DSL Line Speed Update

F

fz1

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Hi guys

Has anyone gone through the process of upgrading their line speed (e.g. 384 to 512)?

I currently have DSL Fast (384kbps). I'm finding the upload speed a little too slow for my needs, so would like DSL Faster (?) (512kbps / 256kbps upload - twice that of DSL Fast).

I'm wondering how the process works when phoning 10219 and requesting that my line speed be upgraded. Is there something that needs to be done physically on Telkom's side (implying a delay until they can get round to it) or is this something that can be done immediately over the phone (meaning I request it, hang up, and resynch at the higher speed)?

Thanks in advance for any responses.
 
AFAIK there is nothing physical that has to be done. A family member recently upgraded from 384kbps > 4mpbs and it took just 4hours for the whole process.
 
I upgraded my 384k line to 4mbps. I phoned them, my line disconnected, was off for about 5mins, came on and was 4mbps. :D:D:D
 
Sweet. Thanks for the responses, guys. Good to know that it is a pretty quick process.

Did either of you (or in BlaQ_PhoeniX's case, the family member) experience any change in reliability of your connection? I would imagine that such a bump in speed amplifies poor line noise and/or attenuation (and there's been some threads about 4Mbps being unstable).

Thanks
 
I only recently experience bumps in speeds, but not directly after upgrade, but reliability is quite good
 
Thanks again. Interesting. Theoretically, your download speeds would have increased more than 10x - is this what you have been experiencing lately?

I'm being tempted to change my 'spend-more-on-bandwidth/unshaped-for-a-better-overall-experience' strategy to a 'if-you-can-download-at-300kB+/sec, who cares!?' strategy! :D
 
I recently upgraded from 512k to 4Meg.....it was a real breeze and done in about 4hrs (incidently they phone me and told me I would be paying R58 less than I was with the 512K)
I have noticed a remarkable increase in speed on most things but what has amazed me more is that my line seems to be more stable (not re-syncing as often):cool:
 
Thanks for the feedback, Leftfoot. Glad to hear your experience was good. From a more quantitative perspective, would you say you are getting your 5-10x faster performance after your upgrade?

I'm assuming that price decrease you got offered was because of a bundle (e.g. Do Broadband)...?

I've never had any synching issues whatsoever with my DSL384 (touchwood!). Nada. Zero. Zilch. It's refreshing coming from ISDN (tonnes of problems / disconnects / dead connections). However, I don't want to be back in the same situation with respect to reliability if I upgrade to 4Mbps!

I think my best bet is to try and get some feedback on my line noise margin and attenuation figures from the forum members here. I'll post that to a new thread when I get home.
 
Just called Telkom to ask about the upgrade. The lady I spoke to says that the "application" takes "3-7 working days" since it needs to go out to another department (I think she said technical testing?) :( I want 4Mbps and I want it NOW! :D

Also, for those interested in the info - the downgrade fee going from a higher speed to a lower one is R110 (once-off).
 
Thanks, dabouncer.

Hmm, maybe it has something to do with the fact that I phoned on a non-business day. I think I will 'experiment' with upgrading to a 512k first.
 
I agree with dabouncer there is so much more value for money with the 4meg line....seeing files download at 420kB/sec (4Meg) is so much better than 55kB/sec on the 512K LINE.

As I mentioned earlier "incidently they phoned me and told me I would be paying R58 less than I was with the 512K"....go figure....(512k to do Broadband 3 with one or other closer option.) First bill arrived yesterday R195 less than what I ever paid an ADSL...Im a happier chappie. For once the sales dude didnt lie!:)
 
Could you guys with 4mb please post your Att. and Noise Margin/SNR value's reported by your modem perhaps?

Also is there a way to determine how far you are from the exchange with the value's (I have no idea where our exchange is but any idea's on how to know are welcome :) )
 
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For some reason I haven't been able to access my router config for a while, so I can't tell you what they are. I'm about 1.5km from the exchange and I get around 450KB/s down and 40KB/s up.
 
I'm going to apply for my 4 adsl, thanks for telling me how much the price is If I wish to downgrade my line... This will come in handy for the trial bandwidth then after that might downgrade after seen the prices for uncap bandwidth for local.
 
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