I think Telecom are creaming the users with that $500 connect fee. TelestraClear on there website don't list a fee, but say "New Connection A technician will contact you if a visit to your home is required to complete the installation and connection of this service. The work required to install and connect a line varies from property to property, as does the associated cost. The technician will estimate the cost and advise you once they have visited your premises."
Which is a better way to work out the cost, having someone look at the job and quoting. Better than telecom's system of, gambling that the setup will cost $500. Is that some kind of national average that Telecom designed?
Telecom please so gambling on the average and judge each job on what that job is.
There is http://www.compass.net.nz/residential/internet/wireless_voip.asp for a wireless solution, but gaming on wireless = lag
I don't remember when it was (a few years ago at least) when Telecom initially said they wanted to charge non urban customers the 'true' cost of connecting them. After public outrage and discussions with the government Telecom came up with the $500 or $250 connection charge for non urban areas depending on the population density.
This charge only comes up the first time a line is connected, if it is disconnected then the next person who reconnects it would be reconnecting an 'intact' reconnection which is about $50.
The reason this doesn't come up very often is usually people are moving into a house that has previously had Telecom service supplied. Even though the landlord isn't required to pay this charge, it may be worth discussing the problem with them. As future tenants will have the same problem until someone pays that initial connection fee.
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