5 gig..........it came up with $145 set up and $37.50 per month

Using the pre paid, and same scenarios, it told me activation $235 and $0 plan cost.....I presume this just clicks away on any credit you put in to pay as you go?

The blurb says if signal is low, they will install a yagi to boost from tower.

Anyone have any experiences or pitfalls to watch for?

**mtv** · 21-07-09, 03:55 PM

I thought only Telstra had Next G (Optus has 3G)?

**viewer** · 21-07-09, 07:33 PM

You'd be right...it'd be my poor explanation...

**mtv** · 21-07-09, 10:29 PM

I've had no problems with Optus wireless broadband around the Yass area, but never actually been to Binalong (just driven past the turnoff on the Hume numerous times) so I can't vouch for signal into the town itself, but if it's as good as it is in Yass, signal shouldn't be an issue.

Personally, if ADSL is available, then I'd be going for that, rather than wireless, as it generally has much faster speeds, is (usually) more reliable and also usually cheaper with higher data allowances.

**NoService** · 21-07-09, 11:16 PM

not in that neck of the woods myself but yes from my experience here adsl is far superior to wireless and cheaper

im using exetel , im not sure if its the same people as exetel country but i would assume so

NS

**viewer** · 23-07-09, 08:08 PM

Thaks fellas, I'll steer her towards adsl then.....much appreciated.....

**warbo** · 24-07-09, 08:46 AM

How's it going Viewer?

I've been installing exetel country broadband around the place since they have started promoting the product. It's just an arm of exetel, designed to appeal to country folk.

It really is a great product, particularly if you can't get adsl. Even if you can get adsl, but you aren't a gamer or are dependant on voip it's not a bad choice. The obvious advantage is you can take the usb modem with you.

If you go 3G, my advice is to buy a Huawei e169 from ebay instead of exetel. Make sure it's not locked. You should be able to get one around $100 new isntead of $145. THe e169 is a good buy because it handles both of optus's networks eg 900mhz and 2100mhz. It also has the external antenna socket.

Then just order a sim from exetel on the $5/month plan. Cancel it if it you're not happy. Then sell the modem for what you paid for it. Costs = next to nothing.

I get good speed here, about 1-2mb down and .3mb up. However it does vary from place to place depending on signal strength and tower congestion.

I can advise further antenna choice as well, if the signal isn't that great.

Hope that helps.

**viewer** · 24-07-09, 04:45 PM

Hiya warbo, nice to hear from you again.
As stated,mainly looking for the daughter, and thought the plan looked ok, as tpg for the 512 service want 39.95 + 59.95 set up,+ 69.95 for a modem.The country exetel was only 37.95 + 145 set up (15 more set up but cheaper per mth).The exetel adsl is also 512 and costs 130 set up, plus modem 60, so 190 for adsl1.Thus exetel country broadband was cheaper than their own adsl plan, and to a novice like me, it appeared to come with portability?

Naturally, I'm a bit confused as to what will be best for her, but generally, she will be a facebbok freak, download music, and surf around like most 25yr olds. All I've ever used was westnet when I kicked off, and then churned to tpg as it was cheaper for exactly the same thing.

**warbo** · 25-07-09, 01:42 PM

I'm in Gosford for the weekend and am getting 3mb/sec down and .384 up which is unreal. So yeah it really does vary from place to place.

If your daughter has a laptop she might find it handy that she can take the internet wherever she goes.

It sounds like the decision comes down to whether or not she'll get decent reception where she is.

**viewer** · 27-07-09, 06:02 PM

Righto...

Seems she has chosen exetel adsl.
130 line connect
60 for modem and filter plus 20 delivery
50 per month
1500 down 256 up

Seems weird, but tpg said adsl was unavailable to her,and they simply hung up, strange business tactics...... but exetel said ok, they could connect.
When I checked here..

It stated..
It Telephone exchange search
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number: (02)...
Exchange: BOWNING
CCA: CANBERRA
State: New South Wales
Class: Zone 3 (Regional)
Your telephone line is connected to the Bowning exchange.
This exchange has been enabled for ADSL service.

In terms of pricing, Bowning is classed as Zone 3 (Regional).

Note that while the Bowning exchange supports ADSL, this is no guarantee that your physical phone line is up to scratch. A conclusive test can only be done upon registering for a service.

I advised her for exetel to do a line check 1st, to ensure she was up for no costs if the line wasn't ok.

**admin** · 27-07-09, 06:21 PM

Try the details in this one Viewer

Internode are also offering Easy Broadband which is either 30 gig of 1500/256 or ADSL2 If Internode have hardware in the exchange. Might be worth a look , Exetel are used by every teenager who tries to download the internet in a single day. Their support is known to be poor and they have shown numerous times on Whirlpool that if you complain about them they will simply disconnect you from their services. Their CEO is a fruitcake who posts his own blog of insults every week.

**viewer** · 27-07-09, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Sanity

Try the details in this one Viewer

.

Thanks..will look it up too.

**viewer** · 27-07-09, 08:09 PM

Internode......looked it up as suggested.
Home-1500-Advance 20.0GB / 0.0GB Dynamic Shaped Downloads $59.95
24 mth contract =79 set up...........(exetel has 6mth contract as above post)
1 mth contract = 129 set up
lots less data (exetel 60/12)
Entry ADSL Router - Billion 7300RA ($99) +15 freght..incl filter better than the 1 port exetel Netcomm one...

Gee I hate having to advise people, but so far, exetel still seems to have it over the others price wise, however I hear what you say about service too.....grrr..I dunno...lol