Telecom's free modems

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amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#17805 12-Dec-2007 15:56

Hi,

I'm looking at getting an Xtra broadband connection for my mum. They seem to be offering the best deal for what she requires, and after 12 months contract is up it may time to shop around for other deals.

A question about the free modem the D-Link DSL 502T, is this the full "gen II" model they are selling on their website for $99 with ASDL2 support (future proofing), or is is it a cut down version??

Also is it locked down to Xtra, or can it be easily reconfigured if you were to change ISP?

I see they'll offer a $50 credit, or free modem. If the modem is crap or locked, what other modem could you recommend for under $50??

Thanks!

nzbnw

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#99628 12-Dec-2007 17:15

amigo: Hi,

I'm looking at getting an Xtra broadband connection for my mum. They seem to be offering the best deal for what she requires, and after 12 months contract is up it may time to shop around for other deals.

A question about the free modem the D-Link DSL 502T, is this the full "gen II" model they are selling on their website for $99 with ASDL2 support (future proofing), or is is it a cut down version??

Also is it locked down to Xtra, or can it be easily reconfigured if you were to change ISP?

I see they'll offer a $50 credit, or free modem. If the modem is crap or locked, what other modem could you recommend for under $50??

Thanks!

Yes they are Gen II, you can also get the Wireless modem for $100 ($199 less $100). The Modem is not locked down to Xtra, and good luck finding a modem for under $50.

nzbnw

Wakeup

38 posts

Geek

#99631 12-Dec-2007 17:29

They have just recentley sent me a new modem as my old one was faulty. It is very easy to config and I had no trouble opening ports on it.

If you decide to get telecom broadband and receive this modem I would be happy to help with any problems you may have.

amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#99634 12-Dec-2007 17:47

Thanks guys, you've answered all of my questions, plus answered another that I forgot to ask, which was "Will they replace the modem if it dies?" I've read a mix of comments on the quality, though I'm not suprised. I have a Linksys wireless router myself, which rather flaky and has problems with overheating and making high annoying pitched noise. Others have no problems with the same model. I guess it's pretty much the luck of the draw when it comes to modern eletronics gear!

cokemaster

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#99640 12-Dec-2007 18:03

Another thing with the Xtra supplied modems is that they come with set up CD's which install the drivers (for USB if its a single PC modem), create the xtra username, set up Outlook Express and set up the modem.

Of course, you can do this manually as well - but the option is there for the CD which means that you don't really need to touch the modem control panel if you don't want to. They also have the Xtra help assistant which runs on the computer, and is used to identify broadband connectivity issues (and if it can't solve it, it will create a support number which can be used by the helpdesks to speed up troubleshooting).

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cyril7

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#99650 12-Dec-2007 18:38

Also be aware that if its a new connection to Xtra BB then if you dont run the CD then the service is not activated. I refuse to run the CD, but thats just the way I am I prefer to know whats happening.

So if you dont run the CD then just config the user name and password in the router (ensure you enter the user name as user.xadsl@xtra.co.nz) and then once its attempting to log in (it should connect to the dslam but not get a ppp authentication) then ring the helpline and tell them its a new conncection and they will activate it for you while your on the line.

Cyril

amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#99693 12-Dec-2007 22:16

They said that I would have to manually set it up anyhow as I'll be setting it up with a Vista machine which is not compatible with the CD.

They provided a PDF step by step guide when I signed up online.

nzbnw

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Spark NZ

#99710 12-Dec-2007 23:28

amigo: making high annoying pitched noise.

My Dlink does that , and seeing it was a Gen I modem, I thought about upgrading it to a Gen II, but then no point really due the distance I am from the exchange, so when ADSL 2+ comes, it is unlikely to make a difference, until they upgrade to cabinets.

nzbnw

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SamF

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#99859 13-Dec-2007 23:14

Mate, do yourself (& your Mum) a favour, invest a hundred bucks on a decent modem and leave the D-Link in the trash where it belongs! I have seen SO many issues with D-Link modems it's just not funny anymore!! If you don't, you might just loose your sanity!

And while you're at it, go with a half decent ISP like X-Net instead of Xtra. There's a good reason why Xtra have rated the absolute WORST ISP in the country for 3 years running!!

Just a bit of friendly advice from someone who's spent a LOT of time trying to fix Xtra & D-Link issues!

nzbnw

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Spark NZ

#99860 13-Dec-2007 23:17

Stop trolling. I have not had any problems with my Dlink modem, and compared to the number I deal with on a day in day out basis, I don't think they are a bad product at all.

nzbnw

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#99862 13-Dec-2007 23:21

Please stay on topic. This topic is concerning the supplied Telecom modems for Xtra broadband. This is not a thread to try to either get your $50 referral credit or provoke a flame fest. I suggest you (not referring to nzbnw) go and read the forum usage guidelines before coming out from under the bridge where all the ISP, linux, windows, and mac zealots hide.

As previously stated, it is unlikely that he'll be able to buy a brand new DSL modem for $50 so for most purposes, the dlink is more than enough. It is supported by Telecom (been there done that) and comes with the software to set it up quickly if you aren't prepared to do it manually.

Consider this a warning.

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Fossie

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#99863 13-Dec-2007 23:33

If it's for you mum, you will want a 'supported' modem. Because things do go wrong, and if she doesn't understand that much about broadband it would pay to stick with the supplied one.

SamF: I too use BOLD UNDERLINED FONT, but only I can pull it off.

mcraenz

1140 posts

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#100031 14-Dec-2007 21:39

Yeah I've never been a fan of D-link but My nokia M1122 started getting flaky just after a received my 502T (sgned up to go large) so I thought "I'll just put it in till I get soemthing else", well I guess after 2 years (or however long Go large has been around) it's still running fine I don't think I've even had to restart it once! I don't really like the dlink interface, but I guess when you never have any problems you don't really have to visit the interface often!

Just my experience. That's all.

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cat-mince

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#100413 17-Dec-2007 13:17

Dlinks are fine, when i worked on a help desk the worst modemsd were Dynalinks *shudder* - Anyway, I have had my DSL 502 for 18 months and it is still fine, doesn't D/C and as someone said getting a supported modem is best.

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