I checked that with my ISP before I signed the lease. I knew there is no cable in the area. Today I phoned my ISP to transfer my account from here to there, only to be told that I can’t have either ADSL2+ or ordinary ADSL. I checked again, and the sales guy said yes I could have ADSL2+. I then told him about the conflicting advice I had been given. He said hmm that might be right, the best thing you can do is get your phone connected by Telstra (because Telstra messes them around too much) and then enter the number on the web site to test whether the line will work with ADSL2+.
So I phoned Telstra. The woman there gave me a better trick: take a handset to the new place, and if there is a dial tone type in 12722123 and that will give me the last number connected there. Key in that number on the web site. But then she had a good look at her databases, and said there is no ADSL where I am and wireless is my only option.
So I checked out the wireless broadband plans and availability. Telstra’s wireless might reach me, but their best download limit is way too low and their price way too high for me. Then again it might not actually reach me. According to 3, which has a detailed map, I am in the middle of a black spot so I can only do chat and messaging not wireless broadband.
OK a friend says it isn’t so bad, I will be eligible for the Australian Broadband Guarantee. He sends me the web page, and sure enough it gives me what looks like zero suitable broadband providers. I fill out the form, and the form is continually rejected because I do not have the phone connected.
Catch 22: I can’t afford a landline unless my internet comes through it too. I can’t find out if I can get the Australian Broadband Guarantee until I connect a landline.
Needless to say I am really angry about being misinformed by my ISP prior to signing my lease. I would never have signed if I had been correctly informed. And funnily, they don’t have a record of my original call.
[mood: very grumpy]
