So is it really worth the change to fibre

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JaseNZ

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#166094 2-Mar-2015 17:29

Ok so this appeared at our gate today (did not think we were getting it for a couple of years) so I assume within the next few months we will be able to change to fibre.

My question is is it really worth changing to ?? , I am currently getting pretty good speeds on my current vdsl plan. (Below)

I don't tend to see that speed when downloading things so what would the point of changing to fibre be would I not just get the same maxed out speed I get now from sites ??

I do a fair amount of Youtube watching and streaming in our tv watching.

Don't get me wrong I would love to change to fibre but I just don't know if it would be in my interest for the extra cost.

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#1249665 2-Mar-2015 17:29

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?

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ubergeeknz

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#1249674 2-Mar-2015 17:34

You've pretty much answered your own question. But there are other benefits to UFB over VDSL.

1. May be cheaper than what you're currently paying for VDSL
2. Not affected by weather, uptake, cabling issues, etc
3. Lower latency on the first hop c/w VDSL (unless you are on the very best profile with no interleaving, which looks like it is the case here)

naggyman

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#1249675 2-Mar-2015 17:34

Extra cost?
In the majority of cases Fibre is cheaper (except for the really budget ISPs).
Why Fibre? Lower latency, better reliability.

Morgan French-Stagg

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richms

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#1249676 2-Mar-2015 17:34

What extra cost? Its always been the same or cheaper when I have looked at the fiber pricing.

Richard rich.ms

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#1249688 2-Mar-2015 17:51

Q. So is it really worth the change to fibre?
A. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes ...

EDIT What "extra cost"? - it's cheaper! (and more reliable, and faster)

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jonb

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#1249690 2-Mar-2015 17:52

You would gain no immediate benefit from switching to fibre, but think of it as a free home improvement.

Don't know about Enable, but as you see in the posts about Chorus installs, the budget per install and quality of the install is going down. I'm happy I already have UFB for that reason. Eventually (post 2019?) you will have to pay a contribution to the install I reckon. If you decide to sell your house, having UFB already will be a better selling point than just being in a UFB area and having to wait for an install, especially if a landlord buys the house to rent out.

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JaseNZ

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#1249708 2-Mar-2015 18:31

There is a rise in cost according to my current isp which is spark.

Currently on naked unlimited vdsl which is $99.00 per month , going to unlimited naked fibre would be $119.00 so there is a rise in cost or am i missing something.

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richms

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#1249709 2-Mar-2015 18:36

Have you looked at other ISPs? Spark was one of the most expensive when I was prising UFB up for a friend.

Richard rich.ms

JaseNZ

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#1249710 2-Mar-2015 18:38

To be honest no I haven't yet only seen they were installing the fibre coming home from work today.

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k1w1k1d

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#1249717 2-Mar-2015 19:08

We were on a $99 80GB ADSL plan with free local calls, and national tolls on Spark.
For the same price we went to MyRepublic unlimited fibre with free local calls, and 500 minutes of national toll calls. Also got an ASUS modem for $50, that is refunded when you sign up after the three month free trial.
I asked Spark to match it, but they wouldn't.

Enable made a tidy job of the installation. They thrusted the fibre under the drive and dug out a couple of small squares on the front lawn. When we finally get some rain and the grass grows you won't see anything.
Their quality control seems to be better than Chorus.

The installation is free at the moment, so I would suggest you get it while you can.

Tockly

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#1249725 2-Mar-2015 19:25

I am on Unlimited VDSL (getting 38Mb down and 8Mb up) and have just signed up for UFB (200/20) and it is costing me $10 less per month.

Just want them to hurry up and install it.

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michaelmurfy

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#1249728 2-Mar-2015 19:30

Simple answer - YES.

I was once on VDSL with a sync rate of 42/10mbit which I found really quick - worked well for my household with heavy downloaders.
I then moved in with my partner - she had 100/50 Spark UFB and once I replaced the router (the stock Spark one she had would crash with torrents) this was even more epic.

And now we've bought our own house, UFB was a huge factor for me (and did prequal checks on each and every house we were looking at) and now have 200/200 Unlimited UFB through Snap and I must say this is truly epic (and overkill), our new house is also exactly 50m (cable length) from a cabinet with VDSL and I know the old owners didn't see any need to go to UFB seeing they were getting 68/10mbit sync on VDSL so same situation as you. I for one am more than happy with paying for something so overkill but the difference between going from VDSL to UFB is noticeable.

For you, you'll really notice it if you moved to a 100/20mbit plan. I would personally go to an ISP like Snap and get them to do you a deal to switch (they should do so) - I can tell you now, it'll likely be less money than what you're currently paying per month and if needs change you can just change your plan to up your speeds.

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l43a2

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#1249729 2-Mar-2015 19:38

get Fibre. Your tax money has gone into why not get the advantage of using it

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#1249731 2-Mar-2015 19:45

I've been on VDSL2, fibre, and cable at 3 different addresses.
Without any doubt, fibre was by far the best, and VDSL was the worst (for speed, cost, & reliability).

If you can get fibre, get it NOW!

(Disclosure: I'm currently on cable, with no fibre option until 2019 - the moment that fibre becomes available, I'll upgrade)

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linw

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#1249924 2-Mar-2015 23:02

What the others said. Besides, there won't be copper in a few years time. Also nice to know your signal won't change with wet weather or dodgy jointing somewhere!

Fibre just feels more comfortable.

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