Vent

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esawers

559 posts

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#148617 25-Jun-2014 09:46

I have a little vent, and it's not really Snap or Vodafone's fault...
We are trying to move ISP's, we used to be with Snap until Telstra came door knocking with a deal too good to turn down.

We currently pay $60 for 40gb and phone, but Netflix is blowing that out. So our first thought was to move back to Snap.
Every other time we have moved it has been a deal with no sign up fee, free modems, free months, etc.. but Snap are asking for a connection fee. Ok fair enough.

Signed up online, and had a phone call yesterday to say that our current phone line is VOIP. Ummmm no its not, we have a normal phone plugged into a phone jack.
Yes it is, chorus says its VOIP. So there will be a $65 transfer fee if you want a copper line.
So I rang Vodafone, who confirmed we have a copper line.

Rang Snap back who explained that even though we have a copper line it goes to an address somewhere in Auckland and is actually wired differently and is a digital line (sorry for the explanation I don't fully understand). So we need to pay $65 transfer fee to have the same as what we have now. They offered 6 months free national calling to soften the blow but to be honest we make about 3 local phone calls a year, the copper line is only for emergencys.

Snap have already taken our connection fee and first month so we will need to get that back, but can anyone recommend a good deal at the moment? I guess with someone who uses the same weird/annoying wiring as Vodafone.

We need about 150gb and copper phone line. Was trying to stay away from Unlimited plans.

sidefx

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#1073998 25-Jun-2014 10:17

Are you sure you need a POTS line? I'm a bit confused by what you actually have. Is this a case where you're on VOIP but the ISP has the VOIP equipment in the exchange instead of your home?

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

esawers

559 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 94

#1074011 25-Jun-2014 10:32

We asked and are being charged for a POTS line, we use a normal phone plugged into a normal phone jack. We don't have the equipment for VOIP.
It must be something back at the exchange

chevrolux

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#1074048 25-Jun-2014 11:10

If Telstra are the ones who door knocked you obviously signed up with them? I think your number has been ported to Telstraclear (now Vodafone) and they are delivering your service with UCLL equipment. This means you need to get shifted back to Chorus gear to connect with Snap. This is where the charge will be incurred. I think they (Vodafone) refer to it as the 'Blue' network and by all means it is still very separate from the standard Vodafone and Chorus networks.

If I am right there isn't anyone else who uses the same 'annoying wiring' you would be best to just pay the $65 - especially if Snap are waiving the other connection fee.

sidefx

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#1074056 25-Jun-2014 11:21

chevrolux:
If I am right there isn't anyone else who uses the same 'annoying wiring' you would be best to just pay the $65 - especially if Snap are waiving the other connection fee.

Spot on IMO. (EDIT: It's unfortunate people find themselves in this situation after all the chest beating back in the day about how great LLU was going to be so great for everyone)

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

Jaxar

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Ultimate Geek
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#1074131 25-Jun-2014 12:19

Sounds like your connection is LLU. The actual physical copper wiring is exactly the same as any other provider. The cost comes in for the gaining provider as they would have to send a tech to the exchange to get that wiring connected there to either their own LLU equipment or Chorus equipment.
Some providers will pass this cost onto their customers other will absorb it usually under contract.

You've mentioned wishing to stay away from unlimited plans. I would guess this reluctance comes from what has been common knowledge around these forums that most unlimited plans require some sort of give in quality else where usually in traffic management. My understanding is this hasn't been an issue with VF's unlimited so far.
My suggestion is thus if the price point for the VF unlimited is acceptable to you then give it a go for a while and see if it works out for you. If it doesn't to the point that you can later rationalise costs of switching provider then you won't have lost anything in the meantime.

Disclaimer: I do work at VF. My suggestions however are based on the assumptions and reasoning above.

Please note: I have a professional bias towards Vodafone.

esawers

559 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 94

#1074150 25-Jun-2014 12:25

Thank you everyone for the explanation.

Have just spoken to Vodafone and signed up to their 80gb adsl plan with $10 off with our mobile connection, so only $75.
Is probably the best solution and not too much extra cost involved.

Edit: Will see how this plan pans out and possibly try out the unlimited.