Modem got killed my a storm, iinet wants $80; should I change providers?

StrayfireX on 21/12/2017 - 16:39
Last edited 21/12/2017 - 16:58

My iinet modem died on me after yesterday's storm. I'm in an ADSL2+ area.

Not sure if I should pay the $80 their support is asking for a new modem. I don't really want to pay $80…

Last time my modem died I recontracted for 2 years and got a free modem. What worries me now is all the reports of people on iinet that have slow speeds on the NBN. I worry that a 2 year contract would tie me up to iinet, now a division of TPG.

The other option is that I sign up with another provider such as Aussie BB, but their packages cost a fair bit more than iinet/month, but if I move into an NBN area, I'd be able to get NBN with decent on-peak speeds.

Otherwise if I'm going to get crapshoot NBN speeds anyway, maybe I should just get TPG or something.

Edit: I'm tempted to move to only using Kogan 23GB/month LTE plan instead of dealing with ISP's crap.

Poll Options

  • 0
    Stay with iinet and recontract
  • 1
    Stay with iinet and buy a new iinet modem
  • 18
    Stay with iinet and buy a new modem
  • 10
    Go with TPG/other budget provider
  • 24
    Go with Aussie BB/other premium provider
Internet

Comments

  • garetz on 21/12/2017 - 16:43
    +9

    just buy a new modem, buying directly from an isp is always more expensive than buying it from a computer shop. Or claim it on your contents insurance, it covers that kind of damage.

    • StrayfireX on 21/12/2017 - 16:44

      Any recommendations for ADSL2+ modem + VOIP?

      • garetz on 21/12/2017 - 16:47
        +1

        I have adsl, but i dont use voip, ive been using tp-link with no issues for several years. I couldn't recommend a particular model though. before that i used asus, but found their wireless range lacking.

        • StrayfireX on 21/12/2017 - 17:28
          +1

          I just spoke to the parents, they agreed to drop the home phone if I signed them up to Kogan 2GB/unlimited calls plan.

      • dogboy on 21/12/2017 - 17:06
        +1

        TP-LINK Archer D7 is pretty decent although expensive. Depends what you want really. Gumtree could be an option to pick one up cheaply.

      • brokenglish on 21/12/2017 - 17:11

        TPLink has one with voip, but do you really need a physical phone through the voip port? Is it for home/business?
        Otherwise just use an app: Zoiper (PC/Mac/iOS/Android)

        • R-Man on 21/12/2017 - 21:12

          Not sure if this is the case, but many home alarm systems require a phone port to connect to, though i think (i hope) newer alarm systems use mobile signal instead.

        • brokenglish on 21/12/2017 - 21:37
          -1

          @R-Man: Back to base alarm can be piggybacked by a phone line (POTS/PSTN) but not VoIP.

        • R-Man on 22/12/2017 - 07:50

          @brokenglish: how will the alarm system know if the phone port it connects to is VoIP or not?

      • Islund on 21/12/2017 - 22:06
        +3

        Am in inner west. Have an iiNet modem that you can have. Not even a year old

      • jhmtaylor on 22/12/2017 - 10:23

        Mate! You need to tell us a lot more about what you need before you will get a sensible answer. Is WiFi needed, if so what range. What is the construction of the premises, one story or two. How many devices connected at any one time, what type of devices are they. Do you want it VDSL Ver 2 compatible Ie NBN ready. Do you use a router bridged to the modem etc etc etc. Otherwise the recommendation is a device that works for the referrers situation and may be unsatisfactory for yours

  • Costanza on 21/12/2017 - 16:56
    +4

    If you were happy just go on gumtree/ebay and get same modem for way less $

    • dcuksuop on 21/12/2017 - 17:53
      +1

      Agreed, or ask around. Lots of working modems out there, with people switching to NBN…

    • gummibear on 22/12/2017 - 13:50

      Just search gumtree for ‘iinet budii’ they have voip. And are very simple to setup with iinet.

  • dcep on 21/12/2017 - 17:02
    +4

    i think tp-link modems warranty covers lightning damage

    • JimmyF on 21/12/2017 - 18:35

      and that helps the op how?

      • dcep on 21/12/2017 - 20:15

        3rd opt on the poll ?

        • JimmyF on 21/12/2017 - 22:59

          fair enough, it does…..

  • Iamnotcheap on 21/12/2017 - 17:52
    +2

    Just ask for disconnections and tell them you not happy with the outcome - (don’t recontract) - they may be nice have give you one out of good faith you’ll stay with them. Support don’t commonly have authority to give you free stuff.

  • Slippery Fish on 21/12/2017 - 17:56
    +1

    Just for the lol of it "go with buzz telco" seriously though stay away rofl

    • StrayfireX on 21/12/2017 - 17:57
      +1

      I think I'll contract with "RoboGuy" if he ever starts a telco.

      Sounds safe. :)

  • JimmyF on 21/12/2017 - 18:34

    Not sure if I should pay the $80 their support is asking for a new modem. I don't really want to pay $80…

    One of the lives tough choices it seems…..

    Not iinets issue your modem died, so you have to buy a new one.

    $80 for a new one or head to fleabay pootree and pickup a 2nd hand iinet one. Lots on there for next to nothing.

  • robbyjones on 21/12/2017 - 18:59
    +1

    I have a gazillion modems, 2 adsl from tpg but fairly old now and 2 cable from Telstra. Happy for you to have whichever one you want if you can collect from Sydney north west suburbs.

  • Kparky on 21/12/2017 - 19:50

    Get a used TP-Link VG3631 on ebay for $40, has voip and ewan so it can be used when you go to NBN. I'm using this modem/router on an iinet FTTP connection with no speed issues works fine. Not sure how well the VOIP would go on ADSL though. TP-Link VR200V would also be a good choice, has a dual band AC750 chipset and voip, cost approx $129.

  • hashtagbargain on 21/12/2017 - 20:10

    Make sure you talk to the retention team before you move away from the company - they may be able to turn this around for you.

  • Islund on 21/12/2017 - 22:04
    +5

    I have a iiNet modem that I am happy to give away. Am in Sydney

    • StrayfireX on 21/12/2017 - 22:33

      Yeah thanks a friend gave me theirs :)

    • ozbjunkie on 22/12/2017 - 13:47

      You're one of the good ones.

  • myusername on 22/12/2017 - 14:43

    why not just buy a modem of your choice and configure it?

  • peteru on 23/12/2017 - 00:18

    iiNet supply you the line and the modem, so if lightning kills the modem through the phone line, it's their responsibility to fix it. If the modem got killed through mains, complain to your electricity provider. If your house got struck directly, then you probably have a whole house full of fried stuff and you can add the modem to the list of things you will be claiming through your insurance.

    If you could not be arsed fighting with any of the above, just source your own replacement modem. You can probably score a basic one for free.

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