TCL Cable Modem policies.

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Mutly

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Master Geek

Topic # 5568 9-Nov-2005 09:12
Firts Post! Sorry, couldn't resist. Anyhow, does anyone know why TCL insists on renting client modems? Is there any real reason that one cannot just purchase another cable modem for use with the service? I mean, if the Telecom DSL network allows the use of pretty much any flavour of DSL modem (yes, some are complete rubbish) then surely the TCL network should allow the same courtesy. This enforced cable rental (listed as if it is an optional charge on thier web page) is really the only thing stopping me from getting the service. I can't brain today. I have the dumb.

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Reply # 22874 9-Nov-2005 10:28
FIRST REPLY, hehe Couldn't resist either! to ensure the quality of the service are balanced. As well as cutting down the number of technical support required for configuration etc. If every cable modem users are using same piece of hardware, when firmware upgrade required, it is done instantly over all modem, no need to reconfigure on end-user part. Ensure the network quality is balanced and same throughout all cable network connection. No irregularity in the network with different pieces of cable modems. I can understand the restriction that we felt trapped in, not having the flexibitity to choose our preferred cable router, but I appreciate TCL's uniformity on streamlining same modem to every household to ensure same quality of service. Internet is my backyard... «Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...» «Photo blog: I see...» Please read the Geekzone's FUG

Mutly

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Master Geek

Reply # 22878 9-Nov-2005 10:38
Fair call chiefie. In that case, they could at least offer free modems as an incentive for new customers as Telecom does. I realise the rental is a nice revenue generator for them, but surely having more customers is a better one... I can't brain today. I have the dumb.

chiefie

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Reply # 22879 9-Nov-2005 10:45
Or they could do what Sky is doing for MySky PVR... anyhow, they would just need to make sure the devices that connected to their network stay similar or uniform to ensure the same quality that they can deliver and support. otherwise you get hundreds of different devices that plugged onto TCL's cable and could vary their service quite significantly. Internet is my backyard... «Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...» «Photo blog: I see...» Please read the Geekzone's FUG

sbiddle

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Reply # 22880 9-Nov-2005 11:01
It's not a moot point, rental is no longer being charged on all new plans as of today. Having said that as of today you can no longer get a cable modem connection without taking out a telstraclear phone line as well. Any existing customers like myself cannot upgrade to a new plan without taking out a phone line. I have no need for a phone line as my Asterisk VoIP PBX works fine and gives me a Melbourne and Auckland phone number for roughly NZ$20 per month, 10c flat rate calls to anywhere in Australia and 5c per minute anywhere in NZ and 30c per minute to a cellphone. TelstraClear are going exactly the same way as Telecom - backwards due to corporate greed. The issue with renting out modems dates back to when the modems originally cost around $500 each, having said that the new DOCSIS Surfboard modems cost about US$60 to buy retail. TelstraClear don't want people connecting their own modems to the network due to the risks involved in an import modem bringing down the network, something that was a real risk. Obviously the fact they have been charging $10.95 per month for the past couple of years is just greed but considering they have the best highspeed internet and people had no choice but to pay it they probably didn't give a toss as it was a great money maker for them. *Need help configuring your Linksys ATA or IP Phones for New Zealand? Check my blog post

chiefie

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Reply # 22881 9-Nov-2005 11:04
hmmm... if only TCL can port my existing telecom number over to TCL's network without the need to change number, then i'd be happier to be totally TCL customer. But as they only port number for non-cable service area, then sorry. i'll stay "hybrid" Internet is my backyard... «Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...» «Photo blog: I see...» Please read the Geekzone's FUG

sbiddle

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Reply # 22882 9-Nov-2005 11:18
TC have had portability in Wgtn since they first rolled out their phone network but will only do it for business lines. If you want to pay for a business line you can keep your Telecom number, they won't do it for residential rentals. *Need help configuring your Linksys ATA or IP Phones for New Zealand? Check my blog post

chiefie

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Reply # 22883 9-Nov-2005 11:26
hmmm so if i am willing to pay for business rate (even though i am currently on telecom's residential line) then I can get number portability with TCL? Internet is my backyard... «Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...» «Photo blog: I see...» Please read the Geekzone's FUG

sbiddle

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Reply # 22884 9-Nov-2005 12:09
I don't know, best bet would be to ring and ask for a business line to be installed! *Need help configuring your Linksys ATA or IP Phones for New Zealand? Check my blog post

Mutly

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Master Geek

Reply # 22885 9-Nov-2005 12:17
Just checked and yep, no more modem rental. However, it does also appear that (as mientioned by sbiddle in another forum) the national and international bandwidth charging are no longer seperate (i.e. no more 1/10th charge for national). Sigh. I can't brain today. I have the dumb.

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Reply # 22886 9-Nov-2005 12:26
Mutly: Just checked and yep, no more modem rental. However, it does also appear that (as mientioned by sbiddle in another forum) the national and international bandwidth charging are no longer seperate (i.e. no more 1/10th charge for national). Sigh. It was inevitable this was going to happen once TC abandoned peering and the difference between domestic and international traffic became blurred..:-( You can get cable modem connections through other ISP's such as Globe.Net who offer unlimited dometic traffic on their plans however their download speeds and caps are nowhere near as competitive as the Paradise ones. *Need help configuring your Linksys ATA or IP Phones for New Zealand? Check my blog post

davidcole

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Reply # 22924 9-Nov-2005 21:17
I just looked as well. Looks like they've got a lot more plans now...slightly better pricing structure than previously. I pay about $130 for phone, digital tv (+sport) 10 Gb of 256k internet incl modem rental. And the national/international break out was good, especially for nz gaming. I prefer the Telecom "slow you down" when you hit cap than TCLs charge you over you're usage. I am considering their 10 gb at 2mb, especially if the modem rental has gone. Did anyone see this advertised?? I only saw it on Geekzone. Previously knows as psycik NextPVR Based HTPC: 2 x HVR3000 - DVB-S - Freeview, HVR3000 - DVB-T Freeview\|HD, Nova-T 500 - Dual Freeview\|HD, Digital Coax --> Yamaha RX-v540, 8600GT --> Samsung LA46A650D via HDMI Clients: Popcorn Hour A-100, 1xATV2, 1xATV3 Windows 7 Ultimate Host 4x2TB + 1x1.5TB using DriveBender, VMWare Server 2 with 1xW7, 2xW2k3 1xUbuntu 11.10 Desktop, 1xWHS2011, Plex

chiefie

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Reply # 22936 10-Nov-2005 09:32
it's already live on TCL's website. however be prepared to change phone number if you are going to sign up on TCL's new internet plan, it seems like you can only get cable internet with cable phone system too... which mean you will get 9xx-xxxx as your phone number. Internet is my backyard... «Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...» «Photo blog: I see...» Please read the Geekzone's FUG

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Reply # 22939 10-Nov-2005 09:39
I don't mind the phone number...I already have one. I wish they'd introduce throttling though...am contemplating moving from 256k up to 2mb....but have to drop from 10 gb to 4. Previously knows as psycik NextPVR Based HTPC: 2 x HVR3000 - DVB-S - Freeview, HVR3000 - DVB-T Freeview\|HD, Nova-T 500 - Dual Freeview\|HD, Digital Coax --> Yamaha RX-v540, 8600GT --> Samsung LA46A650D via HDMI Clients: Popcorn Hour A-100, 1xATV2, 1xATV3 Windows 7 Ultimate Host 4x2TB + 1x1.5TB using DriveBender, VMWare Server 2 with 1xW7, 2xW2k3 1xUbuntu 11.10 Desktop, 1xWHS2011, Plex

chiefie

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Reply # 22941 10-Nov-2005 09:43
i am on 5GB/2Mbps and hardly used up my 5GB, only on 2 occassion but then i was downloading Fedore 3 and 4 (DVD + 4CDs + LiveCD) anyway.... otherwise i hardly download much these days. where about are you? Wellington? Internet is my backyard... «Geekzone blog: Tech 'n Chips Takeaway» «Personal blog: And then...» «Photo blog: I see...» Please read the Geekzone's FUG

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Reply # 22942 10-Nov-2005 09:45
Yeah Lower Hutt. The 2mb is pretty enticing...streaming video!!! At the moment I can pretty much only handle streaming audio, video is just too slow. Previously knows as psycik NextPVR Based HTPC: 2 x HVR3000 - DVB-S - Freeview, HVR3000 - DVB-T Freeview\|HD, Nova-T 500 - Dual Freeview\|HD, Digital Coax --> Yamaha RX-v540, 8600GT --> Samsung LA46A650D via HDMI Clients: Popcorn Hour A-100, 1xATV2, 1xATV3 Windows 7 Ultimate Host 4x2TB + 1x1.5TB using DriveBender, VMWare Server 2 with 1xW7, 2xW2k3 1xUbuntu 11.10 Desktop, 1xWHS2011, Plex

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