Broadband in NZ

[bgd]

Hi folks,

I have to set up broadband for my family and have no idea of the current state of play in NZ.

I will configure a router and laptop here (UK) which they will take back with them. I'm just after a pointer of what is good and what's not on the ISP front. They currently subscribe to xtra dial up and I see they have a special which expires soon. I also see some adverse comments on this site about xtra.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Brian

[James Deuce]

Broadband in NZ - Ahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa *bonk*

It's slow, mostly DSL, and expensive. Most expensive rates in the OECD.

All the ISPs end up the same because they HAVE to use Telecom's network at some point.

If they do a lot of gaming DON'T go with Xtra (Telecom's ISP company and probably the biggest one). They packet queue, so connections to overseas game servers carry a lot of latency.

Other than that it's much of a muchness, unless the family is moving to a rural area, in which case they'll need a Modem. Of the Dial-up variety.

[Marmoot]

If they do a lot of gaming DON'T go with Xtra (Telecom's ISP company and probably the biggest one). They packet queue, so connections to overseas game servers carry a lot of latency.

I am in Central Auckland and my 2MB xtra DSL is ok for gaming. But it could have been better.

Just my 2c.
Yes, Jim2 is right. Our "broadband" is laughable.

[Karma]

Firstly... don't bother sending DSL modems over from the UK, not worth it if they're not configured correctly, VPI / VCI and all that.

Secondly... if you're going to register for Xtra, wait until closer to Christmas, cough cough, may take a little longer to get it installed but it'll be worth it... but you didn't hear that from me ;)

[Mooch]

What Jim said and the following
Depending in which City you go to there maybe a couple of other choices. In Wellington Telstra Clear offer broadband via cable TV in many of the suburbs.
I think places in Auckland City offer wireless broadband as well.
Rate wise, you'll pay about 30-40 % more than BT's rates, customer service it's a lot better in NZ if you have issues and it doesn't take days to get hold of the right person or have to sit in endless queues. The ISP's seem to be including the ADSL modems at the moment. You'll need to check if your own gear is NZ telepermited before plugging in. The ADSL system also uses user name authentication rather then the open style where BT ties this into your phone number.

DSL wise it's only ADSL 1 at this stage, also in NZ the traffic capping is lower and the upload speed is lower. It's capped at 128k rather than the 256k in the UK. Downloading is normally packet shaped to 2meg or below


http://jetstream.xtra.co.nz/chm/0,,202853-1000,00.html
http://www.telstraclear.co.nz/products/internet/highspeed/

[Karma]

customer service it's a lot better in NZ if you have issues and it doesn't take days to get hold of the right person or have to sit in endless queues.

:cool: :yes:

[bgd]

hmm...already have a wireless adsl modem/router on order. If the modem won't be compatiable then can they use the router side. Having seen some of the sites my daughter has visited I wanted to put a router/firewall between the pc and modem. Plus there is a linux machine involved. None of this is difficult, unless you are 12,000 miles away.

They are in central Chch.

[Mooch]

What brand / model number did you order ?.

No problem with putting the router/firewall inline between the PC's and the ADSL modem unless they will be running application protocols that don't Network Address Translate (NAT). Most applications do these days.

PC firewall would also be a good choice on top of router firewall.
Don't for get NZ uses different mains plugs as well, same voltage though

Settings for NZ ADSL
http://xtra.co.nz/help/0,,5739-907829,00.html

[Karma]

Modem should be compatible, but will need manual settings such as VPI / VCI and PPPoA VC-Mux encapsulation etc...

A hardware firewall is always a good idea, but I've found that the hacking scene is hardly evident in NZ, most people over here can't seem to spell PC let alone use one (present company excepted of course ;) )

[bgd]

I'm starting to feel a little better ...

Router is a Netgear DG834G which I use over here. Easier to set up if I have the same model. Being spread across the 2 countries we have a good supply of UK/NZ adapter plugs.

There seems to be a real problem with spyware and viruses here and since my wife uses internet banking I'm a little concerned about security. Interesting to hear that it isn't so bad in NZ.

I use a Mac so have no such issues and in NZ we have been using linux on a dial up. Just a little nervous about adding a windows pc and 15 year old daughter to the mix.

[Karma]

15 year old daughter

Worse that could happen is it'll get a Justin Timberlake desktop or something :sick:

If you'd said 15 year old son... now that would've been a different story :2guns:

[Mooch]

You'll be fine with that model of net gear; it's available in NZ as well.

You could set up her PC with Norton Internet Security, it ties in with XP user names, has a setting called parental control, you can apply various levels of protection to your daughters surfing.

Also, don't be naive about the virus / spywhare threat; it's the same in NZ and anywhere else on the internet. I used to see a couple hundred thousand attempts per day on one network I managed in NZ.

[sAsLEX]

hmmm how many people would sign a petition to unbundle the local loop?! I think Mexico and NZ are the only coutries in the OECD that haven't and due to this telecon continues to only offer cheaper higher quality broadband in areas where there is competition such as wellington, scum!

[Drunken Monkey]

I will configure a router and laptop here (UK) which they will take back with them...

Make sure, if you're going to use ADSL, it is RFC 2364 compliant. We use PPPoA (not PPPoE) here as well.
I'm not sure what cable modems people on the cable service are using, but there's still only limited services for cable here.

You should be able to find out what you want form here:
http://www.nzdsl.co.nz/

[bugjuice]

They are in central Chch.
depending where in Chch, it could be cheaper, cos TelstraClear (TCL) have built network there, so it drives down the cost of everything, and Telecom have competition. So phones and internet etc, is a bit cheaper, and you have better plans. Same for most parts of Wgtn too.

Alex, TCL and other competitors did a 'Call 4 Change' campaign last year. 61,241 people called, logged and signed with them and competitors against Telecom, and the government 'didn't listen'.
What really happened, was Telecom blackmailed and used scare tactics (http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3506601a28,00.html) against the Government and said that if the Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) went ahead, Telecom would pull out it's millions from the share markets and Government funding stuff, so the 'NZ public' would be the ones feeling the burden. The Gov shat its pants, and didn't unbundle. They did force pathetic bitstream, which no one can do shit with, which has increased slightly since then. Telecom still continue to run their high profits. And for a while, TCL resold home phone lines off Telecom. But the profit margin was 2%, so TCL gave up last month selling home phone lines, unless you're willing to put your toll calls and internet thru too.

[Sniper]

Why configure a router when you get them for free on some deals?

[sAsLEX]

The Gov shat its pants, and didn't unbundle.

so basically this is the first time helen didn't use her nuts and tell them where to shove it!

Got to love the monopolies in this country!

[leenok]

hmmm how many people would sign a petition to unbundle the local loop?! I think Mexico and NZ are the only coutries in the OECD that haven't and due to this telecon continues to only offer cheaper higher quality broadband in areas where there is competition such as wellington, scum!

I heard a rumour that they were looking at unbundling the local loop, anyone confirm?

[bgd]

Why configure a router when you get them for free on some deals?

Simply because I can configure it here so it will (hopefully) be plug and play for them when they get back to NZ. Trying to talk through the set up over the phone would be too difficult.

And not that I've really looked yet but I wasn't expecting wireless routers to be bundled in packages.

[Pixie]

depending where in Chch, it could be cheaper, cos TelstraClear (TCL) have built network there, so it drives down the cost of everything, and Telecom have competition. So phones and internet etc, is a bit cheaper, and you have better plans. Same for most parts of Wgtn too.

Alex, TCL and other competitors did a 'Call 4 Change' campaign last year. 61,241 people called, logged and signed with them and competitors against Telecom, and the government 'didn't listen'.
What really happened, was Telecom blackmailed and used scare tactics (http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3506601a28,00.html) against the Government and said that if the Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) went ahead, Telecom would pull out it's millions from the share markets and Government funding stuff, so the 'NZ public' would be the ones feeling the burden. The Gov shat its pants, and didn't unbundle. They did force pathetic bitstream, which no one can do shit with, which has increased slightly since then. Telecom still continue to run their high profits. And for a while, TCL resold home phone lines off Telecom. But the profit margin was 2%, so TCL gave up last month selling home phone lines, unless you're willing to put your toll calls and internet thru too.
Actually,what Telecom said was that it's share price would fall.All those phony socialists in the govt. were faced with the prospect of their personal portfolios losing value did what they needed to to protect their wealth.
Bugger! I sound like a pinko,but it's in a good cause.

Ethiopia has annouced it will get high speed broadband to it's entire population in 5 years

[Karma]

You could set up her PC with Norton Internet Security, it ties in with XP user names, has a setting called parental control, you can apply various levels of protection to your daughters surfing.

All good in theory, until Symantec realise a program update that effectively resets the firewall to factory settings without telling anyone.

A standard help call now goes something like this;

Customer - I can't access the internet.
Me - Do you have Norton Internet Security
C - Yes
M - Urgh.... turn it off will you
C - Ok done.... oh... I can access the internet now... what did you do?
M - 'Hangs Up'

Norton is something that can be run, but is very finnicky about being setup correctly, and remember that if it stuffs up then no ISP will provide any support for it, and if I remember correctly Symantec have started charging for their support line. Just FYI.



Why configure a router when you get them for free on some deals?
Mainly because the routers that the ISPs give out are very basic models, cheap and cheerful really. If you want something that will give you solid service without going wrong you'll have to pay for it. You get what you pay for and all that :wacko:




And not that I've really looked yet but I wasn't expecting wireless routers to be bundled in packages.
They're not, but you can usually use the free modem they would have supplied as discount against a better modem.

IE. Xtra will supply you with a free modem that has a paper value of $99.99, now their wireless modem kit is $279.99ish, so you could upgrade from the free standard modem to the better wireless modem for only $179.98. Probably still a bit over the odds, but the options there.

[sAsLEX]

Simply because I can configure it here so it will (hopefully) be plug and play for them when they get back to NZ. Trying to talk through the set up over the phone would be too difficult.


well half the people on here are all comp geeks, could get one of the senior trusted members to do it for a beer or something?

[bugjuice]

so basically this is the first time helen didn't use her nuts and tell them where to shove it!

Got to love the monopolies in this country!
actually, wasn't Helen's call. Was Paul Swain who's no longer in that role. But it won't get looked at again for a while.

And we are bottom of the OECD with Mexico..

[Test Pilot]

broadband in New Zeland is slow and really unstable compared with other countries. Businesses get a better connection but it is still crap. Be prepared for shit upload and speed fluxuations during busier times, and dont use xtra, they dont give as gooda customer service as others and there line quality is no better than the others. I fanything they overload there lines with more users so at busy times your service is compromissed.

[sAsLEX]

actually, wasn't Helen's call. Was Paul Swain who's no longer in that role. But it won't get looked at again for a while.

And we are bottom of the OECD with Mexico..

and he wasn't in her government?

yeah I know, sure i said that in an earlier post

[Mooch]

broadband in New Zeland is slow and really unstable compared with other countries. Businesses get a better connection but it is still crap. Be prepared for shit upload and speed fluxuations during busier times, and dont use xtra, they dont give as gooda customer service as others and there line quality is no better than the others. I fanything they overload there lines with more users so at busy times your service is compromissed.

Maybe a different situation in Auckland or maybe within your suburb , Was on Xtra adsl with no issues for a couple of years. Normally got close to 2 m/bit downloads when require depending on site. Upload was nomally close to 128k/bits , maybe the dslam in our area wasn't oversubscribed too much, and believe me you haven't had bad service until you've dealt with BT. The afternoon after the services was provisioned the service dropped out. I spent a further 8 - 10 hours over 3 days trying to get someone to acknoloadge the issue was either with the line or the equipement at the other end. I got the usual , yes it's being passed on etc , I'd ring up for progress , told no trouble ticket as the lazy F on the end had not logged it etc. Eventully a tech called me back , spent about 30 seconds on the phone with me and dispatached someone to the exchange, problem was sorted shortly after.
I've been in IT for 20 years now , last 15 in Telecommunications and I've never had the run around like you get with BT. Shit , I'd love to work for them for a while to sort out there disfunctional customer support structures.

When I return to NZ in April , if KB's in Welliewood need a hand with Telecommunications / Wireless etc , no problem .... Macs Golds the choice of beer thanks.

[Karma]

Seems that it's not DSLAMs that are the problem at the moment, keep gettings RANs popping all over the shop... par for the course until the network upgrades go through I suppose.

[Brian d marge]

Slightly OT
As the thread was/is about the best way to set up broad band ( highspeed internet )

Here in JPN I have a fibre optic conection, ADVERTISED as 100mb up and down

I get 33 Mb/sec LOCAL
and 1.5 Mb/s INTERNATIONAL
PPoE
a 16 percent que at the server , drops to 8 or something like that
Uncapped ....as in I sit here and watch some really good internet telly ( was watching a doco on the history of the waffen SS last nite, you could trace the mindset of the people, really good television)

I didnt even know there was a difference, international and national ????The initial set up was a pain it kept on discontecting etc, to the point of keeping a log of when it did disconect
LOW and behold it was sunday nite after 11pm
but they fixed all that , it magically stopped ( and they said it was my computer that was causing the prob, my computer hasnt changed , the problems stopped ,,,strange ,,,must be the fairies )

and the cost is about 6 percent of my weekly income ( Racing the MX cost more !!! per week )

good luck in setting up your system I would be interested to see what u get!!

Stephen

[FEINT]

Slightly OT
As the thread was/is about the best way to set up broad band ( highspeed internet )

Here in JPN I have a fibre optic conection, ADVERTISED as 100mb up and down

I get 33 Mb/sec LOCAL
and 1.5 Mb/s INTERNATIONAL
PPoE
a 16 percent que at the server , drops to 8 or something like that
Uncapped ....as in I sit here and watch some really good internet telly ( was watching a doco on the history of the waffen SS last nite, you could trace the mindset of the people, really good television)


I have seen Yahoo BB advertise in Japan for 48mbps ADSL.. with no cap and a free modem, now that is fast.

[Brian d marge]

I have seen Yahoo BB advertise in Japan for 48mbps ADSL.. with no cap and a free modem, now that is fast.

My sister in law uses that shes on an actual of 20 something I really should check.,
All providers here are uncapped, ( I didnt know untill I tried sending video to me folks ! )
Why cant NZ go satelite or something, What I cant understand is that The fellas who built NZ , Brunner , etc made huge engineering projects , and all invested in infrastructure,
Surely the Internet IS the new roads, ??

Me I would issue the scummys in the jails a shovel ( with a small shovel blade ) and start them a digging and a laying

Then I would open a Government dept and call it ....ummm the misery/ministry of telecomunications and put someone in there paid for by taskforce green .

Stephen

and part of my new world order. everyone is entitled to 3 lumps of coal at christmas

[kro]

There seems to be a real problem with spyware and viruses here and since my wife uses internet banking I'm a little concerned about security. Interesting to hear that it isn't so bad in NZ.

This is my area of speciality. Delete the Internet Explorer icon, and download and install Mozilla Firefox. It looks pretty much the same as IE, but is not anywhere as exploitable as IE. I used to get spyware all the time, but about 18 months back, I made the change to Firefox, and hardly ever find even a tracking cookie on my machine.

If you have existing Spyware probs you need to get rid of, two free programs which kick serious arse are:
Spybot SD - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
Adaware 6 - http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5

Run those two, and they will usually take out the nasties pretty quickly.

[kro]

Seems that it's not DSLAMs that are the problem at the moment, keep gettings RANs popping all over the shop... par for the course until the network upgrades go through I suppose.

The DSLAM "upgrades" they did last year ( i think), basically screwed every gamer in the country, no more connection sharing in a household with hardcore gamers, and net surfers.

[bgd]

This is my area of speciality. Delete the Internet Explorer icon, and download and install Mozilla Firefox. It looks pretty much the same as IE, but is not anywhere as exploitable as IE. I used to get spyware all the time, but about 18 months back, I made the change to Firefox, and hardly ever find even a tracking cookie on my machine.


We have been Firefox users for a long time.

Router has arrived so over Xmas will set this up, at least the security side of things. Family head back in Jan so I'll let you know how it goes.

Many thanks for all the responses.

[Karma]

We have been Firefox users for a long time.

Router has arrived so over Xmas will set this up, at least the security side of things. Family head back in Jan so I'll let you know how it goes.

Many thanks for all the responses.

I'm in Auckland mate and know a fair bit about computers / Broadband.

If you decide to go with Telecom and need a hand with anything just gimme a buzz.

[Hitcher]

I'm constantly amazed that somebody hasn't taken Telecom to the Advertising Complaints Authority, Ministry of Consumer Affairs or all of the above for consistently trying to convince New Zealanders that 256k rate-limited ADSL is "broadband". 2 meg pipes seem pretty common for domestic users in other parts of the world. So what's the go here? I've got a 1 meg pipe at home, thanks to TelstraClear, but that seldom runs faster than 850 kbits a second downstream and 150 kbits a second in the other direction. Anyhoo, that's still four times faster than Telecom's offering.

[bgd]

Managed to set up broadband and the wireless router by talking my daughter through the process. It all went remarkably smoothly.

Went with xtra in the end. Was suprised at the lack of choice, the cost, low speeds and the bandwidth caps. In the end it was xtra simply based on a quick poll of my daughter's friends.

Thanks for all your help.

[bugjuice]

Was suprised at the lack of choice, the cost, low speeds and the bandwidth caps.
you can thank Telecom for that..
glad you got it set up tho

[sAsLEX]

you can thank Telecom for that..
glad you got it set up tho

Correction, you can thank our Governmint who allowed themselves to be blackmailed by Telecon and kept us in the Dark ages!

[bugjuice]

still Telecom.
the govt are just spineless wanks.

[sAsLEX]

still Telecom.
the govt are just spineless wanks.

Who are a creation of the Governmint selling off assets creating SOE's etc or however Telecon was spawned.....

[MisterD]

Who are a creation of the Governmint selling off assets creating SOE's etc or however Telecon was spawned.....

Just don't get me started on why Uncle Helen's lot are the only gummint in the OECD that think it's a good idea not to unbundle the local loop? Idiots or crooks with Tcom shares?:2guns: