Internet Service Providers
Have you checked at your Internet provider's rates recently? Data costs have dome DOWN. Chances are that you will be able to get a much better plan for the same price as you're paying now, or maybe save yourself some money. But, as with most things, you won't get it unless you ask.
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If you're after a better deal, it may be worth shopping around. Be warned, however, changing your Internet provider will probably mean changing your email address! To avoid this, use an online eMail account, such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo Mail.
Telstra and Optus used to be significantly more expensive than the smaller ISPs, however the latest price changes across the industry have gone a long way towards leveling this. Most ISPs now seem to offer big limits, however I've noticed that some have Joined Telstra and Optus in counting data uploaded as well as the data downloaded. This can be an issue if you're doing online backups - but with a big limit, you probably won't notice. Also it's only the first month or so where you normally have a lot of data being uploaded to your online backup.
Support wise, my experience has shown Telstra to be a particular problem of late. Their helpdesk is now located in India and the accent can be a problem - you will have to keep up with your phonetic alphabet. (Keep a copy handy if you need to call overseas support!) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_phonetic_alphabet) to communicate. You can sometimes be bogged down in the helpdesk for over an hour before you get someone who knows how to help you.
Dodo is cheap, but they have a reputation for being the worst provider in Australia (that's still in business). Again, support seems to be the major issue. That being said, I have a Dodo wireless internet service, and it's been really good.
You may do better with a competitor. I have found TPG (http://www.tpg.com.au) to be fairly reliable and reasonably priced.
You can look at Broadband Choice at http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/ for an internet user’s forum. Users often discuss the merits of various ISPs there. Also, htere is a section where you can easily find the pricing structures for different ISPs.
