Changed ADSL from Spark to Orcon - now streaming doesn't fall over

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Changed ADSL from Spark to Orcon - now streaming doesn't fall over

grahama

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#190685 8-Jan-2016 18:08

I finally got around to changing my ADSL from Spark to Orcon. 3 great benefits:

1. No charge for copper phone line - Orcon VOIP works seamlessly
2. No surcharge for bill payment on credit card (that REALLY annoyed me when Spark introduced it).
3. Now I can stream video on demand (mainly Netflix and a bit of Apple TV), and I can get to the end of what I am watching without it falling over !!!

I'm not saying that Spark were throttling the line, after all they deny it !!!! But, both plans are unlimited, with both ISP's I get download speeds of 13-14 Mbps at the modem, with Spark streaming always fell over after an hour or so, with Orcon it hasn't once in the last two weeks (and that's in Taupo with the town full of holidaymakers).

You can draw your own conclusions .....

PeterReader

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#1466127 8-Jan-2016 18:08

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.

michaelmurfy

meow
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#1466144 8-Jan-2016 18:56

1) What? So it is the same price if you compare the two... Also on an ADSL home connection I'd say POTS is better than VoIP since it is so easy to max your upload.
2) There are billing methods which don't incur a charge. I'd say since Orcon are charging you ADSL + Pots prices for Naked ADSL they've got more margin to spare.
3) Yeah a newer router with better WiFi will likely do this for you. Guessing you had the TG582n?

I'd say that the problem in your case is simply because of WiFi and not because of the provider considering Spark rank above Orcon/Slingshot for Netflix performance (IIRC). But good to know that a better router solved this for you. Spark (as quoted many times) do not throttle anything as per this sticky thread and you could have likely asked them for a better router if you did indeed have the Technicolour TG582n.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
Referral Links: Quic Broadband (use R122101E7CV7Q for free setup)

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