DSL in Brisbane -> 384K/sec - help needed

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone, and especially those, who are signed up for DSL connection in Australia !

Today I went to the Telstra Centre in Brisbane. I decided to sign up for the cheapest DSL line available, so I asked the price for the 384k/s connection (the slowest one they got). They told me that Al Shamil DSL service would be my only choice. Now, I was prepared for a price of about 500 total or less as the first charge. So imagine my surprise, when the receptionist told me I HAVE TO PAY APPROXIMATELY 1000 AUD, including the modem purchase and the installation, of course. And then I'd have to pay 250AUD a month as a fixed charge. I said I'll think about it; so now I am really thinking:
IS THIS COST JUSTIFIED?
......
the man gave me the price list:

DSL Installation Charge (one time)............................200AUD
=======================================
External USB DSL modem.........................................275AUD
=======================================
Monthly charge (Modem purchased)...........................250AUD

TOTAL.....................................................................725AUD

So what am I paying those 275AUD for?

People who know something about this that I don't, people who are signed up to DSL ANYWHERE in Australia! Please help me with this, so I could understand if I have any other choice of fast connection, and whether I have to pay this much money and what for exactly. Just let's share experience.

P.S: I didn't get any useful information when I dialled 800 6 100, so I am relying on your knowledge and experience.

Thanks in advance for answering,

Michael Dawson

[Leon]

They may have different type of DSL modems some of them may be more expensive.

2 months ago I tried to sign up for a DSL connection but in Allenby area.
I went to Telstra, completed the application, gave them the copy of the documents. They told me that in 10 days someone will come and set up everything.
Nobody came. I still don't have internet connection I tried to call them many times and nobody is answering the phone. I even send them a fax with no results.

Finaly I gave up. :?
And Telstra is the only internet provider in Brisbane as far as I know.

[Anonymous]

Hi Lion,

Did they tell you how much you have to pay for everything?

[Leon]

No.
They told me that they will send a bill or something like this.

[alirh]

I have DSL (Al Shamil) and pay 250 AUD per month, which I feel is high as I don't use the Internet as much. Dial up is too slow for downloads. Unfortunately, I paid approximately the same amt as I didn't have any other choice. I guess its the price we pay for having only one ISP :cry:
Ali

[Leon]

Unfortunately, I paid approximately the same amt as I didn't have any other choice. Ali

Alirh, what do you mean when you say the same amt?
Was the amount 1000 AUD?
Thanks.

[alirh]

Yes, I ended up paying the 725 AUD initially and pay AUD 250 every month. The service is great though, customer service was very helpful in the initial setup. No problems with the DSL speed either.
Ali

[Leon]

Hm..
So I believe 275 dirhams Michael was talking about was for software setup or something?

BTW do you need any specific documents for connecting?
Is it possible to connect if you have your own modem?

[alirh]

Yeah, the 275 are for the equipment. You can buy your own as well but they seem to be just as expensive. I found it much easier to get everything from Telstra. They require original passport, and residence visa copy.
Ali

[Artisto]

Um..
I think.. Telstra also asks for residence contract... If i'm not mistaken of course.