Most of us just don’t use our landline enough any more to warrant paying $30 per month for it. But there is still a lot of confusion in Australia about what other options are available for getting an internet connection and making phone calls.
One misconception is that wireless broadband is the best and only option for getting an internet connection if you don’t want to pay for a landline. But for wireless to be a good option you need to be in a really good coverage area. Even then there has been a disappointment with some 3G wireless networks and how congested they seem to be. That is the best explanation for the sometimes sluggish speeds. Of course some areas will get really good wireless coverage and decent speeds.
Wireless is also great for people who use it as a business tool or who need portable internet capabilities. The ability to easily move your internet connection is a key benefit of wireless. But if you don’t need to be on the move, then wireless probably isn’t your best option if there are other alternatives.
Naked DSL will offer higher ADSL2+ speeds and better download limits than wireless. You also don’t pay for line rental. Most Naked DSL providers will give you a free VoIP account so you can still make phone calls, just like you always have. iinet even goes as far as giving you free unlimited local and national calls to landlines!
Mobile phone caps have also become an effective substitute for the landline. A $49 or $79 mobile cap gives hundreds of dollars worth of calls per month and is especially valuable for calling other mobiles – landlines are SO expensive when it comes to calling mobiles.
Cable internet is another way to get broadband, but the main disadvantage with cable is that the coverage is limited. It has never been as popular broadband solution as ADSL.
In terms of pricing, it comes down to what best suits your circumstances. For $59.95 with Bigpond Wireless you get 1GB of data allowance, with 3 Wireless Broadband you get 7GB for $49 per month. For a similar price, Naked DSL will get you 4GB – 50GB per month depending on which provider you choose.
There are definitely options for getting internet and making calls if you want to disconnect your phone line. Naked DSL, wireless and cable are the main options, so look at what you need in regards to downloads, price, availability and what will best suit your situation.
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