[WXC/VFX] Questions re new subdivision with XNET provisioned fibre at gate

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › [WXC/VFX] Questions re new subdivision with XNET provisioned fibre at gate

cjmchch

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#97222 14-Feb-2012 11:24

Hi

We are about to start building in a subdivision on the outskirts of Christchurch (Preston Downs, West Melton) where fibre has been laid to the boundary ready for connection to the home. The developers have informed us that this cable has been laid by World Exchange and if we want 'fixed' line services then this has to be done via XNET and likewise with broadband (excluding using a T-Stick for example).

Obviously I have some questions that I am having trouble getting answers to and thought that maybe someone in the know in this forum can answer them for me.

1. Are there any other service providers who are able to offer fibre services other than WX utilising the fibre laid in this subdivision?

2. Once you are connected to this fibre service is your phone line internet telephony only or is there an option to use the older style fixed line?

3. I note in the XNET information there are currently only two options available VLSI $45.00 and VHSI $99.00 - both providing phone line and internet. Neither package has any data allowance included.

4. What is the speed of the VLSI line?

5. Given the UFB roll out of late and the prices I have seen on the internet - why is it that the prices offered by XNET seem extortionist compared to other providers, when compared to prices, data allowances and speeds?

example

XNET VHSI 30Mbps/6Mbps No data $99.00 per month ($1.28 Gb) = $111.80 for 10Gb incl phone
WorldNet UFB 30/Mbps/10Mbps 10 Gb data $69.00 per month

XNET VHSI 30/6 No Data 99.00 per month ($1.28 Gb) = $298.00 for 150Gb incl phone
Worldnet UFB 30/10 150Gb data included $99.95 per month

6. Are WX/XNet planning on introducing new packages/pricing and if so when?

7. Is faxability still an option for fibre or do I have to have a dedicated second line?

8. What other options do I have other than using XNet?

9. If there is currently no provision for an alternative provider for my telephone/internet is WX planning on facilitating that in the foreseeable future?

I cannot believe that in this modern day of UFB I am forced to have to use a provider that I don't particularly want to use.

Any information that I can get would be appreciated, thanks.

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334 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

WorldxChange

#581266 14-Feb-2012 12:15

cjmchch: Hi

We are about to start building in a subdivision on the outskirts of Christchurch (Preston Downs, West Melton) where fibre has been laid to the boundary ready for connection to the home. The developers have informed us that this cable has been laid by World Exchange and if we want 'fixed' line services then this has to be done via XNET and likewise with broadband (excluding using a T-Stick for example).

Obviously I have some questions that I am having trouble getting answers to and thought that maybe someone in the know in this forum can answer them for me.

1. Are there any other service providers who are able to offer fibre services other than WX utilising the fibre laid in this subdivision?

2. Once you are connected to this fibre service is your phone line internet telephony only or is there an option to use the older style fixed line?

3. I note in the XNET information there are currently only two options available VLSI $45.00 and VHSI $99.00 - both providing phone line and internet. Neither package has any data allowance included.

4. What is the speed of the VLSI line?

5. Given the UFB roll out of late and the prices I have seen on the internet - why is it that the prices offered by XNET seem extortionist compared to other providers, when compared to prices, data allowances and speeds?

example

XNET VHSI 30Mbps/6Mbps No data $99.00 per month ($1.28 Gb) = $111.80 for 10Gb incl phone
WorldNet UFB 30/Mbps/10Mbps 10 Gb data $69.00 per month

XNET VHSI 30/6 No Data 99.00 per month ($1.28 Gb) = $298.00 for 150Gb incl phone
Worldnet UFB 30/10 150Gb data included $99.95 per month

6. Are WX/XNet planning on introducing new packages/pricing and if so when?

7. Is faxability still an option for fibre or do I have to have a dedicated second line?

8. What other options do I have other than using XNet?

9. If there is currently no provision for an alternative provider for my telephone/internet is WX planning on facilitating that in the foreseeable future?

I cannot believe that in this modern day of UFB I am forced to have to use a provider that I don't particularly want to use.

Any information that I can get would be appreciated, thanks.

To answer a couple of these quickly.

We didn't lay fibre in the region, we just supply Wholesaled services via Telecom Wholesale/Chorus2

I don't know of any other providers who have chosen to supply services in these regions.

You can use your standard telephones with the WorldxChange service, very similar in which you use them in your current house - only difference is you might in an RJ-11 connector rather than a BT connector (depends on internal wiring of your house).

Correct neither includes data usage.

100Kbps down /100Kbps up - support for a phone line and very basic browsing - text pages etc.

New pricing is being looked into, hope to have information on this soon.

There is a Fax2Email option (no faxability - similar to the old style) on the fibre service and you can add an additional line for $11.50 inc GST.

There are no other fixed line options that I'm aware of - please note this is not our choice, we only wholesale the access from Chorus2.

I'm not 100% sure on this, can only really advise we have no control over this as we do not own the Fibre in the subdivision.

For more information it would be best to call the sales team on 0800 12 3456.

Thanks
Cameron

Ham

462 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581271 14-Feb-2012 12:37

I was told the same thing in our subdivision, it does work out quite expensive on Xnet. I have briefly looked into changing online, if you type your address into the Vodafone website it will probably tell you they can supply you, but somehow I think the process would get stopped half way through when they realise they can't do it.

ChrisNZL

309 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581274 14-Feb-2012 12:42

I've been living in a Chorus-laid fibre-only subdivision in West Auckland for just over a year now, and have been stuck with Xnet the whole time. Let me try and answer your questions.

>1. Are there any other service providers who are able to offer fibre services other than WX utilising the fibre laid in this subdivision?
Not yet. Xnet's your only option right now. By the sounds of things, throughout this year other ISPs should hopefully be offering UFB services. I know Orcon is definitely getting ready to embrace FTTH, but they're not quite there yet (details on their homepage). Vodafone sales reps tell me they're in the dark about anything fibre-related. Telecom "Retail" told me they're doing FTTH trials in one specific subdivision; I can't remember where, try ringing them and see if it's yours. There's also WorldNet that's just released UFB pricing for Auckland/Christchurch; sales rep said one of their UFB specialists would have to ring me back, and I'm waiting to see if they will :/

>2. Once you are connected to this fibre service is your phone line internet telephony only or is there an option to use the older style fixed line?
Phone line is VoIP only (remember there's no more copper) but you can use your existing analogue phones still (though you might need a BT -> RJ11 adaptor).

>3. I note in the XNET information there are currently only two options available VLSI $45.00 and VHSI $99.00 - both providing phone line and internet. Neither package has any data allowance included.
The $45 option is mainly just for the VoIP service with extremely slow Internet speeds (as I understand it). If you actually want to use the Internet without pulling your hair out, go for the $99 option. And then brace yourself for the $1.28/GB data usage on top of that.

>4. What is the speed of the VLSI line?
Xnet used to say what it was on their site somewhere I think, but it's basically dial-up speeds.

>5. Given the UFB roll out of late and the prices I have seen on the internet - why is it that the prices offered by XNET seem extortionist compared to other providers, when compared to prices, data allowances and speeds?
This is a very good question. Check out the Will we see some more competitive pricing for VFX now? thread for 6+ months of discussion on this topic. In my opinion, it feels like Xnet is milking it for all it's worth. New plans will be announced in the "coming weeks", but they've been saying that for months. And Xnet has been quiet on the matter, as I think the general consensus is that Xnet customers won't be happy until they actually release the new plans, so until the new plans are out, there's nothing they can say that will make things better. Regardless of Xnet's reasons for taking so long, us fibre-only customers will keep paying dearly until better pricing options become available. I hope Xnet's fibre pricings will be reasonable, but I'm also eagerly waiting for the option to switch to a different ISP, assuming prices will be better. WorldNet sounds nice right about now.

>7. Is faxability still an option for fibre or do I have to have a dedicated second line?
Not sure - ask Xnet or hopefully someone else can fill you in here.

I think I've answered your other questions with #5.

Maybe by the time your house is finished, you'll be able to have a choice among other ISPs if you're lucky!

Creator of Tallowmere. Working on Tallowmere 2.

Zeon

3916 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#581281 14-Feb-2012 12:57

Man the other ISPs have been so slack in regards to providing service over the GPON trial areas. They are only just getting to the stage of trialing VOIP - gonna be so screwed when people actually start wanting UFB services.

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cjmchch

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581322 14-Feb-2012 13:47

Thanks for the responses everybody.

I'm just so amazed that we get provided with 'tomorrow's' technology with a 2nd/3rd tier provider the only one providing services and at a cost that is reflective purely to its own pocket rather than to that of the service it is actually providing - no disrespect to you Cameronn.

For those that are connected to XNET fibre service how have you found the ...

...quality of service for VoIP?
...speeds meeting advertised rates?
...service backup when something goes wrong?
...downtime?
...other issues?
... quality of your broadband connection - any lag?

Zeon

3916 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#581337 14-Feb-2012 13:56

cjmchch: Thanks for the responses everybody.

I'm just so amazed that we get provided with 'tomorrow's' technology with a 2nd/3rd tier provider the only one providing services and at a cost that is reflective purely to its own pocket rather than to that of the service it is actually providing - no disrespect to you Cameronn.

For those that are connected to XNET fibre service how have you found the ...

...quality of service for VoIP?
...speeds meeting advertised rates?
...service backup when something goes wrong?
...downtime?
...other issues?
... quality of your broadband connection - any lag?

I would be careful to attack the cost as the prices they are paying for the GPON to Chorus(used to be Telecom) apparently have not been brought down in line with UFB prices. In any case I don't blame them, if no other company wants to provide a service over those lines and compete then why should they forego margin? It's more an indictment on the other ISPs

Their VOIP service is probably the best from a technical standpoint in NZ. Apparently they are something like the 3rd largest voice provider?

Speedtest 2019-10-14

vgamail

100 posts

Master Geek

#581385 14-Feb-2012 15:12

cjmchch: Thanks for the responses everybody.

I'm just so amazed that we get provided with 'tomorrow's' technology with a 2nd/3rd tier provider the only one providing services and at a cost that is reflective purely to its own pocket rather than to that of the service it is actually providing

I'm amazed too.

...quality of service for VoIP?

Quality is not bad for local calls

...speeds meeting advertised rates?

Speed for VLSI (Very Low Speed Internet) is:
speed

...service backup when something goes wrong?
...downtime?

I didn't have big problems so far.

...other issues?

With VLSI you can't use phone and Internet at the same time. If somebody is calling, Internet connection is dead.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

ChrisNZL

309 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581390 14-Feb-2012 15:22

I just want competition and choice, really! Hopefully this year.

>...quality of service for VoIP?
Usually very excellent. Low latency with international calls. There's been the odd time on 60+ minute calls where the quality degrades a bit but a quick redial solves it. No real complaints (long as your electricity doesn't go out

).

>...speeds meeting advertised rates?

>...service backup when something goes wrong? ...downtime?
There were a couple days in the first month or two where the fibre service was down... but calls to Xnet's support desk were helpful. My supplied modem also suffered a fault (bandwidth would regularly degrade) but they got Chorus to give me a new modem within a week, been fine since. Been months since I've had any issues. It is a quality service, quite reliable, really. And if the power goes out, you can hook up a laptop directly the battery-backed ONT to still access the Internet if you really need it.

>... quality of your broadband connection - any lag?
Latency is less than ADSL. Playing first-person shooters, I have a 5ms ping to NZ servers. Aus servers give about 25-45ms. WoW and Diablo III Beta give about 170ms.

Fibre is really good, it's just the current pricing model that I dislike :p

Creator of Tallowmere. Working on Tallowmere 2.

maverick

3594 posts

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WorldxChange

#581400 14-Feb-2012 15:43

we know the pricing is a bit high at present but due to a few reasons we have pointed out in the other thread there are reasons for it... all I can say is that's its not far ... I sound like a broken record and we have been quiet on the thread as we have missed the dates we were hoping to have these out , so until we can finally get the plans completed we don't want to comment and set expectations that we fail to meet... All I can say is that I think you will be much happier shortly... one because you do have a quality service and 2 the price point will be pretty competitive

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

cjmchch

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581418 14-Feb-2012 16:23

Once again, thanks for the information from both users/providers.

I'm feeling a lot easier about the situation than I was this morning and knowing that the price point will be a lot sharper makes it even better.

One final area that I need clarification on please is this...

As of today, if I wanted to use Telecom, for example, as the service provider for my home line (without internet) can this happen with just fibre laid in the street or am I restricted at this point to the sole provider of services over fibre in our area i.e WX? (I'll be passing all of this information onto other section buyers in our development to hopefully eradicate the confusion).

Zeon

3916 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#581439 14-Feb-2012 16:58

cjmchch: Once again, thanks for the information from both users/providers.

I'm feeling a lot easier about the situation than I was this morning and knowing that the price point will be a lot sharper makes it even better.

One final area that I need clarification on please is this...

As of today, if I wanted to use Telecom, for example, as the service provider for my home line (without internet) can this happen with just fibre laid in the street or am I restricted at this point to the sole provider of services over fibre in our area i.e WX? (I'll be passing all of this information onto other section buyers in our development to hopefully eradicate the confusion).

No, Telecom cannot provide you with a service. Your only real options are either wireless or fibre on WxC.

Speedtest 2019-10-14

cjmchch

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581443 14-Feb-2012 17:06

Excellent, thanks

maverick

3594 posts

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WorldxChange

#581448 14-Feb-2012 17:11

Good question, basically the answer is no and it actually comes down to the capabilities to be able to deliver full services into the these new areas, a few years ago a tender went out to everyone from Telecom to deliver IP services to subdivisions that were coming up that were only going to have fibre access, the only problem with that and sorry have to do a plug here is that WxC was the only carrier that had a proper deployment model and was using carrier based network equipment , the others were pretty much using freeware or didn't have a full FTTH deployment model (no way Telecom would want this new technology getting a bad rep with cowboy outfits not delivering starting to see a bit of this now) , Wxc did and has for a number of years had full plug and play FTTH deployment model for delivering Voice and Internet, now all of a sudden with UFB around the corner you start to see a few start trying to get into the game.

But back on Topic , at this stage there is no capabilities from Telecom retail to deliver Voice and Internet into these subdivisions and with a combined offering they would not be allowed access anyway... so sorry your stuck with us at present, hopefully that wont be to bad a experience for you and when the new plans come online I believe you will be more than happy with service and pricing, we have a pretty good reputation as being the leaders in this space and have been doing it for quite some time, we have several thousand deployments around NZ across many Fibre subdivisions so pretty good at it , I don't think you will see here complaints about the service we supply , just perhaps some groans about pricing

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

cjmchch

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#581463 14-Feb-2012 17:28

Thanks Maverick, I appreciate your input, as I do of the end users.

To be quite honest, WX conjures up horrible memories of the early days of Call Back and all the ramifications of that. Until now you have been off the radar.

With UFB on the roll out and knowing that fibre was at our doorstep I had no idea as to how it would be implemented, what options I would have as an end user as to both services being offered and as to provider options of those services. I now know, and know the reasoning behind it all.

Onward and upward from here and I'll be looking forward to the new plans/pricing. I'll be putting together a little article for the end users in our subdivision using the information gathered here as well as from the information I have received from one of your very helpful staff.

Once again thanks

maverick

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WorldxChange

#581471 14-Feb-2012 17:38

No problem, look forward to having you as a customer, good luck with the new house build.

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

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