Orcon Linespeed & support

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Orcon Linespeed & support - take 2

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timslim

43 posts

Geek

#254525 9-Sep-2009 20:40

goodie: I think this must be a issue wide to orcons '256k/128k 40Gig' plan, rather than all (now 3) of us having similar wiring issues in a similar time frame, as I've had the exact same experience. Brilliant speeds up to 2mb and then it suddenly dropped out down to 256k or even lower during peak times during this year.

When I did get through to orcon on the phone i essentially got told that everything was ok and they weren't going to do anything about it, rather unimpressed there.

-Goodie

Hi Goodie,

I was on the 256k plan 40 gig plan - but have since upgraded to the Fullspeed plan, and my linespeed has gone to the dogs.

I was getting 3MB downloads on the 256/128k 40gig plan, and just assumed that Orcon had finally throttled down my account, to that which I was actually paying for. I was happy to upgrade to the Fullspeed Purple plan, assuming that I'd get faster speeds, and when I called Orcon to discuss why I was not, I explained that I'd been getting faster speeds on the 256k plan. The support person told me that the linespeed wasn't monitored that much - so that I shouldn't worry about that.

I think where my case is different from yours Goodie - is that I'm getting greater than 256k, which would indicate I'm on a Fullspeed plan - but I should be getting more than what I'm getting - as the cabinets are within 1km.

I am now getting 1Mb downloads and and 0.13Mb downloads. It is annoying that I'm paying much the same as that plan, and speeds are no greater, and sometimes less currently.

Spoke to Orcon again - and it is still the Chorus/Visionstream/Telecom strikes that are preventing anything being done. Was told there are no technicians basically.

It does seem there's no real competition when ultimately the ISP's that are ostensibly providing services that will help drive down the prices - rely entirely on the one company to maintain the infrastructure. I'm sure I could vent at Orcon - but I'd imagine there's sweet FA they can do about it really.

timslim

43 posts

Geek

#255355 13-Sep-2009 14:55

Received a call from Transfield today - just to confirm that I still had the fault - as that detail is being added to the ticket - and they will be handing on paperwork to whoever takes up the new service contract.

I'd imagine that the ticket will set in the system for another few weeks.

I've got no beef with the strikes - they're pissing me off on personal level - but I can understand why the engineers are taking their stand.

My beef is with Orcon - because they're who my agreement is with.

Serious question - if the entire system of ISPs, apart from TelstraClear, relies on Telecom and Telecom/Chorus/Visionstream contracted line engineers then how is it actually a competitive marketplace?

I am seriously considering returning my account to Telecom - or changing to TelstraClear - only because there is no competition - and if I want to actually be getting decent service I might as well be going with one of the two providers that can do that. Or if they can't deliver - at least I have a full right to complain.

Currently I can complain until I'm blue in the face with Orcon - and there's nothing Orcon can do.

Although a discount on my "Fullspeed" plan, until this is sorted would be nice.

b0rg

94 posts

Master Geek

#255477 13-Sep-2009 22:58

Hi Goodie,

I was on the 256k plan 40 gig plan - but have since upgraded to the Fullspeed plan, and my linespeed has gone to the dogs.

I was getting 3MB downloads on the 256/128k 40gig plan, and just assumed that Orcon had finally throttled down my account, to that which I was actually paying for. I was happy to upgrade to the Fullspeed Purple plan, assuming that I'd get faster speeds, and when I called Orcon to discuss why I was not, I explained that I'd been getting faster speeds on the 256k plan. The support person told me that the linespeed wasn't monitored that much - so that I shouldn't worry about that.

I think where my case is different from yours Goodie - is that I'm getting greater than 256k, which would indicate I'm on a Fullspeed plan - but I should be getting more than what I'm getting - as the cabinets are within 1km.

I am now getting 1Mb downloads and and 0.13Mb downloads. It is annoying that I'm paying much the same as that plan, and speeds are no greater, and sometimes less currently.

Spoke to Orcon again - and it is still the Chorus/Visionstream/Telecom strikes that are preventing anything being done. Was told there are no technicians basically.

It does seem there's no real competition when ultimately the ISP's that are ostensibly providing services that will help drive down the prices - rely entirely on the one company to maintain the infrastructure. I'm sure I could vent at Orcon - but I'd imagine there's sweet FA they can do about it really.

Check your DSL line rate.

Then run a test to your recommended server through Speedtest.net.

There should be no more than 20% difference between the line speed of the DSL and the national test.
Historically, Orcon's been good with national speeds, so I'd be surprised if it's not a fault with your line.

Orcon has nothing to do with your line other than booking a tech for you. As all companies use the same techs, the strikes will affect you with any other provider- they affected me with my provider (non-orcon).

People assume the helpdesk lie to them- they don't (well some will, some of the time).

They are there to help you. If you aren't going to trust their advice, you shouldn't be calling them in the first place, and try to fix it yourself :)

Just because it's not what you want to hear doesn't mean it's a lie.

timslim

43 posts

Geek

#255730 14-Sep-2009 20:33

b0rg:

Check your DSL line rate.

Then run a test to your recommended server through Speedtest.net.

There should be no more than 20% difference between the line speed of the DSL and the national test.
Historically, Orcon's been good with national speeds, so I'd be surprised if it's not a fault with your line.

Sorry - maybe I wasn't clear in that post to Goodie - I've done all of these things. And from all my own attempts, using info here, talking with Orcon staff, and having a technician come and check my line at the demarc - there does appear to be a fault on the line.

Orcon has nothing to do with your line other than booking a tech for you. As all companies use the same techs, the strikes will affect you with any other provider- they affected me with my provider (non-orcon).

I understand this - I get that every ISP has to use Downer/Transfield/Chorus/Visionstream ... but it is still frustrating to have the choices of one company (Telecom) affect all of us. Which was my point about it being a psuedo-competitive market, when it all relies on ONE company maintaining the network.

People assume the helpdesk lie to them- they don't (well some will, some of the time).

They are there to help you. If you aren't going to trust their advice, you shouldn't be calling them in the first place, and try to fix it yourself :)

Just because it's not what you want to hear doesn't mean it's a lie.

Not sure what if you're having a crack at me here. I have worked with Orcon throughout - I was intially frustrated by zero contact from them, and have since had emails apologising for not replying to my queries. They have explained the situation to me. I've never claimed they lied to me. I have tried to do all I can to fix what I can control. I've then explained my situation and details as clearly as I've been able too. I've never just vented and said "Orcon sucks - fix it now!"

That doesn't mean I can't still be frustrated by the lack of action. I fully understand why there's a lack of action - but it's still frustrating.

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