NBN: Should I be a Whirlpooler or an OzBargainer (Fast vs. Cheap)?

neil on 21/01/2014 - 17:26
Last edited 22/01/2014 - 15:28

I'll be moving into a new place soon which has NBN.

The Whirlpooler in me says I should get the fastest Internet connection possible…because, well, I can.
The OzBargainer in me says I should get the cheapest/best value Internet connection.

Dilemma. I'm on an 8/1 ADSL2 connection currently ($60/month). Realistically, I'd probably only need a 12/1 connection however for $5 more ($65/month) I can double my speed and get a 25/5. However, the 100/40 is very tempting but is $90/month.

So what would you do? Cheap or fast?

Exetel Plans

Poll Options expired

  • 35
    Go for best value NBN connection
  • 83
    Go for the fastest NBN connection
  • 3
    Other
Internet nbn

Comments

  • verio on 21/01/2014 - 18:04
    +74

    Lucky you to have this dilemma.

    • snakes on 24/01/2014 - 19:16
      +2

      Its so depressing being stuck on poor quality adsl1 with no hint what so ever of incoming improvements :( My upload speed maxes out at 30kbps, an entire generation of streaming and sharing content real time is passing me by (twitch on the ps4, pc etc).

      Regarding o.p, you make no mention of quotas/data usage. High speed plans usually have crippling data caps so you really need to work out your monthly data usage then add 50-100gigs on top to provide a safe buffer on your limits.

  • RandomNinja on 21/01/2014 - 18:04
    +5

    Doubling your speed is probably going to improve your experience a lot anyway. Perhaps try the 25/5 connection under your everyday load and reassess from there?

    • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2014 - 13:52

      Yep do this.

      I have 25/5

      • For general browsing speed you're still more often than not limited by something else whether it be the website itself or whatever.

      • For downloads and streaming where it does ramp up to the actual 25 mbps it's more than enough speed really.

      Broadly speaking, paid stuff like netflix and itunes is quick. Many free sites are still slow/buffers/choppy. Youtube is okay.

    • BuyoTheCat on 22/01/2014 - 16:29
      +3

      There is nothing better than Super duper high speed Pr0n at your finger tips or in the palm of your hands.

      • nicksinternet on 22/01/2014 - 19:08
        +3

        Agreed, though for me its the palm of both hands.

        • infinite on 24/01/2014 - 11:32
          +8

          As large vibrators tend to be.

        • phillay on 25/01/2014 - 09:35

          ^this cracked me up

  • PissLUR on 21/01/2014 - 18:10
    +4

    FAAAAST!!!!!!!!!!!!

    You will be the envy of others.

  • _Bruce_ on 21/01/2014 - 18:13
    +5

    The important difference between 12/1 and 25/5 is 5 times upload. This is a big difference. After 25 down you will probably find there are few services that gain from having more than this, so look at your usage and decide how important upload is to you.

      • rbrb on 22/01/2014 - 09:38
        +7

        He said upload.

        • treeman on 22/01/2014 - 13:49
          +21

          Sorry if I could down vote myself I would, my mistake.

      • _Bruce_ on 22/01/2014 - 09:40
        +1

        12 megabits and 25 megabits…that's not five times the download speed

        Sooo… what I wrote then?

        download is the main focus.

        Why? It is to politicians because it is an easier number to sell, but my main problem is upload. As I mentioned, going from 25 to 50 up probably doesn't make much difference to most people, but going from 5 to 20 up (same plan gap) would be hugely useful to me and many others.

        For example:

        • Any page requests while something else has flooded the pipe
        • Anything peer to peer
        • Uploading media (photos/video/whatever)
        • Streaming video
        • Syncing backups
  • serpserpserp on 21/01/2014 - 18:23
    +4

    Sounds like a brag post :P

    I agree with the upload speed advice given. That will give you the performance boost if you are a heavy internet user.

    Also the critical thing you left out is your data quota on these plans.

  • npc on 21/01/2014 - 18:39
    +2

    25/5 is usually the best value, fast enough for most things i can imagine. 100/40 is much better for sure if you dont care about approx 30$/month extra.

    12/1 is very slooow for uploads, even skype works badly in peak hours.

  • mskeggs on 21/01/2014 - 18:44

    Fast!

  • donga100 on 21/01/2014 - 18:53
    +15

    Is this a Labor vs Liberals thread?

  • Redflanders on 21/01/2014 - 18:57
    +1

    I signed up with Aussie Broadband a few weeks ago on 25/5 200GB for $60 a month. Couldn't be happier. Was installed pretty quick (apart from the fella installing didn't have much of a clue), supplied router seems ok and it is a heap better customer support (a person on the phone in Gippsland is a lot closer than our old TPG call centre).

    So far no problems.

  • peterlong1952 on 22/01/2014 - 07:32

    I'm with Internode on their NBNTP Silver 30 at %54.95 pm. Speed 25/5 with 30Gb. Just gone from Bronze and the speed difference is notable. So it depends if you want mega Gigabytes as to who and which plan you choose.

  • here2rock on 22/01/2014 - 07:51

    If you consume a lot of data per month and do a lot of streaming then it is worth it. Otherwise the fast speeds won't make a much of a difference to you so save your money.

  • treeman on 22/01/2014 - 08:27

    I'm on 12/1 and get approx 1.2 megabites a second and around 100kb per second.
    If you go 25/5 you should get approx 2.5 megabites per second and up to 500kb per second upload.

    Depends if that is enough for you.

    I'm with iprimus 40gb per month plus unlimited nationals calls for $50 - had to haggle for that price though as I'm a long term customer and they wanted me to stay with.

    • umoddbro on 23/01/2014 - 19:25
      -1

      How many bites is that again?

  • punk on 22/01/2014 - 08:34
    +3

    do you game? require streaming? have multiple people in the house? Get NBN. I would, as I personally have a need for the better upload and streaming/download capabilities due to the work that I do. I wish I could get NBN.

  • Blockey on 22/01/2014 - 08:46
    +6

    Fast! You don't want to miss an ozbargain because of slow internet, consider it an investment in future online bargains!

  • andyken on 22/01/2014 - 09:04
    +1

    Iam using optus cable, the speed was incredible 100/2 and only cost me $105/months for unlimited data + unlimited phone+mobile call.

    Switch from tpg adsl2+ which the max speed was 4Mbps, and always buffering when watch full hd youtube videos.

    The speed was so gooddd haha

    • _Bruce_ on 22/01/2014 - 09:45
      +1

      always buffering when watch full hd youtube videos.

      These days Youtube is just broken in Australia, on almost any connection. The local servers are hammered, ironically you can fix it by black listing them which forces Youtube to fall back to the US servers.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2014 - 09:13

    I'm with DODO and it's both fast and cheap. Also they have various promotions running so make sure to do a search on here for their latest bargains.

  • Lichen6420 on 22/01/2014 - 09:18
    +4

    Go with iiNet, cheaper than exetel and a quality ISP.

    12/1 100GB+100GB - $59.95
    25/5 100GB+100GB - $64.95
    50/20 100GB+100GB - $74.95
    100/40 100GB+100GB - $79.95

    • neil on 22/01/2014 - 09:42
      +4

      I'd be hesitant to go with an ISP that counts uploads towards usage and also requires a 24 month commitment.

      • Lichen6420 on 22/01/2014 - 09:56

        Fair point. I can understand not wanting to be under contract.

      • Lord Fart Bucket on 22/01/2014 - 22:13
        +2

        You'll find fewer and fewer ISPs that won't tie you in for a year or more.

      • taqi on 24/01/2014 - 21:18

        By quality ISP, iiNet really is. On new year my entire download/upload usage was counted as freezone (not counted). They are a good company, and their data tracker is amazingly detailed when you want to see where exactly (even at what times) your usage is going.

  • tomleonhart on 22/01/2014 - 09:27

    I'll go with my need. No point spending cash just because we… can.

  • Conka on 22/01/2014 - 10:32
    +1

    Personally, I'd be going for 25/5.

    Vendors will usually let you upgrade a plan if needed. In future, if you find that you need (i.e. want!) the 100/40, II reckon you'll be able to switch.

    Ask the vendor, anyhow.

    Congrats on getting access to the unadulterated NBN. If it ever makes its way to my place, I'll be getting the watered down Liberal version.

  • JimmyF on 22/01/2014 - 11:47
    +1

    25/5 would be the way to go…. faster upload speeds!

  • kolorijo on 22/01/2014 - 12:23

    Fast if you can afford it

  • Pootie Tang on 22/01/2014 - 12:25
    -1

    What the f**k is the internet?

  • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2014 - 13:50
    +1

    40/100 I would be happy to pay the extra $30 a month. Just consider at as a trade off for getting rid of phone line rental and get a VOIP phone if you're so inclined or just keep a mobile.

    • neil on 22/01/2014 - 14:19
      +1

      Exetel/Optus Wholesale are whacky. The Naked ADSL2 plan actually cost me more than getting their ADSL2 plan with phone line included. So got rid of the VOIP (as they wanted to charge $5 for a DID) and they gave me phone line where I get unlimited free calls to national, local, and phones to Optus mobile network phone numbers which I never use.

      My router is VOIP enabled but is only a Wireless G. Got to work out if I should get an N or AC (I have no AC devices) and if I should get one with VOIP or have both plugged in.

  • itsfree on 22/01/2014 - 14:17

    I'm on an 8/1 ADSL2 connection currently ($60/month). Realistically, I'd probably only need a 12/1 connection however for $5 more ($65/month)

    Wow you're already getting ripped off…

    • neil on 22/01/2014 - 14:20

      How so?

      • Lord Fart Bucket on 22/01/2014 - 22:12
        +1

        Depends… Does it include your line rental? And what quota have you got with that?

        • neil on 22/01/2014 - 22:17

          Yep, it's the old OCV200 plan ($60) Speed is (8.456 Mb/s down / 812 Kb/s up ).

          • 200GB (Anytime)
          • Unlimited free national, local, and calls to Optus mobiles
          • Includes line rental
          • Unlimited Uploads
        • Lord Fart Bucket on 23/01/2014 - 02:54
          +1

          That's hardly a rip off.

        • itsfree on 23/01/2014 - 08:24

          I agree – the original post portrayed that it was the standalone internet price.

        • antzz on 23/01/2014 - 09:17
          -1

          he is an ozbargainer and should be judged accordingly. That initial assumption is condescending if it was for me :)

        • neil on 23/01/2014 - 15:04

          Unfortunately, I have no option of going to ADSL. It's NBN or nothing.

          It's the Brunswick Exchange and they will be shutting off all ADSL and phone services in May.

        • Pacify on 23/01/2014 - 16:39
          +4

          …………………………..

          Did… did.. you just say unfortunately? Did you really just say that. I hate you so much.

          I'd give my right nut to be able to have NBN. ADSL2 sucks

        • cashews on 23/01/2014 - 18:13

          I shed a tear for you.

  • MMM on 22/01/2014 - 14:35
    +1

    Speed all the way! NBN? wish I had the option. Justification that's maybe less than a cup of coffee a day… yeah I live in Perth! a cup of coffee is $4-5!

  • TRANCE on 22/01/2014 - 16:40
    -1

    25/5 is the sweet spot. You won't see improvement in most downloads (aka illegal ones) from going higher speed :P

    • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 17:54
      +1

      you just haven't edited your max connections. Try going 500+ connections per torrent.

  • stemcell on 22/01/2014 - 17:10
    +1

    I can max out my 500gb 100mb connection on usenet when downloading Linux distro's.

    .

    .

    • antzz on 23/01/2014 - 09:18
      +1

      and you download linux distro everyday.. good on you mate!

  • ironsword on 22/01/2014 - 19:06

    It depends. If it's just you and you don't:

    1) upload any videos to sites like Youtube (or share files…)
    2) use video calling services like Skype

    I'd go with a 12/1 plan. However if there was someone else in the house and/or I wanted to upload videos or use Skype, I'd get the 25/5 (or higher) plan without hesitation. 1Mbps is just too slow. Skype recommends 1.5Mbps for HD video calling.

  • fruxo on 22/01/2014 - 21:07
    +2

    Definitely definitely go 25/5 at least. An 8% cost increase for 200% + 500% performance, yes please! Anything else would just be silly and not even a hardcore ozbargainer would be able to refute that bargain.

    Personally I would recommend the 100/40 service to most people. If you are a single student or something, sure, go 25/5. But if you are a couple or live in a sharehouse, just go 100/40 and get it over with. It is good value. Maybe look around for better prices though if you want to save. You might not think you need it but like everything else, you only really realise how good you had it when you lose it. Think skymesh had some free month of 100/40. Not sure if they still have it, or which areas, but could be worth looking up.

  • nostril on 22/01/2014 - 23:35
    +1

    I'm with Montimedia Fibre 50 + 500. 50/10 with 500GB peak and 500GB off peak. $90 a month. Seems to be the sweet spot in our share house with 6 residents. Only been with Montimedia a couple of months, but I've been impressed with their customer service so far.

  • Austin 316 on 23/01/2014 - 08:30
    +2

    Being on OzBargainer is not being a tight arse, it is spending your money wisely :) and not getting ripped off in any thing we buy.

    Go fast while you can and get NBN.

  • onlyletters on 23/01/2014 - 08:39

    Do you really need the NBN speed?

    I find my ADSL downloading at 700KB/s is more than enough for what I need..

    WANT vs NEED.. its a tricky one..

    • scrimshaw on 23/01/2014 - 09:18
      +1

      Is that because you are the only one using internet? When you have to share the bandwidth between multiple users, even a 1mbps connection can become somewhat inadequate.

    • _Bruce_ on 23/01/2014 - 09:30
      +2

      Clearly you never upload anything.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 17:56

      Try having two netflix streams coming into the house while you're trying to do anything. I've even limited resolution to 540p on them and they are still hammering me.

    • cashews on 23/01/2014 - 18:15

      People have become accustomed to having to wait long times for downloads to occur, that they don't realise that the internet should be delivered much faster to them. Try uploading a video to Youtube and browsing the internet at the same time.

      • onlyletters on 24/01/2014 - 22:35

        lol if you're uploading videos to youtube and not getting any profit out of it, then you shouldn't be doing it, if you are getting profit, then put your money towards a better connection if thats your thing, or just have it upload during the night while you're asleep.

  • theworks on 23/01/2014 - 09:20

    Value for money. Go fast.

  • fomal on 23/01/2014 - 10:05

    Talking about Internet speed? Choose the fastest one :p

  • neonlight on 23/01/2014 - 10:43
    +1

    OP probably doesn't understand a lot of people haven't got a choice with slow net, and when you get a opportunity for faster net access its already a gift

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 11:03
    +2

    Just came back from a trip to Korea..
    They provide unlimited net for $30/month with 100/100 up/down speeds..
    What the hell is Australia doing discussing this kind of stuff in 2014?

    • letthiswork1 on 23/01/2014 - 11:48
      +6

      Distance and population denisity..
      For example South Korea population density 487 /kmsq
      Australia's population density is 2.91 /kmsq

      Australia is big and it costs a lot to run cables everywhere! Which si why the NBN is doing it.

      Plus back haul costs are so expensive because Australia is surrounded by ocean with nothing immediately close by.

      • bargdebarg on 23/01/2014 - 17:36

        Nice answer!

      • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 17:59
        +2

        This is exactly what I'll be hearing from Tony Abbot and Malcolm Turnbull in about 3-4 years when they have to explain why their inferior plan cost more, took longer and didn't connect anyone that didn't already have ADSL2.

        • ESEMCE on 24/01/2014 - 10:57

          Agreed, it's short sighted and selling the country short..
          If they think Fibre is too expensive, then don't build at all!

      • ESEMCE on 24/01/2014 - 10:56

        Only if you factor in the 80% of land area that has virtually noone living in it.
        Most of the Australian population lives in Large Cities or Towns which increases the population density significantly (not to South Korea levels of course, cause we still tend to live in sprawling suburbs, but far higher than 3/kmsq)

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 12:27
    +2

    Fast because remember, the longer you have your computer online, the more electricity you are wasting by leaving it to download overnight.

    Roughly 10 hours of usage equates to around 30 cents. 60 cents if you are on time of use and downloading during peak hours.

    Furthermore, if you value your time then faster speeds and content on demand for the weekends is a must, rather than going to the cinema.

  • eastpack101 on 23/01/2014 - 14:05

    If I have the option - I go with fast.

  • Pacify on 23/01/2014 - 16:37
    +1

    100/40

    Its the only answer.

  • Happy501 on 23/01/2014 - 16:44

    i am on the 100 (get 140Mbps) and have not looked back. I pay 80 a month. I choose a movie and start watching it in two minutes when it has finished (providing it has enough seeders of course. It is a serious amount of speed which for my family works out well and i would hate to go back now.

    • colbus123 on 23/01/2014 - 21:34

      You lucky thing

  • nikey2k27 on 23/01/2014 - 16:52

    GO FAST GO FAST

  • Pizdets on 23/01/2014 - 17:17
    +2

    Definately go fast. I'd stream the Olympics because I know how much Australian television coverage is going to suck!

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 17:51

    If you can upgrade any time, go with the 12/1, and upgrade when needed. Honestly though, I'd get the 25/5.

    Either way, you will notice the difference such a speed difference going from ADSL to fiber. Much lower latency & consistent throughput. VERY jealous!

  • serideth on 23/01/2014 - 21:00
    -1

    If you're on ADSL you can get a better modem that can increase your speed. Tinkering with my Billion took my download link from 900Kb/s to around 1300Kb/s

    • ESEMCE on 24/01/2014 - 10:53

      Dependent on location and by the sounds of it he's on a RIM (only ADSL1) as such, the likely limiting factor is the RIM itself rather than his line speed.

  • jlogic on 23/01/2014 - 22:38

    I wish I had this same dilemma as well… sigh first world problems LOL.

    Would got for consumption first then speed after you know if you need it. Most people I know knock out their quota first before anything else. No point having super fast internet (;)) if it is crippled or being charged an arm or a leg if you go over.

    So whatever gives you ample quota at the price you are happy with then after decide if you need more speed.

  • Talonparty on 24/01/2014 - 01:05
    +2

    Tough decision, although we've all got our cross to bear…

    There's no way I wouldn't go the full 100, screw the cost the future is now!!

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 24/01/2014 - 01:25

    Right now backing up to the "cloud" as they say is uselessly slow for me. I can imagine uploading at 40 megabits to be a completely different experience. I only had almost 5 megabits with Optus Cable in the last days of my troublesome contract of 12 years but never got to enjoy it since torrents simply didn't work (or the modem at all for that matter ;)).

    If you're an at-home developer, HD streamer or the leader of a secretive piracy distribution network and you have the money you should go for it. If you have domestic disputes regarding haves vs have nots then uh…ya know…

  • AlexD on 24/01/2014 - 08:44

    I'm only paying $80/month for unlimited 100/40 VDSL2 on Apex Telecom in Canberra, though I'm probably paying too much rent, which I feel I can justify because of the crazy internet speeds here.
    IMHO, I would pay a lot more than $80/month to get 100/40, once you've downloaded from Steam or other sites at 12MB/s, you can't go back. There are also no issues when streaming any sort of video, and downloading entire console games is no longer a problem.

  • ESEMCE on 24/01/2014 - 10:46

    Go for the 25/5 as a minimum..
    The upload speed increase is worth it.. even if you think you wont appreciate the extra download speed (which I'm sure you will)
    Going to 100/40 is a sizeable increase in cost and arguably not worth it depending on your usage type.
    Good points above about the number of people using the connection simultaneously.. If you're on good relations with your neighbor, you could maybe go 50:50 with them on a 100/40 plan, get a wireless bridge so they can hook into your connection.
    Then you each get the benefit of a superfast connection when there's only 1 user and still very much usable connection when there's multiple users.

  • Bappy on 24/01/2014 - 13:56

    I've got 25/5 and very happy with overall experience
    Would love to switch to 100/40 but my OZB spirit is kinda stopping me :)

  • raytriplej on 24/01/2014 - 17:19

    Fast NBN - you'll be able to get to the online sales before any of us!!

    It will pay for itself.

  • ThisJustin on 24/01/2014 - 18:19
    +1

    Use the money saved on OzB to pay for your fast internet.

  • MATTDAMON on 24/01/2014 - 20:41
    +1

    AusBBS for me, 100/40 completely unlimited. I average around 10TB a month in both upload/download.

    110 a month. Will be getting 1000/400 whenever they get around to pricing it.

    • MMM on 24/01/2014 - 22:07
      +2

      Wow… 10TB well done, are you one of the elders of the internet? I have a 200GB limit/month we use half that with a family of 5. Now Copie stop hogging the internet let the rest of us have some:)

      Again I re-state wish I had the choice of NBN!

  • ShortyX on 24/01/2014 - 23:44
    +1

    I'm on 100/40 with Skymesh and pay $45/month.

    They price matched a half price deal that Fastel had going.

  • auna on 25/01/2014 - 08:32

    Best Internet available. Cost is nothing compared to what's possible.

  • RockyRaccoon on 25/01/2014 - 10:04

    All other things equal, why not choose a provider that lets you upgrade your plan for free, so you can start with the lowest plan that you think you will need, then up the plan later when you find you need to

  • KingstonTheNotSoWise on 25/01/2014 - 10:54

    I would go the $90/m but that's only because I'm paying $130/m for ADSL2+ that's half the speed of what I'm paying for, so $90/m for NBN would be nothing for me.

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