ADSL (First timer)

2. Get 384 ADSL @ R152 (self install, so no cost)
I'm considering a 24-month contract (384 line only, not ISP) to get the free Netgear Wifi ADSL modem. Will I regret this? Should I buy the modem cash rather? I do intend having ADSL going forward.

Just some comments re signing a contract.

  • Telkom allows you to get out of the contract at any time by paying a penalty of R70.90 multiplied by the remaining months of the contract.
  • The chances of getting an alternative Adsl supplier at a much cheaper rate depends on LLU which is still some time away.
  • Should you cancel you retain the free Netgear WiFi Adsl modem as you have effectively paid for it
  • Another advantage of taking the Telkom supplied modem if if you have issues it is normally easier to get support from TI if you are using their modem and if the modem has any issues they are not difficult about swopping it.
  • If Telkom changes it prices during the contract period you would also pay the new rates - if the past is anything to go by.

Based on above I personally would sign a contract for the free modem.
 
Purchase your own modem, do not opt for a "free" Netgear DG834GUv5 modem from Telkom. If you are in the Cape Town area, I'll provide you with a Netgear modem of your choice at cost, which is free of poorly written third party firmware...

Search the forum or see this link: - http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=2961542&postcount=15

Hi,

Why should I not get the Netgear modem from Telkom? They have a few to choose from (I recall 3, of which Billion, Netgear is two).
 
Just some comments re signing a contract.

  • Telkom allows you to get out of the contract at any time by paying a penalty of R70.90 multiplied by the remaining months of the contract.
  • The chances of getting an alternative Adsl supplier at a much cheaper rate depends on LLU which is still some time away.
  • Should you cancel you retain the free Netgear WiFi Adsl modem as you have effectively paid for it
  • Another advantage of taking the Telkom supplied modem if if you have issues it is normally easier to get support from TI if you are using their modem and if the modem has any issues they are not difficult about swopping it.
  • If Telkom changes it prices during the contract period you would also pay the new rates - if the past is anything to go by.

Based on above I personally would sign a contract for the free modem.

Valid comments. I also see things the same way. I don't mind signing a 2-year contract, since I prefer ADSL. I just dont want to sign 2 years with Telkom ISP. That's not the deal is it? Only for the line, correct?
 
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Valid comments. I also see things the same way. I don't mind signing a 2-year contract, since I prefer ADSL. I just dont want to sign 2 years with Telkom ISP. That's not the deal is it? Only for the line, correct?

As long as you only sign a contract for the line it there should be no issue.One possible issue to check:

Make sure that if you upgrade your line speed and or decide to change to a Do bundle it is not considered canceling your contract - when I took a contract about 5 years ago it was also for a 384 line without data. During the contract period I upgraded to a 4mb line with 3gb data included (i.e. do3) and had no issues at all, but I seem to remember reports on the forum that Telkom wanted to charge contract penalties in these circumstances. Just for interest my Telkom modem is still going strong after 5 years - I did swop out twice in the first week due to a bad batch and then again two months later as I wanted a different model.
 
I bought a non-wireless D-Link router for about R300, as I didn't need, or want, the wireless feature at present. If do need it later, will then just get a wireless router.

B
 
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