Landline usually won't ring out, internet frequently drops - but want to switch providers and also get fibre. Should I try fix these issues first?

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › Landline usually won't ring out, internet frequently drops - but want to switch providers and also get fibre. Should I try fix these issues first?

Plato

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#183899 2-Nov-2015 22:15

I have ADSL internet and a landline with Vodafone. In the last few weeks, the phones have stopped being able to ring out except on rare occasions, although they receive calls perfectly fine. And especially in the last few days, the internet has been dropping frequently - sometimes around a half dozen times a day.

I've tried taking out the filter, trying another jack point, and trying another phone, to no success.

I don't have Vodafone's optional wiring maintenance service.

Vodafone has an option to lodge a fault and send Chorus out, but they'll charge a fee if it's not specifically their problem.

A complicating factor is that I want to change to Spark, getting a new router in the process, and also get their fibre. However, the Spark representatives have told me it could take a couple of months to get in. In the meantime, we'll have to get their ADSL service first.

What makes the most sense to do? Would joining Spark have much of a chance of fixing my issues immediately? If I want to join them anyway, will it make a difference for Chorus?

PeterReader

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#1419323 2-Nov-2015 22:15

Hello... Our robot found some keywords in your post, so here is an automated reply with some important things to note regarding broadband speeds.

If you are posting regarding DSL speeds please check that

- you have reset your modem and router

- your PC (or other PCs in your LAN) is not downloading large files when you are testing

- you are not being throttled by your ISP due to going over the monthly cap

- your tests are always done on an ethernet connection to the router - do not use wireless for testing

- you read this topic and follow the instructions there.

Make sure you provide information for other users to help you. If you have not already done it, please EDIT your post and add this now:

- Your ISP and plan

- Type of connection (ADSL, ADSL2, VDSL)

- Your modem DSL stats (do not worry about posting Speedtest, we need sync rate, attenuation and noise margin)

- Your general location (or street)

- If you are rural or urban

- If you know your connection is to an exchange, cabinet or conklin

- If your connection is to a ULL or wholesale service

- If you have done an isolation test as per the link above

Most of the problems with speed are likely to be related to internal wiring issues. Read this discussion to find out more about this. Your ISP is not intentionally slowing you down today (unless you are on a managed plan). Also if this is the school holidays it's likely you will notice slower than usual speed due to more users online.

A master splitter is required for VDSL2 and in most cases will improve speeds on DSL connections. Regular disconnections can be a monitored alarm or a set top box trying to connect. If there's an alarm connected to your line even if you don't have an alarm contract it may still try to connect so it's worth checking.

I recommend you read these two blog posts:

- Is your premises phone wiring impacting your broadband performance? (very technical)

- Are you receiving a substandard ULL ADSL2+ connection from your ISP?

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

These links are referral codes: Sharesies | Mighty Ape

Sideface

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#1419345 2-Nov-2015 22:28

Your phone doesn't work.
You have a line fault.
Call VF and tell them that your phone is intermittent/dead - they can't refuse to fix it.

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DarkShadow

1647 posts

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#1419354 2-Nov-2015 22:47

Dude, log the fault, and get Chorus out to fix your line. This will in most cases take a day.

You do understand right, that Vodafone and Spark uses the exact same cables to deliver you ADSL and you'd have exactly the same problems after you switch ISP?

As you said, getting fibre may take months depending on where you live.

Plato

17 posts

Geek

#1422461 6-Nov-2015 15:32

So I got Chorus out, apparently the lines are fine, although the router keeps rejecting the login details. The Chorus guy said the phones (~6 months old) were malfunctioning, so I exchanged them for new ones, but the new ones don't work either. The internet seems to be gradually getting worse, too.

What's the likely issue? Would moving to Spark have any chance of fixing it?

jonb

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#1422469 6-Nov-2015 15:41

When I was on Vodafone, the white broadband complete modem eventually failed by somehow sending current down the phone line, which had very similar symptoms to what you describe. Changing the modem fixed the problem if not intermittently not being able of make/receive calls, even when Internet was still working(also cutting out at times tho).

A new modem solved the problem, I also changed to Spark for that too.

edit: this was my issue http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=49&topicid=150070

see also this thread http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=49&topicid=128940

richms

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#1422510 6-Nov-2015 16:28

Plato: So I got Chorus out, apparently the lines are fine, although the router keeps rejecting the login details. The Chorus guy said the phones (~6 months old) were malfunctioning, so I exchanged them for new ones, but the new ones don't work either. The internet seems to be gradually getting worse, too.

Of course they do, that way they can charge you for the visit.

Have you tried new filters since you dont have a proper installation?

Richard rich.ms

darylblake

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#1422801 7-Nov-2015 12:42

Order fibre now if its available. You probably have copper wiring problems at home, and you are using line filters I take it? So no master filter, so you may as well stay on ADSL until they do the fibre install. It sounds like you should ask a friend or someone who may have a spare modem if you can borrow it and try it out. If this is the case then just use it for a couple of months until fibre is installed, then you will plug your phone into the ONT (if its with spark).

No it doesnt matter if you change your adsl to spark for a few months or not (except for the fact that they may give you a new modem which might be what you need), if you have a copper wiring problem in your house then its not going to go away.

As for the phones it what you said doesn't sound right. You had a tech out to fix the line and they said its because of your phone so you replaced it with a new one and still have problems? Techs usually have phones with them to test the lines.

It sounds almost as if you have a loose connection in your house somewhere, and its being intermittent.

My parents at the moment have terrible house wiring and are getting a very slow ADSL speed and it was a very good line when I lived there, but UFB has just been put on their street about 2 months ago so they are just going to order it and hopefully it will be installed and we wont bother with the copper wiring in the house.