Naked DSL & MDFs

[Oblong Cheese]

Hi all. Looking to get Internode Naked DSL on a place I'm moving into. The previous occupants had iiNet ADSL2/+ and I believe a standard phone service. I applied via Internode's online form and they have e-mailed me to say because the property is a townhouse, it is possible that the phone system is delivered via a MDF (as is the case in apartments etc) which would prevent Internode Naked DSL from being enabled without some cabling installation from the exchange to the premises. They also say, though, that smaller multi-home dwellings, such as townhouses, do not always use an MDF system.

So my question is: the previous occupants had a PSTN phone of some description and iiNet ADSL2/+, so does that mean there is no MDF? Or did the previous PSTN phone enable ADSL2/+ to work ... and I will have to get another PSTN phone service, and ADSL2/+, to avoid paying excessive installation fees for Naked DSL?

Thanks in advance.

[Pugs]

naked works on mdf's....

[Oblong Cheese]

Quote from e-mail Internode sent me.

Unfortunately your ‘New Service Connection’ order for Internode Naked ADSL 2 + has
been rejected.. This is because your premise is classified as a Multiple Dwelling
Unit (MDU) and is likely to have a Main Distribution Frame (MDF). Internode cannot
currently provide the in-building cabling that would be required between the MDF and
your premises.

Then later ...

If you are located in a multi-story unit or apartment block, there is a strong
likelihood there is an MDF present. However, the majority of smaller Multiple
Dwelling Units, for example townhouse do not have an MDF.

[Pugs]

typical ..
no offense to those who work for node or other isps but 8/10 staff there have no bloody clue what happnes beyond their computer screen with the telecommunications network. only thing you need to do is track down more info at your end and tell them, even with a mdf it only requires a telstra tech or if the building has a contract with a data tech for them to come out and patch it in propperly....

[xdaman]

Originally Posted by Pugs

typical ..
no offense to those who work for node or other isps but 8/10 staff there have no bloody clue what happnes beyond their computer screen with the telecommunications network. only thing you need to do is track down more info at your end and tell them, even with a mdf it only requires a telstra tech or if the building has a contract with a data tech for them to come out and patch it in propperly....

Which costs money...

People are resistant to spending the money, and typically MDF to Apartment/Flat is usually terrible wiring and prone to problems. With Naked DSL, its pretty difficult to figure out if its properly jumpered.

[ralphy140]

i would try naked iiNet, i am in a flat and had no problems getting it here, i didn't even have a phone number to give them when i moved in ! still was delivered with in the 20 business day deadline

[caspian]

Originally Posted by Pugs

typical ..
no offense to those who work for node or other isps but 8/10 staff there have no bloody clue what happnes beyond their computer screen with the telecommunications network. only thing you need to do is track down more info at your end and tell them, even with a mdf it only requires a telstra tech or if the building has a contract with a data tech for them to come out and patch it in propperly....

Telstra won't do it; they're not interested in this sort of small work.

the worst case scenario is that the end user might need to get a private cabler to run a line from the MDF to the unit, more likely it just needs jumpering at the MDF as you said.

ISPs are idiots about this, I've even had a good fight with Simon Hackett on Whirlpool over it. the only lame excuse he could come up with was that 'customers would expect it'. I don't see what the problem is as long as the customer is clearly informed what is required, and what bits of the service they will need to provide themselves.

frankly, by the time the ISP has to wear the cost of the ULL fees as well as their own equipment costs, it smacks of too-hard basket to me.

[Oblong Cheese]

I've found out that the previous landline was provided by Telstra. So... even though there is no phone number currently active on the line, I assume it is still there, and a jumper-change can be made at the MDF to enable Naked DSL.

As opposed to, of course, running the extra cabling, which I'm not sure will be (a) allowed (as it is a rental properly) or that (b) I want to pay for this just to get Internode. As much as I respect them. (iiNet counts uploads -> fail)

So if anyone can try to give me a definitive "yes this is likely the case" or "no don't bother you'll have to get extra things installed" it would be much appreciated.

[Pugs]

a naked line gets jumpered at the exchanged there is a provisioning preiod in which the isp books 'telstra" or silcar to go out and fix the set up in place then they need to come out to the house and make sure the ULL is workign at the house that is all.. if they have to go vi an mdf threy are more then trained to do so....


to detrermine if you have a mdf or just a "madison box" or evena basic NTD if indeed you are ina town house there will be an entry point on the outside of the house...... only multply apartments/ multiply business in the one permises are on mdf's or anyone with more then 2 phones lines needed really

[Oblong Cheese]

I spoke with an Internode sales rep today who said that in my circumstances it would normally be fine to switch the phone line to a Naked DSL service. However, they do not do this anymore on phone lines that do not have an active service attached (ie, a working phone number) due to some recent legal case.

She didn't elaborate further.

I can also say that there is a small grey box outside the front door that has two cables coming from it with a Telstra logo on it. I assume one cable is from the street and the other goes into the house, to the wall socket directly behind it on the inside.

[jimbow]

If you get the phone line connected Internode would be able to do an IULL (in-use ULL) instead of a VULL (Vacant ULL), which is a much better option. VULL's on MDF's in MDU's are painful in any number of ways - the biggest in that Telstra will pick the oldest inactive inplace to use in to the building, rather than the (if applicable) still present inplace jumpered to the dwelling!

[Oblong Cheese]

Well in that case it seems I would be better off to just get a phone service connected. Now to find one that doesn't have a contract so when it gets cancelled ... oh almost immediately after it is activated, I won't get hit with any ridiculous fees.

[Sir poppin]

Originally Posted by Oblong Cheese

Well in that case it seems I would be better off to just get a phone service connected. Now to find one that doesn't have a contract so when it gets cancelled ... oh almost immediately after it is activated, I won't get hit with any ridiculous fees.

I'm in basically the same situation as you and I just got the Telstra home line budget plan. All it should cost you is $60 for connection and $20 for one month of service and then internode should cancel it for you. Telstra shouldn't put you on a contract unless you ask for one.

fyi, Telstra had the line connected for me within 24 hours which was on Tuesday afternoon. Put the order in on Wednesday and have an ETA for next Friday. Seems pretty speedy considering what I've heard about naked set up!

[Oblong Cheese]

Thanks for the info!

Bit disappointed to hear I'm effectively paying Telstra $80 for nothing though.

[Sir poppin]

Just think of it as an $80 fee to never have to have another bill from telstra/a telco again. :P

Originally Posted by Sir poppin

fyi, Telstra had the line connected for me within 24 hours which was on Tuesday afternoon. Put the order in on Wednesday and have an ETA for next Friday. Seems pretty speedy considering what I've heard about naked set up!

Scratch that, just got a txt from 'node saying its been pushed back to thursday week.