Hopeless Internet Connectivity

kincho on 06/08/2017 - 19:07

My elderly parents live on the south coast of NSW where their internet access is mostly useless due to ancient phone lines (the NBN might come to town by Christmas 2018). They pay around $40 per month for this abysmal access through their ISP (not that it's the ISP's fault IMO). I was thinking of getting them prepaid access via a USB connected device that I believe is called a dongle. Mobile reception is pretty good where they live.

They only use the internet for emails and very basic web browsing (recipes, news sites, etc) and I'm seeking any recommendations for a good non-ISP option. They hate tablets and smartphones but are reasonably comfortable with their Toshiba laptop that they've had for ages so I'm looking for something that will work with that. Thanks for any advice.

Internet

Comments

  • bobbified on 06/08/2017 - 19:40
    +1

    that I believe is called a dongle.

    It's actually called a "dong". Ring up and ask for one. haha

    If their usage is within a few gigs each month, then the "dong" might be the way to go, as long as there's good reception. Check the coverage maps before purchasing anything. Once you know which company has the best coverage, then you can lay out the options. And avoid postpaid if you can.. because you know… If they're not that tech savvy, you don't want to end up with bill shock!

    • kincho on 06/08/2017 - 20:21

      Fair enough, thanks.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2017 - 21:46
      +1

      Not sure why you got so many negs … it's a decent reply.

      • bobbified on 06/08/2017 - 21:49

        Everyone's lost their sense of humor on a Sunday night haha

  • teacherer on 06/08/2017 - 20:06

    Pit optus telstra and Vodafone against one another using coverage maps and price.

    A little wifi router you slip a sim card into is good to run multiple things but a dongle can just go in the usb port of the laptop to keep things simple.

    For basic email and browsing I would probably go 5-10gb to start and go from there.
    Prepaid is a safe option cos you can't go over and get charged, however going on a month to month plan is often better value and overage is $10/gb.
    Optus are doing $70 month to month for 100gb at the moment

    • kincho on 06/08/2017 - 20:21

      Thank you.

  • oscargamer on 06/08/2017 - 20:15

    Give AussieBroadband a call

    they have been great for us

    • teacherer on 06/08/2017 - 20:46

      They deal with nbn and adsl (maybe) don't they?
      Wouldn't be much help in this scenario unless it's literally the ISP being retarded

  • kincho on 06/08/2017 - 20:22

    Will give it a go, thanks.

  • noyesmaybeok on 06/08/2017 - 21:13
    +1

    Step 1 - find out how much data they use

    Step 2 - look for plans that accomodate. If possible, using phones on different providers do a speed test in the house to see if there's one clearly better than the other (Telstra Optus Vodafone. Any resellers will match the main provider)

    • Diji1 on 06/08/2017 - 22:31
      -1

      Any resellers will match the main provider

      Incorrect.

      • noyesmaybeok on 07/08/2017 - 06:22
        +1

        Other than one or two exceptions, the other 99 are exactly the same

  • AlienC on 07/08/2017 - 06:00

    What exact plan are they on? Unlimited slower internet imho is always better than lower quota'd mobile internet also safer for bill shock.

    • djsweet on 07/08/2017 - 09:46

      I would argue you are quite wrong. I'd rather have 100GB at 50mbps than unlimited at 2mbps.

      • AlienC on 07/08/2017 - 13:24

        Is that really the trade off here.. if so yeah definitely I was thinking more along the lines of 10mbps.

        And how can you get $60 for 100gb at 50mbps because that's pretty good.

    • kincho on 07/08/2017 - 10:11

      They would be lucky to use 500mb a month due to their low speed and browsing habits. I think they're on a 50gb plan for $40 through TPG. If I was them I'd take a Vaya mobile plan for $16 per month that includes 2gb of data and set up internet sharing with the laptop. This is unfortunately out of the question for them as they are fairly terrified of technology.

      • Randxyz123 on 07/08/2017 - 10:20

        Do a trial ? Buy a cheap used smart phone permanently connected to their computer in tethering mode? Otherwise both telstra and Optus have fixed mobile wifi plans (i.e you get a 4G wifi hotspot on a plan).

        I'd also contact TPG. Can't hurt.

        • kincho on 07/08/2017 - 10:24

          Thanks for the good advice, will do.

      • AlienC on 07/08/2017 - 13:26

        Damn at that low usage yeah they should definitely be on a mobile plan or something. I think Vodafone does some good plans.

  • morestuff on 07/08/2017 - 11:55

    I get by in Melbourne just tethering my mobile phone.

    I pay $35 every 30 days , get unlimited phone calls and texts plus 8 GB of data.

    My provider uses Optus, and I am on the lookout for a better Vodafone deal.

    However you would need to check coverage for your parents area.

    • kincho on 07/08/2017 - 14:22

      Thanks to you all other repliers, I really appreciate it. Damn fine forum this one! I'm with Vodofone and it works better now at their place than it used to but I think Optus and Telstra are stronger signals. Tethering the mobile sounds like it's going to be the most affordable option, easy for me to do but not so for them.

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