myfullflavour: Got a few customers just North and South of Auckland that have been hit pretty hard by lightning strikes over the last few months.

They've got surge protectors on the AC but I'm guessing the strike is hitting the lines as well and frying the modems plugged in.

Any product recommendations that don't kill your VDSL speeds?

Seeing the damage caused in the past with dial up modems and wall outlets when nearby trees (near buired cable) or poles with overhead cables are.

A 3m air gap is your best line of defence.