What is ADSL?
It stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is a new technology that transforms ordinary telephone lines into high-speed digital lines.
What is "xDSL"?
xDSL is a generic name to describe a family of digital subscriber line technologies including our ADSL and SHDSL. The latter stands for High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line, which has equal (symmetrical) download and upload speeds.
Where will DSL be available?
For ADSL we cover many areas of the capital cities. For SHDSL we currently cover the capital city CBDs and some surrounding areas. We are rapidly expanding our coverage. (See Coverage)
How do I get DSL?
Pleasecontact us and we will investigate whether the service is available for your premises.
How much does DSL cost?
See our Pricing & Plans
Will all my telephone features work with ADSL?
Your telephone features will work as normal. However, we will not be able to offer ADSL on the same line if you currently use Telstra's EasyCall® Multiple Number, FaxStream Duet? or Telstra OnRamp. Also your telephone line needs to be a straight-line service without any ADSL incompatible equipment such as PABXs or key systems connected.
What speed will I get from my ADSL modem?
Up to 20-50 times faster than your conventional 56kbps modem.
What is involved in providing ADSL service?
Firstly we need to assess whether the service can be provided. There are some limitations with ADSL related to the quality of your line and the distance you are from your local exchange. Provided your local exchange is equipped for Primus DSL service, your local line will qualify for our ADSL Broadband service if its length is not more than 3.5 km. SHDSL Broadband service gradually adapts its line speed to the line conditions.
Once the initial analysis shows your local line is suitable we will proceed in providing the service as soon as possible. We will let you know when you can expect service delivery after our assessment.
Will I have to check with my building owner or Body Corporate?
Provided we can use existing lines, you will not need permission from your building owner or Body Corporate to install the service.
What if I move?
We will have to assess availability again as for a new service.
What are the minimum PC hardware requirements?
| IBM Compatible | Apple Macintosh |
|---|
| Processor | Pentium 166Mhz or higher. | PowerPC, G3 or G4 preferred. |
|---|
| Operating System | Windows 95
Windows 98 / 98 SE
Windows NT 4.0 Workstation
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows ME
Windows XP Home & Professional
| MacOS 8.1 or higher (with PPP Support) |
|---|
| RAM (MB) | Windows 95 - 64MB
Windows 98 / 98 SE - 64MB
Windows NT4 Workstation - 64MB
Windows 2000 Professional - 64MB
Windows ME - 64MB
Windows XP - 64MB | 32MB |
|---|
| Hard Disk Space (Free) | 100MB Free Hard Disk Space. | 50MB of Free Hard Disk Space. |
|---|
| CD-ROM Drive | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Internet Browser | Internet Explorer/ Netscape 4 or higher | Internet Explorer/ Netscape 4 or higher. |
|---|
| PCI Slot (Spare) | Yes - For Installation of Ethernet Modem or where no USB is available. | Yes - For Installation of Ethernet Modem or where no USB is available. |
|---|
| USB Port (Spare) | Yes - For Installation of USB Modem or where no Ethernet is available. | Yes - For Installation of USB Modem or where no Ethernet is available. |
|---|
| Laptop Computers | Spare PCMCIA slot for an Ethernet card or a spare USB port. | Spare USB port. |
|---|
How does it work?
The ADSL modem (shown above) is connected between a spare telephone socket (or parallel plug) and your computer's Ethernet or USB port. It replaces your dial-up modem. Small plug-in filters are inserted between your telephone(s) and wall socket(s) to avoid any interference from the modem signals when you use the phone. If you have more than 3 phones on the same line, we will install a central in-line filter. The filters mean that you can use your phone and Internet at the same time. You will be billed as before for your telephone service.
For SHDSL, we normally use a spare new line and telephony filters are then not required.
What is the difference between ADSL and ISDN?
ISDN is widely available but operates at a much lower speed than DSL. Typically 64 or 128 kbps is provided with ISDN compared with at least up to 256 kbps with DSL.
What's the difference between ADSL and Cable Modem services?
Cable services are somewhat similar to ADSL services. However, cable is not available in most business premises. In addition, a new lead-in needs to be installed for cable, either overhead or underground, which may be difficult or not possible is some instances. In contrast, ADSL/ SHDSL uses existing lines without the need for a new lead-in. Also with cable a shared medium is used, whereas with ADSL/ SHDSL you have private access providing additional security and speed.
Will Primus ADSL support Static IP Addressing?
Except for our BizJet ADSL-Lite product, all other business (BizJet) products have static IP addressing.