• ADSL/DSL internet connections

  • What is an ADSL/DSL internet connection

    ADSL/DSL are older broadband connections that use copper telephone or cable TV wires to provide internet access. These connection types are not provided by nbn® and may no longer be available as a new connection, as they are being replaced by newer and more efficient connection options.

  • Everything you need to know

    • 1 How does it work?
      • DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. The most common type of DSL is ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) connections use the Telstra copper phone line to deliver internet and a landline phone service.

        This was the primary broadband connection type before nbn® started installing its fibre lines. However, despite being an older technology type, there are still 300,000 ADSL users in Australia. If you are on ADSL, you may want to consider switching to an alternative technology that may deliver a better quality service. Reach out to the Regional Tech Hub if you would like to discuss your options.

    • 2 Can I still get ADSL/ DSL?
      • You might be able to acquire a DSL service (ADSL or ADSL+ is the most popular) if you still have a regular landline phone connection and nbn® Fixed Wireless or nbn® Sky Muster® is not available in your area.

        In certain situations, especially in small rural areas, Telstra will offer this connection upon direct request and maintain ADSL services for current users. They don’t, however, openly promote this service.

        You may be able to check for ADSL area availability on the Telstra website. However, Telstra recently changed the map for nbn® Fixed Wireless mapped areas, so it may now advise that only a nbn® Fixed Wireless service is available (even if you are already connected to ADSL).

        Contact Telstra directly to confirm if you can get an ADSL connection. Internet providers will always offer ADSL2+ as this is the upgraded form of the service.

    • 3 ADSL plans and providers
      • While Telstra is the main provider, some other individual internet service providers may also offer ADSL plans. You can check for other suppliers and plans in your region using comparison sites (not all may list ADSL options) such as:

        *Note that these sites may receive a payment for recommending particular providers, are supported by advertising, and may not list providers that do not pay to be on their sites.

    • 4 ADSL Internet speed
      • ADSL2+’s maximum proposed speeds are 24Mbps for download and 1Mbps for upload.

        As a general guide:

        • Up to 15Mbps: Basic web browsing, emails, minimum level HD streaming, basic online gaming and downloading with approximately 1-3 connected devices.
        • 15-30Mbps: Moderate HD streaming, online gaming and downloading with a higher number of connected devices.
        • 30-60Mbps: 4K or ultra HD video streaming, online gaming, and downloading with many connected devices.

        Your actual internet speeds will be determined by the distance between your home, the building or cabinet where your suburb is connected to the wider internet (local exchange), and the condition of the copper wiring. Distances over 3km are likely to lead to a slow and unreliable connection.

        Other factors affecting the speed of an ADSL connection include:

        • the number of properties using the same connection
        • the quality of your telephone line including any wiring in the roof space
        • the types of websites you are accessing.

        No matter which Australian broadband provider you choose, if you are too far away from the exchange, data transfer speeds will be a barrier in being able to use this service.

        You can access further information at ADSL vs NBN – What’s the difference? | Canstar Blue and ADSL Plans and ADSL Connections from Telstra.

  • Did you know you’re entitled to having access to telephone services?

    The Universal Service Obligation (USO) is a consumer protection put in place by the Australian Government. It means that you have the right to a standard fixed landline phone service provided by Telstra, regardless of where you live or work in Australia.

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