We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you in the first
instance if you have any queries about Optus Broadband services. Click the
Show Answer link to view the answer.
| Q: |
What are the system (computer)
requirements for Broadband? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Before you connect to Optus Cable, DSL Direct or
DSL Broadband you need to make sure your computer is compatible. Please see the
information for your operating system below for details:
Windows 2000
CPU: Pentium, equivalent or higher
RAM: 64MB
Free Disk Space :
125MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: USB or Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port
Windows XP
CPU: Pentium 233MHz, equivalent or higher
RAM: 64MB
Free Disk Space:
500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: USB or Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port
Windows Vista
CPU: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86), equivalent or higher
RAM: 512MB
Free Disk Space:
500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port
Mac OS10.0 to 10.3
CPU: PowerPC G3 (or higher)
RAM: 128MB
Free Disk Space:
500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port
Mac OSX10.4
CPU: PowerPC G3 (or higher)
RAM: 256MB
Free Disk Space:
500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port
Optus DSL and DSL Direct Broadband runs on your standard phone line and
a DSL modem and filters can be supplied as part of a connection package. If you
plan to use your own existing ADSL modem or telephone filters, check the list
of approved equipment to ensure they are Optus
Network approved, and not part of the incompatible
product list. It is recommended that you use a ADSL2+ modem for your
DSL Direct connection. |
| Q: |
Is Optus
Broadband secure? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Due to your Internet connection being 'always on',
we suggest you take precautions to protect your computer. Optus Internet
Security Suite offers a complete range of Internet protection, including
anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and parental control. Find out
more about Security
Suite. |
| Q: |
Does Optus
Broadband offer virus protection? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Yes. As an Optus Broadband customer, you can get
Optus Internet Security Suite to protect your PC from viruses. Optus Internet
Security Suite offers a complete range of Internet protection, including
anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and parental control. Find out
more about Security
Suite. |
| Q: |
Does Optus
Broadband offer content filtering? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Yes. Optus is compliant with the Internet Industry
Association (IIA) Family Friendly policy. The IIA policy requires ISPs to
provide its customers with access to an IIA scheduled content filtering
solution. As such, Optus offers all Broadband customers Optus Internet Security
Suite, a complete Internet protection solution. Find out more about Security Suite. |
| Q: |
What does
downstream/upstream mean? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Downstream refers to the flow of data from the
Internet to the end user ie. a webpage loading onto your computer. Upstream
refers to the data flowing in the other direction ie. from your computer when
you send an email. Typical residential Internet subscribers use four to 10
times as much downstream data as upstream data. |
| Q: |
Can I make
and receive telephone calls while I use Optus Broadband? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Absolutely. With Optus Broadband you can be online
and on the phone at the same time without interrupting your phone calls.
There's no need for a second line, you simply make and receive your calls as
usual. |
| Q: |
Do I need
to log on or connect every time I want to use the Internet? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
No, with Optus Broadband you opt to have an
'always on' connection which means when your computer is on, you're online.
Alternatively you can configure your system to only connect 'on demand'. |
| Q: |
Can I have
more than one email address? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Optus Broadband includes up to five email
addresses. |
| Q: |
Can I keep
my Optus Dial-up username when I move to Optus Broadband? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Yes. You can keep your Optus Dial-up
username/password and share it across both services. Or if you are cancelling
your Optus Dial-up service, you can choose to move your dial-up username to
your Broadband service. Be sure to request this feature from your Optus sales
representative when you sign up for Optus Broadband. |
| Q: |
What kind
of customer service and support does Optus Broadband offer? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Optus Broadband will provide dedicated Customer
Support 24 hours, 7 days a week on 1300 309 333 across all plans. As an
Optus Broadband customer you can also access comprehensive online help from
your Optus Broadband customer portal. |
| Q: |
What is
throttling? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
When you sign up to Optus Broadband, you will
choose a plan with an included set data usage allowance per month. If you
exceed your plan's monthly data allowance, instead of additional usage charges,
your access will be speed limited or ‘throttled’ to 64kbps or 128kbps depending
on your plan until the end of the billing month. This means you will always
know how much your monthly bill will be. And there are never any surprise
excess usage charges. |
| Q: |
Is my
computer compatible with Optus Broadband? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
You'll need to confirm this by checking that your
PC meets the Optus Broadband minimum system requirements for the service you
are able to connect to. These requirements are relatively low and are met by
most computers sold over the past few years. |
| Q: |
If I
don't subscribe to local and long distance telephone or mobile services from
Optus, can I still get Optus Broadband? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Yes. You are not obliged to subscribe to Optus
telephone services to receive Optus Broadband (unless you are on DSL Direct
Broadband which must be bundled with the Optus Local Direct telephone service).
However, when you combine Optus Broadband with your home phone you'll benefit
from 'yes' rewards, including a discounted
monthly access fee and 'yes' Data Free months Broadband access. |
| Q: |
How do I
get Free Broadband Months? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Free Broadband months are available to customers
who combine their Optus Broadband service with an Optus Home Phone &/or
eligible Optus Mobile on a 12 or 24 month contract. |
| Q: |
Does
Optus Broadband offer Static IP addresses? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
No. The Optus Broadband services provide dynamic
IP addresses and do not support or allow servers of any kind to be run from
home or business premises. |
| Q: |
What is
Home WiFi? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
A home WiFi modem is a device that allows you to
access the internet wirelessly within your home. It will allow you to connect
multiple computers, laptops and gaming consoles for example, all at the same
time. For more information on home WiFi see, Wireless at Home. |
| Q: |
What
equipment do I need to enjoy the benefits of Wireless broadband within my
home? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
You will need to purchase an Optus home WiFi kit
(includes a wireless 4 port Ethernet modem and USB wireless adapter) when you
sign up to fixed Optus broadband. Sign up online now at Broadband, or learn more about Wireless at Home. |
| Q: |
What is Optus
Cable? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Optus Cable is much more than just a high-speed
Internet service. Optus Cable is a complete online service that delivers a
high-speed, constant and immediate connection to the Internet, with a complete
set of features and revolutionary 'broadband' content.
Optus Cable delivers the full power of the Internet to your computer using a
fibre optic cable instead of a phone wire – the same cable that also delivers
Optus TV. Since Optus Cable uses cable, you don't have to bother with a phone
line for your Internet access ever again. No need to dial-in for your Internet
connection, no engaged tone and no unexpected disconnects.
The Optus Cable service provides all the features your family needs to enjoy
the Web, including: five email accounts, five personal web space accounts,
FREE optional SPAM filtering, 24 hours/7 days a week technical
support, customisable content on the Optus homepage, search tools, newsgroups
and more. |
| Q: |
How does
Optus Cable work? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Optus Cable provides a constant
connection to the Internet using the same cable that delivers Optus TV. This
cable is designed to deliver data at high-speeds to your home. The Internet is
most commonly accessed from homes via a dial-up modem over a standard (PSTN)
phone line, which does not have the same capability as cable to deliver the
Internet at high speeds.
Moreover Optus Cable uses standard 'DOCSIS' modems so you don’t have to worry
about the cable modem becoming obsolete. DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service
Interface Specifications) is the worldwide cable modem standard supported by
all major manufacturers. |
| Q: |
How much
does Optus Cable cost? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Optus Cable will be available to
you for a flat monthly subscription rate with no metered or 'per megabyte'
charges^. Instead, you get a monthly Data Allowance and if you exceed this
allowance, your service is simply speed limited. For more detailed information
on the pricing plans available, please view our rate card.
^If you exceed your monthly data allowance, access will be speed limited or
‘throttled’ to 64kbps or 128kbps depending on your plan until the end of the
billing month. |
| Q: |
How do I
subscribe to Optus Cable? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
You can subscribe to Optus Cable via a toll-free
number – 1800 555 669. |
| Q: |
Is a
cable modem included with the Optus Cable service? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
If you do not already have an existing approved
cable modem, Optus can provide you with one as part of your installation
package for an extra charge. Any other additional hardware required for
connecting (i.e. Network Interface Card) may incur additional charges. For more
information please see our rate
card. |
| Q: |
What is a
cable modem? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
A Optus Cable modem is a device that gives you
high-speed data access to the Internet via a Optus Locale Cable network. It is
capable of downstream speeds of up to 20Mbps~. Displayed speed is based on
Optus network testing. Not applicable if your service has been speed limited.
Speeds of up to 20Mbps are available in selected areas. Actual speeds will vary
and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as, Internet traffic, your
hardware and software, the source of your download, and your location.
~ Not applicable if your service has been speed limited. There are no phone
numbers to dial and no limitations on serial-port throughput. However, usage of
the Optus Cable service is subject to the Customer
Terms and Acceptable Use Policy. |
| Q: |
What type
of modem can I purchase? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
If you do not already have one, Optus can supply
you with a DOCSIS-compliant cable modem. For a list of Optus approved cable
modems, please refer to our rate
card.
Optus Cable uses only standard DOCSIS cable modems and equipment. Because Optus
Cable uses a standard modem, you can be confident that the cable modem you
receive as part of the service will not become obsolete. |
| Q: |
How can I
get Cable Internet from the TV in my living room to the PC in my
bedroom? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Since the data and the television signals travel
on the same physical cable, the installation of a simple cable splitter is all
that is needed to provide multiple connections. To minimise noise to the
system, a cable technician will perform the installation of the splitter and
cable outlet in the secondary location. If user-installed splitters or cabling
are present, the technician will perform quality assurance tests before making
sure that the service is operational. |
| Q: |
Can I
watch Optus TV or make calls on Optus Local while I use Optus Cable? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Absolutely, Optus Cable uses the bandwidth of only
one cable TV channel. So, you and your family can surf the web on OptusNet
Cable, make calls with Optus Local, and watch a movie on Optus TV in another
room all over the same cable, at the same time. |
| Q: |
Can I
operate a server from my home computer? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
No. The Optus Cable service is for residential,
casual use only and does not support or allow servers of any kind from the
home. |
| Q: |
What is Optus
Direct? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Optus Direct is the new Optus communications network rolled out
progressively during 2006. It delivers both Optus Local Direct telephone
service and Optus DSL Direct Broadband service via standard phone lines in
selected areas. By using our own 'Direct' network, Optus has more control
enabling us to provide you higher quality, better value products with features
like broadband with super-fast speeds up to 20Mbps*.
*Displayed speed is based on Optus network testing.
Not applicable if you service has been speed limited. Around 50% of customers
on the DSL Direct network can access speeds between 8Mbps and 20Mbps. Actual
speeds will vary and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as your
distance from the telephone exchange, your line condition, your hardware and
software, the source of your download, and general internet traffic. Speeds
above 8Mbps require network compatible ADSL2+ modem and filters. Network
theoretical download maximum is 20Mbps.
If you exceed your monthly data allowance, access will be speed limited to 64
kbps or 128kbps depending on your plan until the end of the billing
month.
|
| Q: |
What is
Optus DSL Direct? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Our newest broadband service delivers
extraordinary speeds via ordinary phone lines. Using advanced ADSL2+
technology, this service gives you all the popular Optus Broadband features,
but with the speed you've always wanted. This service is only available in
selected areas and when bundled with Optus Local Direct telephone service. |
| Q: |
What is
Optus Local Direct? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Similar to the DSL product, Optus Local Direct is
also delivered via specialised equipment installed into telephone exchanges
around Australia and like the DSL product, it allows us to provide you with
some great offers as we have greater control over the service we deliver to
you. |
| Q: |
What is
the price for both Local and DSL Direct? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
DSL Direct has a range of plan options to suit the way you use the
internet. Click here to view the
price of our DSL Direct and Local Direct plans.
|
| Q: |
What
speed can I expect? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
The Optus DSL Direct service provides super-fast downstream speeds of up to
20Mbps. Speed based on Optus network testing. Around 50% of customers on the
Direct Network will receive speeds between 8 and 20Mbps. Actual speeds will
vary and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as your distance from
the telephone exchange, your line condition, your hardware and software, the
source of your download, and general internet traffic. Speeds above 8Mbps
require network compatible ADSL2+ modem and filters. Network theoretical
download maximum is 20Mbps.
If you exceed your monthly data allowance, access will be speed limited to
64kbps or 128kbps depending on your plan until the end of the billing
month.
|
| Q: |
Can I
purchase an ADSL2+ modem from Optus? |
Show Answer |
| A: |
Yes. If you require a modem, you can buy one from
Optus. Alternatively if you have an ADSL modem, ensure it is an Optus network
approved modem. Click here
for a list of Optus Network Approved modems. |
