You may have only just heard about Naked DSL and wondering what on earth it is. Or maybe you just stumbled across this website and are intrigued. So here is a basic run-down of 6 points – what Naked DSL is, its benefits and why it can suit you.
1. Naked DSL is an ADSL2+ internet connection
Because it’s a DSL service, the internet is carried over a copper wire. The copper wire runs from the local telephone exchange directly to your house or unit and has traditionally been used as a phone line.
2. Naked DSL does not require an active phone service
Since some decisions by the ACCC in 2006 relating to wholesale charges by Telstra, it became economically viable for Internet Service Providers to use the copper just for providing internet. There doesn’t have to be an active phone service connected to it. This has been technically possible for years, but financially unviable as a product for ISPs to sell until the ACCC determinations.
3. Internet without a phone line will save you money
Line rental has increased a staggering amount over the past decade from when it was about $13 per month. It’s now up to $30 or $35 per month for most homes and about $40 per month for businesses. Extortion! So if you don’t need the landline, then save yourself $30 or $40 per month by going with Naked DSL!
4. What if you still need to make phone calls?
This is a really common question. Many internet providers will give you a free Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) account. If you are unfamiliar with VoIP it uses your internet connection to make phone calls. In most cases the quality of VoIP is fantastic. Check out our Naked DSL Providers page to see which ISPs will supply you with a free VoIP service.
The other option is to use your mobile phone for all calls. This is an especially popular option for people on Mobile Cap plans and to call other mobile phones. Calling mobiles is expensive from a phone line or even on VoIP, so if you can do it on your mobile, within your Cap, then it’s a great option.
5. Will VoIP save me money?
It’s almost guaranteed to. iinet’s iiTalk VoIP for example gives you unlimited free Local and National (STD) calls – with no monthly minimum. I challenge you to find a landline provider that will do that! Internode has no monthly access fee on their NodePhone-2 Special account, but it gives you $10 of free credit each month! No landline provider does that.
Most VoIP providers will also give you free calls to others using their VoIP service. So if you get a few of your family and friends on the same provider you’ll be able to call each other for free!
6. Is Naked DSL a better option than wireless?
Wireless is great for being portable. You can’t take your Naked DSL connection into the city for the day! But if both are available in your area then Naked DSL has some significant advantages. In most cases Naked DSL will be significantly faster, with a majority of customers getting speeds above 10Mbps and some clearing 20Mbps! Most wireless services won’t go anywhere near that fast.
Naked DSL is also considerably cheaper for the speed and amount of data allowance you get. Most wireless plans give 5GB or maybe 10GB. With Naked DSL there are plans for up to 150GB of data per month!
The Naked DSL connection is far more stable and of higher quality for using gaming or VoIP. Wireless can do it in some cases, but an ADSL2+ service will be far more effective for most people.
