Yep, number 52 is in HELD status so I'm looking at another rejection on the way. Status change was yesterday as suspected just didn't get time to blog it.
I'm still looking into something alternative over ADSL but would rather have it over any alternatives currently out there. Latency been a big issue for me.
I'm about to write to the ministers, the PM and the telco people I have email before letting them know that nothing has changed. Also in the early draft of a letter to the editor to APC magazine. This ports issue is a big can of worms with thousands of people been effect but yet no one is seeing how big the problem is - I only found out by accident the extent of the issue through my posts on Whirlpool and the uploading of the Telstra Wholesales ADSL Capacity excel sheets into a online map system by the guy behind http://adsl2exchanges.com.au/. It's a seriously huge problem across Australia.
You could think that this "no ports" issue is been intentionally caused to push NextG onto unsuspecting customers and I wouldn't blame people if they come to that conclusion. It's how the BP orser system works -apply--->get HELD status if note to ring BP -->Ring BP and get told "have you considered our alternative wireless network?" at this stage normal mum's and dad who want Broadband for their school age children would be considering anything to help their child through school and have no idea of the usage requirements the child needs to do their studies and I can tell you watching videos over the net is going to get these users over their limits into the land of excess fees quickly. Worst part is at this stage the BP rep wouldn't be going "here take this information and think about it" as they want the sale now not later and will get them to sign up over the phone. Makes there take up figures look nice!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
another ETA: 52nd Application
52nd application
Detailed Status:
Confirmed: Carrier has confirmed service as deliverable, provisioning work is now being undertaken
Carrier Advice
ADSL New Request In Progress (ETA: 01-02-2008)
Carrier for ADSL Port
Telstra
It will be in HELD by 9:30pm or first thing tomorrow morning...
Detailed Status:
Confirmed: Carrier has confirmed service as deliverable, provisioning work is now being undertaken
Carrier Advice
ADSL New Request In Progress (ETA: 01-02-2008)
Carrier for ADSL Port
Telstra
It will be in HELD by 9:30pm or first thing tomorrow morning...
52nd application in
51st Application with BP went into HELD status over the weekend and has failed. Spoke to the BP people and got the "exchange has not ports" reason again -hmm it's CMUX/RIM has no ports but they CSRs aren't told the difference.
52nd application in through internode.
As for the wireless or sat idea I'm concerned about latency issues. The Sat company that TM2 suggest had some ping times listed in a whirlpool.net.au thread as around 1700+ms mark. That's damn pretty high!. Wireless I've still got to get my neighbor to do some pings and traces to see how that goes - that said, again latency is a know issue with wireless. Both do have problems with weather - If it's heavy rain you lose connection -been in Victoria that cold be a big issue! ;)
Still waiting for an email response for a wireless company. Got an out of office message.
And the saga enters it's 8 month....
52nd application in through internode.
As for the wireless or sat idea I'm concerned about latency issues. The Sat company that TM2 suggest had some ping times listed in a whirlpool.net.au thread as around 1700+ms mark. That's damn pretty high!. Wireless I've still got to get my neighbor to do some pings and traces to see how that goes - that said, again latency is a know issue with wireless. Both do have problems with weather - If it's heavy rain you lose connection -been in Victoria that cold be a big issue! ;)
Still waiting for an email response for a wireless company. Got an out of office message.
And the saga enters it's 8 month....
Friday, January 25, 2008
...and application no.50 has been rejected!!!
Yep application number 50 got rejected this evening - YAY! NOT! ...
Have a good Australia Day long weekend all.. Post next on Tuesday morning when I can type a long entry...
51st applicaton (order with BP):
MY ORDER STATUS
Whether you're waiting to have ADSL enabled on your telephone line and you already have a Self Install kit, or are waiting for the Professional Install technician to come to your house, you can check the status of your BigPond Broadband ADSL order here.
Status:
Awaiting Confirmation
Thanks for choosing BigPond Broadband ADSL. Your application has been accepted and we've confirmed that you can have ADSL at your address. We're now working on your request and we'll update the status of your order soon.
Date Order Submitted:
25 Jan 2008
Order Number:
DN116xxxxx
Order Completion / Activation Date:
08 Feb 2008
This is the date that your BigPond Broadband will be made active on your phone line.
nope, don't think this is a winner..but we will see
Have a good Australia Day long weekend all.. Post next on Tuesday morning when I can type a long entry...
51st applicaton (order with BP):
MY ORDER STATUS
Whether you're waiting to have ADSL enabled on your telephone line and you already have a Self Install kit, or are waiting for the Professional Install technician to come to your house, you can check the status of your BigPond Broadband ADSL order here.
Status:
Awaiting Confirmation
Thanks for choosing BigPond Broadband ADSL. Your application has been accepted and we've confirmed that you can have ADSL at your address. We're now working on your request and we'll update the status of your order soon.
Date Order Submitted:
25 Jan 2008
Order Number:
DN116xxxxx
Order Completion / Activation Date:
08 Feb 2008
This is the date that your BigPond Broadband will be made active on your phone line.
nope, don't think this is a winner..but we will see
Review by Supervisor to come?
Hello [real name].
Thank you again for your reply [real name].
As promised I have passed on your feedback through to my supervisor for review.
I apologise once again for the difficulty you are experiencing whilst trying to obtain an affordable and decent speed internet service.
Yours Sincerely,
I'm betting I do not hear from them or their Supervisor again...
In the meantime Application 50 is now in HELD status -rejection tomorrow night me thinks :(
Thank you again for your reply [real name].
As promised I have passed on your feedback through to my supervisor for review.
I apologise once again for the difficulty you are experiencing whilst trying to obtain an affordable and decent speed internet service.
Yours Sincerely,
I'm betting I do not hear from them or their Supervisor again...
In the meantime Application 50 is now in HELD status -rejection tomorrow night me thinks :(
Thursday, January 24, 2008
50th application details and a response from BP
Application no.50 :
Overall Status Provisioning is in progress
Detailed Status: Confirmed: Carrier has confirmed service as deliverable, provisioning work is now being undertaken
Carrier Advice ADSL New Request In Progress (ETA: 30-01-2008)
Carrier for ADSL Port Telstra
-----
And at last another response from BP:
Hello [real name edited out],
Thank you for your reply and I can certainly appreciate your frustration.
It was not until a year ago I myself got broadband as it was not an affordable option for me being on a tight budget and as such I can certainly empathize with you. This aside Andrew, regrettably there is nothing I am able to do.
I can certainly understand that there is a vast group of communities in new and old estates who are still unable to get broadband. I am unable to push for ports to be installed. What I am able to do is pass on your feedback through to my superior for review.
Finally [my real name edited out], I am sincerely sorry that I have addressed you as Peter in my previous correspondence.
Yours Sincerely,
I'm going ask for the supervisor review...
Overall Status Provisioning is in progress
Detailed Status: Confirmed: Carrier has confirmed service as deliverable, provisioning work is now being undertaken
Carrier Advice ADSL New Request In Progress (ETA: 30-01-2008)
Carrier for ADSL Port Telstra
-----
And at last another response from BP:
Hello [real name edited out],
Thank you for your reply and I can certainly appreciate your frustration.
It was not until a year ago I myself got broadband as it was not an affordable option for me being on a tight budget and as such I can certainly empathize with you. This aside Andrew, regrettably there is nothing I am able to do.
I can certainly understand that there is a vast group of communities in new and old estates who are still unable to get broadband. I am unable to push for ports to be installed. What I am able to do is pass on your feedback through to my superior for review.
Finally [my real name edited out], I am sincerely sorry that I have addressed you as Peter in my previous correspondence.
Yours Sincerely,
I'm going ask for the supervisor review...
Some correspondance with BP
Here are my letters to BP Yesterday and extracts of the responses:
This first one was after getting a HELD status from the 49th application. I sent it via BP's online web form:
Hi there
For my 49th Application for ADSL I submitted an application to your company this morning at 10:59am it was given a Order Completion / Activation Date of 06 Feb 2008 but hit the HELD status by 1:30pm this afternoon. How long will it take before I can get ADSL where I live! I've been waiting over 7 months now (29th of Jan will be 8 months). I have been trying to obtian an ADSL as NextG does not suit my needs as an IT Desktop Support Officer at the [edit out my place of work]. It would cost me at least $2000 a month to use.
As you are aware this waiting for ports does not have any watiting lists and therefore each time I get a rejection I MUST resubmit as a port may become available at anytime -we, the public, have no idea when a port becomes free or released from the 180-182 withholding status.
49 applications and 7 plus months must show you how much I need this connection! I can't believe it's looking like it's going to take a year to happen.
Can this be escalated and reviewed ASAP?
Details:
phone/service for ADSL 03 97xxxxxx
email contact : [snipped>
last order number: DN115xxxxx
This is becoming beyond a joke.
I hope for a conclusion to this matter as soon as possible.
No cable, no wireless (Nextg doesn't work and it's not what i need), dial-up at 31.2K and inconsistent and crappy QoS
Regards
From BP (extract from the email):
appreciate you taking the time to email us, my name is [the consultants name] I understand your concern in relation to obtaining an ADSL service, and apologise for any inconvenience you have experienced as a result.
I have reviewed your previous email [my real name] and I am very sorry to hear of the frustration you have had to endure, trying to obtain an ADSL service. I acknowledge that you have attempted an incredible amount of times for our service as you require an internet connection for your occupation.
It is with regret that I advise there is nothing more we are able to do. Like yourself, we are unable to determine when ports are/will be made available. Customers cancel and sign up everyday
My response to this was:
Hi [consultants name]
So there is nothing that can be done to remedy this situation? Is that
what your email is implying? I find that rather outrageous! You can not
help a potential customer obtain an ADSL port or give an indication of
when they are likely to obtain an ADSL?
48 ports are on my CMUX/RIM and it has not been updated since at least
2004. More houses have been built and more people have moved in yet
your company or your sister company has failed in supplying access to
affordable ADSL broadband to a new estate. It's more frustrating with
the 180-182 rule basically making it impossible for a new house obtain
ADSL broadband as when the disconnect port goes into to the held port
it's more likely to go to a new own of the house that got disconnected
than one of us who have been waiting months or years!
You have no idea how insanely stressful it is trying to obtain ADSL in a
new estate. I know this is a HUGE problem that isn't been attended to
and is getting bigger with everyday.
You're the only company (or your sister/parent company Telstra) with
infrastructure in our estate and it in inadequate for us. 48 ports on a
DA, all fully taken and not one person can get ADSL at the moment. It's
been like this for more than 7 months.
This has got to be a joke in 2008!
Unbelievable situation - is this to make us use nextg? I wonder about
this as it shows lack of future proofing or understanding of local
demand for ADSL in my area.
Again I find it unacceptable that in a large number of new estates we
have this continual problem.
*sigh*
Regards
Which recieved the following reply:
I appreciate your disappointment at not being able to receive ADSL at your location.
Telstra wants to invest in the next wave of internet infrastructure, a fibre-based high-speed broadband network to deliver speeds beyond the capabilities of ADSL and other current networks to Australians. That is why we have launched the Broadband Australia Campaign, BACK Telstra.
Our website www.nowwearetalking.com.au is your opportunity to find out more about the state of broadband services in Australia, and gives you the opportunity to learn more about the campaign. You can also sign up to become a Telstra Active Supporter and play your part in ensuring access to a high-speed broadband service for Australians. For further information, please use the below link.
http://www.nowwearetalking.com.au/Home/Default.aspx
Once again Peter [NOT my real name at all], I’m sorry that we are unable to assist you further. I’m confident your future experiences with us will be more positive.
Yours Sincerely,
I'm not confident especially when BP uses Cut/paste methods to compose emails to customers!
as I've put in square brackets Peter is NOT my name at all though the email did have it address to my real name.
Since that email I have replied again with:
Hi [consultants name]
I'm fully aware of Telstra's "new wave of internet infrastructure" and the FTTN debate going in many circles but at the moment that is all just talk and no action. I've posted about 5-6 posts to the www.nowwearetaking.co.m.au and even asked where is the proof of the rollout been prepared? At this stage it's all talk and not a signed sealed, iron clad agreement or even SLA showing exactly what is planned and how it's going to eventuate!
It'd been another 5-10 years away as all that is going on at the moment is fighting between Telstra, ACCC and the government over things that may or may not affect the future of Broadband. Until this fighting stops and your company (Telstra, Telstra Wholesales; etc) get on with the job it's just going to be a pipe dream.
We need a form of broadband now that is viable, reliable and affordable right now! Your so-called "alternative network" does not fit the bill. It's expensive and had the lowest quotas for super users such as myself. 3 gig at $110 plus $150 per a gig after is NOT in my books afford "viable solution" as has been put to me by some of your companies reps I've dealt with in the past.
I'm composing this email before work at work because I know my home dial-up is unreliable and drops out are to often! I know that it's been choked due to the CMUX to around the 31.2K mark it's virtually unusable. It's irritating to use and S L O W. I can't use VPN, remote desktop, or even update my dual boot systems. Oh and forget Linux based OS systems! (That which I WAS is the process of relearning at home!) Even just surfing the web is incredible painful - hit that reload button a lot!
We just need Telstra Wholesales to add ports to my local CMUX (DA147 Melton) or better yet install an ISAM...
I can't believe that since 2005 there has been no upgrade to my CMUX to future proof it for incoming households - as stated before the 180-182 day rule does make things harder....
Oh and the problem I am having is not just happening in my estate. It's bigger than you think, way way bigger. For example the problem is currently existing in Narre Warren, Point Cook, Wyndham (part of Werribee, Victoria), and another Melton estate area and that's the ones I know of is Victoria! It's happen in all new estates across Australia - got look at the ADSL Capacity excel sheet at http://www.telstrawholesale.com/products/docs/access_broadband_adslex03.xls
And look up these area and others and get a picture of what is really happening out there. Remember to discard main exchanges in the areas as they may have ports which is still no good to us people behind CMUX//RIMs. Note: CMUX/RIMs with limited ADSL ports are STILL been deployed daily in new estates.
In closing, [consultants name], I'd like to point that in your last correspondence you must of not proof read your reply to me before sending as I can see the last paragraph -like many paragraphs in email from Big Pond I received over the 7+ months - is a cut and paste job as you have left the name Peter in it from your last usage of the copy/paste paragraph.
Also I will continue my fight for ADSL as it is something I do require for my job and upgrading of skills. I intend to take this to the media next and some notable PC magazines. This should not have reached 50 applications or 7+ months in the first place.
Regards
Now waiting for anymore correspondence....
This first one was after getting a HELD status from the 49th application. I sent it via BP's online web form:
Hi there
For my 49th Application for ADSL I submitted an application to your company this morning at 10:59am it was given a Order Completion / Activation Date of 06 Feb 2008 but hit the HELD status by 1:30pm this afternoon. How long will it take before I can get ADSL where I live! I've been waiting over 7 months now (29th of Jan will be 8 months). I have been trying to obtian an ADSL as NextG does not suit my needs as an IT Desktop Support Officer at the [edit out my place of work]. It would cost me at least $2000 a month to use.
As you are aware this waiting for ports does not have any watiting lists and therefore each time I get a rejection I MUST resubmit as a port may become available at anytime -we, the public, have no idea when a port becomes free or released from the 180-182 withholding status.
49 applications and 7 plus months must show you how much I need this connection! I can't believe it's looking like it's going to take a year to happen.
Can this be escalated and reviewed ASAP?
Details:
phone/service for ADSL 03 97xxxxxx
email contact : [snipped>
last order number: DN115xxxxx
This is becoming beyond a joke.
I hope for a conclusion to this matter as soon as possible.
No cable, no wireless (Nextg doesn't work and it's not what i need), dial-up at 31.2K and inconsistent and crappy QoS
Regards
From BP (extract from the email):
appreciate you taking the time to email us, my name is [the consultants name] I understand your concern in relation to obtaining an ADSL service, and apologise for any inconvenience you have experienced as a result.
I have reviewed your previous email [my real name] and I am very sorry to hear of the frustration you have had to endure, trying to obtain an ADSL service. I acknowledge that you have attempted an incredible amount of times for our service as you require an internet connection for your occupation.
It is with regret that I advise there is nothing more we are able to do. Like yourself, we are unable to determine when ports are/will be made available. Customers cancel and sign up everyday
My response to this was:
Hi [consultants name]
So there is nothing that can be done to remedy this situation? Is that
what your email is implying? I find that rather outrageous! You can not
help a potential customer obtain an ADSL port or give an indication of
when they are likely to obtain an ADSL?
48 ports are on my CMUX/RIM and it has not been updated since at least
2004. More houses have been built and more people have moved in yet
your company or your sister company has failed in supplying access to
affordable ADSL broadband to a new estate. It's more frustrating with
the 180-182 rule basically making it impossible for a new house obtain
ADSL broadband as when the disconnect port goes into to the held port
it's more likely to go to a new own of the house that got disconnected
than one of us who have been waiting months or years!
You have no idea how insanely stressful it is trying to obtain ADSL in a
new estate. I know this is a HUGE problem that isn't been attended to
and is getting bigger with everyday.
You're the only company (or your sister/parent company Telstra) with
infrastructure in our estate and it in inadequate for us. 48 ports on a
DA, all fully taken and not one person can get ADSL at the moment. It's
been like this for more than 7 months.
This has got to be a joke in 2008!
Unbelievable situation - is this to make us use nextg? I wonder about
this as it shows lack of future proofing or understanding of local
demand for ADSL in my area.
Again I find it unacceptable that in a large number of new estates we
have this continual problem.
*sigh*
Regards
Which recieved the following reply:
I appreciate your disappointment at not being able to receive ADSL at your location.
Telstra wants to invest in the next wave of internet infrastructure, a fibre-based high-speed broadband network to deliver speeds beyond the capabilities of ADSL and other current networks to Australians. That is why we have launched the Broadband Australia Campaign, BACK Telstra.
Our website www.nowwearetalking.com.au is your opportunity to find out more about the state of broadband services in Australia, and gives you the opportunity to learn more about the campaign. You can also sign up to become a Telstra Active Supporter and play your part in ensuring access to a high-speed broadband service for Australians. For further information, please use the below link.
http://www.nowwearetalking.com.au/Home/Default.aspx
Once again Peter [NOT my real name at all], I’m sorry that we are unable to assist you further. I’m confident your future experiences with us will be more positive.
Yours Sincerely,
I'm not confident especially when BP uses Cut/paste methods to compose emails to customers!
as I've put in square brackets Peter is NOT my name at all though the email did have it address to my real name.
Since that email I have replied again with:
Hi [consultants name]
I'm fully aware of Telstra's "new wave of internet infrastructure" and the FTTN debate going in many circles but at the moment that is all just talk and no action. I've posted about 5-6 posts to the www.nowwearetaking.co.m.au and even asked where is the proof of the rollout been prepared? At this stage it's all talk and not a signed sealed, iron clad agreement or even SLA showing exactly what is planned and how it's going to eventuate!
It'd been another 5-10 years away as all that is going on at the moment is fighting between Telstra, ACCC and the government over things that may or may not affect the future of Broadband. Until this fighting stops and your company (Telstra, Telstra Wholesales; etc) get on with the job it's just going to be a pipe dream.
We need a form of broadband now that is viable, reliable and affordable right now! Your so-called "alternative network" does not fit the bill. It's expensive and had the lowest quotas for super users such as myself. 3 gig at $110 plus $150 per a gig after is NOT in my books afford "viable solution" as has been put to me by some of your companies reps I've dealt with in the past.
I'm composing this email before work at work because I know my home dial-up is unreliable and drops out are to often! I know that it's been choked due to the CMUX to around the 31.2K mark it's virtually unusable. It's irritating to use and S L O W. I can't use VPN, remote desktop, or even update my dual boot systems. Oh and forget Linux based OS systems! (That which I WAS is the process of relearning at home!) Even just surfing the web is incredible painful - hit that reload button a lot!
We just need Telstra Wholesales to add ports to my local CMUX (DA147 Melton) or better yet install an ISAM...
I can't believe that since 2005 there has been no upgrade to my CMUX to future proof it for incoming households - as stated before the 180-182 day rule does make things harder....
Oh and the problem I am having is not just happening in my estate. It's bigger than you think, way way bigger. For example the problem is currently existing in Narre Warren, Point Cook, Wyndham (part of Werribee, Victoria), and another Melton estate area and that's the ones I know of is Victoria! It's happen in all new estates across Australia - got look at the ADSL Capacity excel sheet at http://www.telstrawholesale.com/products/docs/access_broadband_adslex03.xls
And look up these area and others and get a picture of what is really happening out there. Remember to discard main exchanges in the areas as they may have ports which is still no good to us people behind CMUX//RIMs. Note: CMUX/RIMs with limited ADSL ports are STILL been deployed daily in new estates.
In closing, [consultants name], I'd like to point that in your last correspondence you must of not proof read your reply to me before sending as I can see the last paragraph -like many paragraphs in email from Big Pond I received over the 7+ months - is a cut and paste job as you have left the name Peter in it from your last usage of the copy/paste paragraph.
Also I will continue my fight for ADSL as it is something I do require for my job and upgrading of skills. I intend to take this to the media next and some notable PC magazines. This should not have reached 50 applications or 7+ months in the first place.
Regards
Now waiting for anymore correspondence....
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