The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group PC (President's Comments) George Skarbek gskarbek@melbpc.org.au |
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Possible Broadband Internet Service
The group is now considering providing a broadband service for members within some months. We can configure the necessary equipment reasonably quickly but before this can proceed we need to know what demand there is for this service and the type of service you would like to have, as there are many plans.
Firstly, what is broadband? Without being technical, broadband enables much faster access to the Internet and whenever your computer is turned on, you are connected. No more phone calls - no waiting, no busy signal, no disconnects. If you wish to check your mail, bank statement etc, you don't have to wait until the phone is free to dial out, just open your mail reader or browser.
There are several types of broadband and we are looking at offering the ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) service. This service is delivered via your existing phone line, so no additional cables are needed and you can still use the phone while you are connected to the Internet.
The main plans fall into two categories: unlimited downloads and monthly limited downloads. At the time this report is being written we do not have firm prices, but below are some approximate indications.
For an unlimited download account, in the metropolitan area, with a 256 Kbps download speed (approximately 5 times faster than the current modems) and a 64 Kbps upload speed (about twice the current upload modem speed) the monthly cost would be approximately $70, including GST.
For 512k/128k it would be about $90. For 1.5 MB/256k it would be just over $200 per month.
For 256k/64 with a limit of 500 MB/month it would be about $55. For 512k/128k with a limit of 1000 MB/month it would be about $65. Exceeding the limit would incur costs of about 8 cents/MB or $80 per GB. Rural regions would be dearer; costs would depend upon location.
A once-off charge would apply for activation, plus the cost of purchasing a digital modem and a network card. These costs would be approximately $250-$400 and dependent upon the modem/router selected. You could not use your existing modem for the proposed new service.
Please remember that these prices are an indication and probably not the final figure that would be charged.
Members using the group's dial-up Internet service are currently paying $140 per annum plus the phone calls. If you changed to broadband you would not be paying the for the dial-up service. On the matter of phone costs, assuming two phone calls per day at 25c each this would result in a saving of $180 a year. Thus, change-over cost for the lowest option would be $250 setup plus about $350 pa extra, for being constantly connected to the Internet and being able to use the phone while surfing. For no download limit, the change-over cost would be $250 setup plus about $520 pa extra.
To many members, a 500 MB per month limit may sound a lot. If you mainly use mail, do banking, share trading and general browsing with not many downloads, then 500 MB is quite adequate. However, if you have children who want to watch films or download music CDs, they could exceed that limit in a couple of days, or less and you should select the unlimited option, or risk a high monthly bill. All ISPs enable you to determine your total usage at any point in time, so that you can always monitor your downloads.
To find out if you can have the lines capable of carrying this service in your area see: http://www.telstra.com.au/adsl/ordering/search.cfm.
There will be a survey on the MOTD shortly so that we can obtain your opinions and depending on the response we will be able to provide more accurate costs, because our wholesale costs are dependant on numbers participating. There are many outstanding matters that will need attention, such as the iHelp training and support and administration workload with monthly billing, both initial and on-going.
Mailed Advice
Members who use our Internet service receive e-mails from the committee, usually only once a month, advising them of coming events. If you use another ISP and would like to receive monthly news, just e-mail mailouts@melbpc.org.au with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. You will also be informed of any developments in the broadband service.
Monthly Meeting
Members in the eastern suburbs have an advantage again in May - this meeting will be held at the Besen Centre at Mt Scopus College, 87 Station Street, Burwood. And remember, the Burwood meeting starts later, at 7.00pm sharp. Lots of car parking, only $2 all night.
How To Become a Market Trader
Many of our members study stocks and shares or play the market. Many more would like to but don't know how to start and are terrified that they'll lose the lot. Well, here in Australia Paul Belousoff has developed a system called Prophet Pro. And many are claiming it works. Does it? Can you make your fortune? Come and see.
The Newsgroups and Internet Help
Newsgroups are the essence of the Internet. The place where every person is equal, where anything and everything can be - and is - expressed fearlessly. But of course this also raises controversy and heated debate as you have no doubt heard. So what are newsgroups, what do they cover and how do you get into one? Richard John is a long-time user so come and see him show you how newsgroups work.
Many members have some problems with the Internet. The iHelp Team will show you how to enter your questions into the iHelp system to allow you to receive the fastest response to your problems.
Have you been to a monthly meeting yet? You don't know what you're missing. There's information and fun, entertainment and many prizes plus opportunities to socialise and meet new friends. The meeting will also have our Random Access session (your chance to ask the experts) Plus Prizes Prizes Prizes! Bring your membership card so that you will be eligible for raffle prizes. It's a great night. Don't miss it!
Reprinted from the May 2003 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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