Telstra Ultimate Cable?

[lithos]

Seriously considering this. Just noticed a box with a "TELSTRA HFC - DO NOT TOUCH" sticker on it near our garage last night, and an F socket behind the TV with "Telstra" on it.

Just a couple of questions:

* Do I really need to buy an overpriced modem from Telstra? Can I supply my own? (Am new to this.)

* Would the box on the apartment block mean the entire apartment's hooked up, or just certain units? And that plug behind the TV - is that for cable 'net?

[GooSE]

Originally Posted by lithos

* Do I really need to buy an overpriced modem from Telstra? Can I supply my own? (Am new to this.)

You don't "buy" a modem from Telstra as such. A pre-configured and pre-authenticated modem is included in the standard installation fee. It's completely different to ADSL.

* Would the box on the apartment block mean the entire apartment's hooked up, or just certain units? And that plug behind the TV - is that for cable 'net?

The box on the apartment block indicates that your block can get Foxtel and cable internet. The wall plate in your apartment can be used for both.

[fredhoon]

Originally Posted by MR CHILLED

I finally reached a point where I'm incredibly happy with the product offered and the price. $55/month for this sort of speed/latency and 200Gig, why would you not? I don't even want for a better connection now.

What plan / bundle are you on to get 200G Cable for $55/mth?

Originally Posted by lithos

Seriously considering this. Just noticed a box with a "TELSTRA HFC - DO NOT TOUCH" sticker on it near our garage last night, and an F socket behind the TV with "Telstra" on it.

Just a couple of questions:

* Do I really need to buy an overpriced modem from Telstra? Can I supply my own? (Am new to this.)

* Would the box on the apartment block mean the entire apartment's hooked up, or just certain units? And that plug behind the TV - is that for cable 'net?

For 30Mbit cable you can register any compatible modem in their captive portal (I successfully registered an old Optus modem), but you must still buy a modem from Telstra.

For 100mbit Cable I doubt you will be allowed to do anything other than a Technician visit with a Telstra supplied Modem. However I have no experience with 100Mbit.


When I connected 2yrs ago, they wouldn't allow a Self Install for Cable (despite it being available on the webpage) and would force a Technician Install. My attempt to get cable installed lasted a couple of months (despite Foxtel being connected through HFC). After numerous stuff ups on their part, someone eventually sent my a "Self Install Kit" with a cable modem, which was after I had been on the net for a few weeks with an Optus Modem.

[lithos]

Ah, excellent, Goose. Thanks.

"Self-installation" means they send me the modem and I plug it in myself, right?

[SpudBoy]

Originally Posted by lithos

Ah, excellent, Goose. Thanks.

"Self-installation" means they send me the modem and I plug it in myself, right?

pretty much

[mshagg]

Originally Posted by lithos

Ah, excellent, Goose. Thanks.

"Self-installation" means they send me the modem and I plug it in myself, right?

Yeah, and set the account up (the modem's MAC binds to your account, as opposed to DSL where you have a username/password).

[lithos]

Hmm. Merci. I'm definitely competent enough, and certainly not willing to engage in the arcane practice of getting a Telstra tech to turn up, which, from what I hear, involves sacrificing your firstborn son and three goats.

[GooSE]

Don't bother with a technician.

[lithos]

Oh, I won't. And I'm a guy who's home most days of the week - my luck with these sorts of things tends to be I'll wait around for seven hours, duck out five minutes to get some milk, and come back to a "THE TECHNICIAN CALLED..." card stuck in my letterbox.

[GooSE]

Ha, half the time they just stick it in the letterbox and drive off without even checking if you're home. Pricks.

[[KEi]SoVeReIgN]

Technician is only useful if you want them to move the wallplate somewhere else, or re run the cable. (I got the Telstra tech to do both, and he was on time and professional too )

[Cpt.J.Sparrow]

A Telstra contractor came to my place yesterday. He told me he couldn't connect the landline or cable because the lines would go over my neighbour's property. Apparently, there's two-week delay to bring in folks who dig and lay the cables.

Funny because my existing power, cable, and phone lines all go 3m into and 5m across over my neighbour's property.

[lithos]

Originally Posted by Cpt.J.Sparrow

A Telstra contractor came to my place yesterday. He told me he couldn't connect the landline or cable because the lines would go over my neighbour's property. Apparently, there's two-week delay to bring in folks who dig and lay the cables.

Funny because my existing power, cable, and phone lines all go 3m into and 5m across over my neighbour's property.

Yeah, they're pulling similar bullshit with my Mum's house - "It'll be $300 to 'install' the line."

The line's already fucking installed. They just need to turn it on. She was married to my Dad, who was a Telecom linie for 32 years (till they made him redundant, but offered to rehire him as a subbie), so they can't really pull the "Oh, yeah, totally, it costs that much 'cause we really have to dig the trench, install the cable, check with zoning and neighbouring properties, absolutely" bullshit.

This is the main obstacle with me going for Bigpond Cable - Telstra are dicks.

[MR CHILLED]

Originally Posted by fredhoon

What plan / bundle are you on to get 200G Cable for $55/mth?

200Gig Elite with loyalty discounting ; )

[fredhoon]

Originally Posted by MR CHILLED

200Gig Elite with loyalty discounting ; )

I need your negotiation skills, my 24mths ends in a few months. Do you bundle any other services to leverage that deal, or is it standalone Cable only?


As for other comments, its good to see Bigpond allow the Cable self install again! I dislike techs that miss appointments.