Let me share. So we live in a unit block and my partner and I have a lifestyle which allows us to coach from the balcony of our home. Our business relies heavily on the internet to connect with clients all over the world.
So, we’re with Exetel here through a recommendation of a friend and business partner. They simply accept our monthly payment for us to share the infrastructure provided by another company – Optus, who then probably rents the lines from Telstra.
We’ve had massive issues – going on 5 years. The average bandwidth for Australians is around 5Mbps which may max out to 20 Mbps. We average between 1-3 Mbps, on a good day.
So it’s costing our business and costing us $ to pay for the lack of internet service.
We tried to fix it a few years ago, at the coast of around $400 as they told us to check from our boundary to the wall socket. All was found ok.
After they checked their end, it was established it wasn’t their responsibility it was that of the infrastructure company. But hey they were still happy to take our money with a sub-standard service. The solution that they offered was to pay $1200 per month for what average Aussies receive for $50, where’s the justice? And yes, we could say well how much is it costing us to not do it. We simply didn’t have $1200 pm at the time of infancy with our business.
Anyway, recently we decided to revisit this issue as it has only gotten worse. Dealing with Exetel has been a challenge, however, we managed (after 4 transfers to the incorrect operators – great service again) to connect with Tara. She’s been an awesome help. Although, for us to move ahead I have to complete some online paper work etc, which is not a strength for me, just to have the technician out to see if we have the corporate infrastructure.
However, the purpose of this post is – while our home internet drops out, my iPhone automatically connects with my Bandwidth on my mobile plan. Which just happens to be with Optus. And may cause a headache connected with partners and clients around the world.
So to my surprise this morning, I happened to check my monthly usage. Which we’re allowed 12GB, that’s between 3 phones.
Now, after 20 days into the cycle, we’re at 48GB, 4 x times over and a third of the month to go. So at $10 per extra GB it may end up costing me $500-700 for the lack of internet service. What’s the bet Exetel won’t help because it’s not their responsibility for the lack of infrastructure but they’ll still be quite happy to take my money!
Then what’s the bet that if I contact Optus, the same will happen as they’re not responsible for the infrastructure either but again, they’ll be happy to take the excess fee charges.
Then what’s the bet if I contact Telstra they blow me off because we’re not customers.
Now that’s how much strength there is in Australian Internet Service Providers – Great service!
If anyone can help with this issue, it would be greatly appreciated. Take care.