Exetel Naked DSL Review

Data Allowance

One of the most notable features of the Exetel Naked DSL plans is that they all come with a massive download limit for off peak times. Even the entry level $40 plan comes with 10GB in peak times and 180GB in off peak times! Exetel has several Naked DSL plans, with the highest being $70 per month which includes 90GB peak + 180GB in off-peak for downloads.

The Exetel data allowance is even better because only downloads are counted – uploads are free.

Unlike almost all of the other Naked DSL providers, Exetel gives you the options of whether you’d like to shape (slow down) your download speed if you exceed your quota. Shaping is the default, but if you want to pay excess fees and maintain your speed, then the extra charge is only $0.50 per GB if you exceed your download limit. It is a very reasonable rate. This will work well if you never want your speed reduced and are happy to pay that little bit extra for it.

Bundle Deals

Exetel has a number of services you can bundle with your Naked broadband connection, with the most popular ones being a mobile phone plan and VoIP. With Exetel VoIP you get 100 free calls each month to national landline number with additional calls to landlines at only 10 cents per call. Calls to mobiles are very cheap at just 22 cent per minute.

Contract Options

The only option is for a 12 month plan with a very cheap $60 connection fee.

Service and Support

Exetel provides the majority of its customer service online. By minimising call centre staff it allows them to keep their pricing low. They do have a phone number for logging issues if you have no internet access. They also have a comprehensive ‘User Facility’ online to manage every aspect of your Exetel service.

Freebies

Exetel has a long list of freebies and inclusions. They provide a Static IP as standard on their Naked DSL plans as well as 100 free calls to landlines with their VoIP service and a direct indial phone number. Exetel also gives customers 20 free email addresses, 200MB of hosted webspace, 30 free Australian SMS each month and 20 free Australian Email2Fax per month. Calls from Exetel VoIP to another Exetel VoIP user are free.

Connection Options

To connect to Exetel Naked DSL you need to have an active Telstra network phone line. Your bills may come from a non-Telstra provider like AAPT, but the line must be part of the Telstra network and not an Optus line. Once your Naked DSL connection is complete, your phone line will be disconnected and your broadband will be truly ‘Naked’.

If you want to sign up with Exetel but don’t have an active phone line or are moving into a new premises, you’ll need to activate one first. We recommend connecting the landline through Internode in order to avoid a Telstra $100 fee for moving to Naked DSL within 3 months.

You can keep your current phone number and transfer it to an Exetel VoIP service.

Summary

The Exetel offer is pretty simple – cheap monthly plans, with heaps of download limit – especially in off peak times. Don’t expect the world in terms of customer service, but many people don’t ever need to contact customer service anyway. Exetel is a popular provider and their 12 month contract, cheap $60 set up  fee and cheap modems could be perfect for you.

Sign Up

To sign up for Exetel Naked DSL visit the Exetel website.