2talk Voip over Vodafone Wireless Modem Possible?

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54 posts

Master Geek

#2794230 12-Oct-2021 19:39

halper86: Glad I could help, but I must mention that VF can withdraw their internet service (not actually VDSL itself, as this is the copper access service provided by Chorus) at anytime however I am unsure of the regulations around this.

https://comcom.govt.nz/regulated-industries/telecommunications/regulated-services/consumer-protections-for-copper-withdrawal/copper-withdrawal-code-faqs
This might answer a few more questions for you regarding the withdrawal of copper itself :)

Excellent resource. I have learnt a lot since yesterday, and now I feel better prepared to "take them on" over the phone to find out what they are planning. Many thanks!

konfusd

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Master Geek

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#2794277 12-Oct-2021 21:12

I've checked with a colleague today who is much more clued in with what is happening in our Consumer fixed line space. They've confirmed that we are reaching out to customers to migrate them from copper onto fixed wireless, and that it's based on our assessment of the wireless product fitting a customer's needs better than their copper service. I'm not sure of how we assess that, but @JPT you mentioned your upload speed isn't great and that could be a key factor.

My colleague also confirmed my hunch about there being a dedicated 0800 number to call, these migrations are being 'case managed' by a specific team that only work during business hours. The number should be noted toward the bottom of the email you received about being moved to wireless broadband. It's really important that you call the dedicated number if you have specific questions about your account or if you want to opt out, as only that team can make changes to the migration plan.

JPT:

Good to know a copper withdrawal would have to come from Chorus, not the ISP. Cheers.

Quick clarification here if you don't mind 🙂 While copper withdrawal would be Chorus' decision, you'd receive notification from your ISP - but those comms should be really clear about that being the case.

~ The above is unofficial advice from a Vodafone employee who volunteers their time on this forum, and who is not generally involved with Consumer or fixed line services. The below is expressly my own opinion.

halper86: The statutory right of access
You might be able to get fibre installed after all, notwithstanding this issue, unless Chorus have planned to withdraw copper services and given you 6 months notice prior to withdrawal date, you are entitled to remain on VDSL.

100% agree. If you last tried to get fibre 3 years ago then it is probably worth another try; if I recall correctly there were some changes to Chorus' consent requirements a few years ago (can't remember exactly when) that made it easier in situations like this... and you might find that your neighbours have changed their mind in the meantime!

I volunteer my time on here, and all opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

tim0001

262 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2794328 13-Oct-2021 08:38

ComCom also published an open letter recently showing their concerns about the marketing of alternative telecommunications services to residential consumers on copper-based services.

"We have been made aware through complaints, communication with consumer groups such as Consumer NZ, and letters from several providers, that some of the information being provided to consumers facing this switching decision may be incomplete, confusing, or potentially misleading. The nature of the concerns expressed to us include that:

8.1 consumers are not being informed about the full range of options available to them when being presented with offers to move to alternative services;

8.2 consumers are being pressured to move quickly to alternative services on the basis of copper or PSTN withdrawal when in some cases neither of these services are currently being withdrawn; and

8.3 consumers are not being given appropriate information or are being misled about the performance characteristics of alternative services."

halper86

547 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2794331 13-Oct-2021 08:52

@tim0001 yes some valid and relevant points.
VF should not be saying “we’re switching you to FWA” but instead “the copper network has served us well but now needs to shutdown, so we have some options for you to connect to the internet with newer, reliable technologies”

JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794334 13-Oct-2021 09:05

konfusd:

My colleague also confirmed my hunch about there being a dedicated 0800 number to call

Well, my email only has a link to a web form, and despite me asking there for a call back twice, no response from VF. No 0800 or any other number there. Terrible way of VF communication! Can anyone give me that 0800 number please?

konfusd:

100% agree. If you last tried to get fibre 3 years ago then it is probably worth another try; if I recall correctly there were some changes to Chorus' consent requirements a few years ago (can't remember exactly when) that made it easier in situations like this... and you might find that your neighbours have changed their mind in the meantime!

Yes, I remember, we tried both the original, then the modified consent requirements, but both failed, because Chorus keeps insisting on one (their) way of installing fibre, with includes cutting up a heavily reinforced, steep and private concrete driveway. Once the cut is done, Chorus is not obliged to reinstate the reinforcement steel, just reinstate the surface. That of course is not accepted by anyone in the shared driveway neighbourhood, incl. me.

JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794335 13-Oct-2021 09:11

thanks @tim0001, very useful info.

halper86

547 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2794337 13-Oct-2021 09:16

JPT: Well, my email only has a link to a web form, and despite me asking there for a call back twice, no response from VF. No 0800 or any other number there. Terrible way of VF communication! Can anyone give me that 0800 number please?

Nothing new or surprising with their lack of communication here, I needed to contact them the other day via phone and the CSR was half asleep and quite hesitant.

JPT: Yes, I remember, we tried both the original, then the modified consent requirements, but both failed, because Chorus keeps insisting on one (their) way of installing fibre, with includes cutting up a heavily reinforced, steep and private concrete driveway. Once the cut is done, Chorus is not obliged to reinstate the reinforcement steel, just reinstate the surface. That of course is not accepted by anyone in the shared driveway neighbourhood, incl. me.

Or they could tack it to a fence lol. They did a OHUG conversion for my house, but this usually comes at a cost however due to network changes my street got it for free. You could call a residents meeting to see the preferred way you can all mutually agree on the install method.

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JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794338 13-Oct-2021 09:17

konfusd:

@JPT you mentioned your upload speed isn't great and that could be a key factor.

True, perhaps 3G/4G in my area has not been that great either. It shows that medium level of shading on the VF coverage map for both 3G and 4G, but I can't guess what actual speeds that would translate into. All I know is that each house in my neighbourhood has totally different aspects and thus coverage - some none, some ok, and just some 50m apart.

Interestingly, VF offers the fixed wireless for 10% less than the VDSL. But can I try it out, and if it's not working well, go back to VDSL? I fear not.

cyril7

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#2794341 13-Oct-2021 09:19

JPT:

Yes, I remember, we tried both the original, then the modified consent requirements, but both failed, because Chorus keeps insisting on one (their) way of installing fibre, with includes cutting up a heavily reinforced, steep and private concrete driveway. Once the cut is done, Chorus is not obliged to reinstate the reinforcement steel, just reinstate the surface. That of course is not accepted by anyone in the shared driveway neighbourhood, incl. me.

Hi, did that process involve complete full depth cut of the concrete, or just a surface micro trench (approx 20mm deep cut), if the latter then I would suggest it is probably ok, I have seen these done in many instances and the end result is pretty good, and I would recommend you consult both with Chorus (at a high level) and a structural/civil engineer to understand exactly what is intended and the impact that may have.

Cyril

JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794345 13-Oct-2021 09:34

cyril7:

Hi, did that process involve complete full depth cut of the concrete, or just a surface micro trench (approx 20mm deep cut)?

The driveway's engineer rejected the Chorus proposal in 2019. I believe the trench would have been some 50cm wide. It didn't help that Chorus (or their contractors) on a different driveway in the neighbourhood made a complete mess of a similar driveway, which needed to be redone entirely at the end. Took ages and heaps on money to resolve there.

cyril7

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#2794349 13-Oct-2021 09:38

Hi, 500mm wide, so that would indicate a full depth cut, I would reject that too. Have you esculated this with Chorus, not just the local staff but someone in Wellington, it may be the local guys don't have a full suite of techniques available or mastered.

Cyril

JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794355 13-Oct-2021 09:52

cyril7:

Hi, 500mm wide, so that would indicate a full depth cut, I would reject that too. Have you esculated this with Chorus, not just the local staff but someone in Wellington, it may be the local guys don't have a full suite of techniques available or mastered.

Cyril

It's over two years ago now, but back then we had no joy with communicating with Chorus. It was always either their way, or nothing. Even a site meeting was impossible to arrange. So we gave up.

cyril7

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#2794369 13-Oct-2021 10:24

Is there a photo so we can try understand more.

Cyril

JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794390 13-Oct-2021 10:54

cyril7:

Is there a photo so we can try understand more.

Cyril

Do you work for Chorus, or have access to the Chorus system's reference number? The history and proposals are in there, but a very long story ...

JPT

54 posts

Master Geek

#2794394 13-Oct-2021 11:08

I found a photo, and also the exact term: SLOT trench: Not 50cm wide (I was wrong), but according to Chorus, slot trenching is 30-40mm deep, therefore still likely to cut into steel and weakening the driveway, which has underground water running. I guess that is why our engineer rejected it.

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