New telkom ADSL line - selecting a modem

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Larry101

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Hi,

I'm planning to get a Telkom ADSL line installed and I want to get the "do Basic" 5GB/month + 1mb line bundle. The web interface linked off www.do.co.za forces the selection of a router. The options are:
  • D-Link DSL-2750U Router (R689)
  • N300 Wireless ADSL2+ Modem (R839)
  • Billion 810VNTX (R1499)

Is buying a router through Telkom a mandatory requirement? And if it isn't, how on earth do I place an online order when the interfaces forces you to select one? It's also confidence inspiring that if you pick the once-off payment option, the cost of the router is listed as a monthly cost, instead of a once off cost. If I have to pick one of those, any recommendations as to which? I intend to self-install.
 
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Is buying a router through Telkom a mandatory requirement? And if it isn't, how on earth do I place an online order when the interfaces forces you to select one? It's also confidence inspiring that if you pick the once-off payment option, the cost of the router is listed as a monthly cost, instead of a once off cost. If I have to pick one of those, any recommendations as to which? I intend to self-install.
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Good evening

It is not compulsory to buy a Telkom modem. You can buy a modem at any computer or electrical store that sell them, just make sure it's compatible with ADSL2+. The information on the Telkom website is only for informative purposes, because you have to go to a TDS (Telkom Direct Store) to buy a modem there is no way you can order one online or on the phone. The Billion modems are good ones but people say TP-Link modems are also good. It depends on your needs and environment.

Hope that was helpful.

Regards
 
Thanks for the advice, guess I'll be paying Telkom a visit. One other question, I see according to Telkom's site:
You want Telkom's flagship Broadband product, DSL, with all its exhilarating speed and exciting benefits, but don't want to wait for an appointment with the installation technician?

Self install is available for DSL access only customers or as part of the Do Broadband bundled offerings.

SIO allows you to take care of the part of the DSL installation that takes place on your premises yourself, enabling you to get service quicker than before. Not only that, but you save R705.20 (VAT inclusive) on the installation fee as well!l
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Is it accurate that I don't have to be home to physically let them in to do anything? I do have an existing Telkom (non-adsl) phone line, so I'm really hoping this is true as it's really inconvenient to organise to let them in.
 
Larry101 said:
Thanks for the advice, guess I'll be paying Telkom a visit. One other question, I see according to Telkom's site:


Is it accurate that I don't have to be home to physically let them in to do anything? I do have an existing Telkom (non-adsl) phone line, so I'm really hoping this is true as it's really inconvenient to organise to let them in.
Click to expand...

Yes you don't have to be home for the installation as you already have a line at home. You will even benefit as you don't have to pay the installation charge. When making the order keep on reiterating that you want the SIO (self-installation option).
 
Avoid the netgear like the plague, I got one recently. It's awful. It reboots all the time. I
Need to get mine replaced. I would actually suggest not getting any of them from Telkom. They install their own firmware and you cannot upgrade it. Telkom don't offer upgrades on their site.
 
ozziej said:
Avoid the netgear like the plague, I got one recently. It's awful. It reboots all the time. I
Need to get mine replaced. I would actually suggest not getting any of them from Telkom. They install their own firmware and you cannot upgrade it. Telkom don't offer upgrades on their site.
Click to expand...

That's true they do not provide updates often. I'd so go for a modem which is not Telkom branded they usually have a lot of restrictions too. I guess I'm lucky with Billion 400g I got with my trial, it's still working wonders :D.
 
ozziej said:
Avoid the netgear like the plague, I got one recently. It's awful. It reboots all the time. I
Need to get mine replaced. I would actually suggest not getting any of them from Telkom. They install their own firmware and you cannot upgrade it. Telkom don't offer upgrades on their site.
Click to expand...

Taking mine back tomorrow for the same reason - bought 2 weeks ago

Think I am going to change it to the d link if they let me..... Even better if they decide to refund
 
Hi
Got the Dlink 2750U which I flashed with dlinks latest firmware. Been stable so far.
 
I recently got the R689 dlink, excellent wifi coverage and browser settings website if fully featured. I highly recommend it. I didn't get it from telkom though, I bought it from a electronics store
 
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I contacted dlink support and they told me you can't flash official dlink firmware to the telkom branded router as it could brick it.

Is that true?

I just bought an asus router to replace my dlink 2750u because airprint isn't working.
 
Holy crap...1.5k for router.

Nooit...go with the 2750...and the Telkom flash is fine. No need to mess with it. Been running it for a while - did one upgrade when I got it & thats it.
 
Some tips:

-Never EVER buy Telkom branded routers
-DLink and Netgear are one of the best routers you can buy.
-I own the Netgear N300 (DGN2200) (good and stable)
-Dont buy Billion (Ive had some bad experiences)

PS: You dont need to buy a router from telkom, just buy a router at a PC/Hardware shop,order the line,enter the username and setings and presto!
 
Personally not a fan of netgear as I found the Wifi coverage to be poor and continuously resetting coverage. This is the 2200 as well.
 
MWEB has a special til the end of June, if you take a 6 month contract with them, you get a free modem/router.

Not the best device, but why not try it out, maybe perfect for you needs.
 
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