Broadband FAQs
Questions? We have answers to your broadband frequently asked questions...
ADSL2+
VDSL and VDSL2
FTTP
Skydata broadband
Mobile Broadband
ADSL2+
What is ADSL and ADSL2+ broadband?
A symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) allows for data transmission over copper telephone lines. It does this by using frequencies that are not used by a voice telephone call.
Thanks to a splitter, or DSL filter, a single telephone connection can be used for both ADSL service and voice calls at the same time.
ADSL2+ is faster than basic ADSL.
Do I need a modem to connect to ADSL2+?
If you live in a TransACT ADSL2+ area, we can supply you with a modem to connect to TransACT services for $100, or if you are a new customer we can supply it for free when you bundle your services with ActewAGL and TransACT.
Does TransACT provide data with its plans?
In the ACT, we have a unique model whereby TransACT provides your connection and your data services are then provided by a separate ISP.
After subscribing to TransACT you can then select one of the ISP's on the TransACT network to provide you with internet access and your monthly download quota. For more information, check out our TransACT packages
In Victoria, we provide both your connection and data services, all in one place. To view plans and packages for Victoria, please select "Victoria" from the drop-down menu at the top of this page, and then select Broadband > Phone and broadband packages.
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VDSL and VDSL2
What is VDSL broadband?
Very-high-bitrate DSL (VDSL) is part fibre and part copper technology that provides data transmission over telephone lines.
VDSL can support high bandwidth applications such as TV, as well as telephone services and general internet access, over one connection.
What is VDSL2 broadband?
VDSL2 is like VDSL, only faster because it uses upgraded equipment between a house and TransACT.
Do I need a modem to connect to VDSL?
If you live in a TransACT VDSL area, we supply you with a modem to connect to TransACT services.
Does TransACT provide data with its plans?
At TransACT we have a unique model in the ACT whereby we provide your connection and your data services are then provided by a separate ISP.
After subscribing to TransACT you can then select one of the ISP's on the TransACT network to provide you with internet access and your monthly download quota.
For more information, check out our TransACT packages.
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FTTP
What is FTTP broadband?
Fibre-To-The- Premise (FTTP), also known as Fibre-To-The- Home (FTTH), is a fibre internet connection that connects directly to a home or premise through a box on the outside the building.
TransACT’s own state-of-the-art FTTP network began in 2007, is available in parts of Bonner, Crace, Franklin and Forde.
Do I need a modem to connect to FTTP?
If you live in a TransACT FTTP area, you will not need a modem to connect your services as TransACT installs an ONT (Optical Network Termination) for you to connect your services to.
Does TransACT provide data with its plans?
At TransACT we have a unique model in the ACT whereby we provide your connection and your data services are then provided by a separate ISP.
After subscribing to TransACT you can then select one of the ISP's on the TransACT network to provide you with internet access and your monthly download quota.
For more information, check out our TransACT packages
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Skydata
What is Skydata broadband?
Unlike VDSL, ADSL and FTTP, Skydata broadband is wireless internet. Rather than using a copper or fibre connection, the Skydata service is delivered by a wireless signal that is transmitted from a radio tower to a receiver on the rooftop of your home. This means many homes that weren't able to access an internet connection can now connect and enjoy the benefits of broadband.
Our Skydata service is currently available to selected customers in Amaroo, Charnwood, Dunlop, Franklin, Gungahlin, Harrison, Ngunnawal, Nicholls and Palmerston.
Do I need a modem to connect to Skydata?
If you live in a TransACT ADSL2+ area, TransACT you do require an ADSL modem to connect. TransACT can supplies you with a modem to connect to services.
Does TransACT provide data with its plans?
At TransACT we have a unique model in the ACT whereby we provide your connection and your data services are then provided by a separate ISP.
After subscribing to TransACT you can then select one of the ISP's on the TransACT network to provide you with internet access and your monthly download quota.
For more information, check out our TransACT packages
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Mobile Broadband
What is mobile broadband?
Our mobile broadband gives you the same benefits as regular broadband with the added benefit of mobility on the 3G network. Mobile broadband uses the same technology as your mobile phone to connect to the internet but does so through a data connection on your phone, not a voice call.
How do I set up mobile broadband?
Once you have received your internet stick and SIM card follow the below steps to get connected:
- Activate your SIM card by calling us on 13 30 61
- Place your SIM card inside your internet stick by removing the back cover. For further details refer to the user guide that comes with the internet stick
- Plug the internet stick into a USB port in your laptop or PC
- All of the software and the drivers are pre-loaded onto the SIM card and the required software will be installed automatically through the internet stick
- Once the software is installed it will prompt you to re-start your computer. After re-starting, you are ready to connect to the internet
Can I roll over unused data from month to month?
No, all unused monthly data allowance is forfeited and cannot be rolled over.
What happens if I go over my data allowance?
If you go over your data allowance, you can still access the internet, however, overrun charges will apply. Refer to the Standard Form of Agreement for details.
Can I monitor my data usage?
Yes. You can get an indication of your data usage by calling us on 13 30 61.
Alternatively, usage meter software is included with the internet stick to give an indication of how much data you have used. The usage meter can determine the data usage for your current session as well as record a cumulate usage total.
There are a number of factors which can influence the accuracy of the usage meter. Some of these include:
- the usage meter date settings in the Mobile Connect software do not coincide with your billing cycle
- background synchronisation
- hibernating or shutting down a notebook without first pressing the ‘Disconnect’ button in the Mobile Connect Software
- connecting via any other means other than pressing the ‘Connect’ button in the Mobile Connect Software
- manually resetting the usage meter in the Mobile Connect Software
- reinstalling the software at any point after initial usage
- removing the SIM card from the Data Card, using it in another laptop/device or using a different SIM with the data card.
It is also important to note that all amounts shown in the Usage window are approximate.
Different factors, including other programs running on your computer (e.g. automatic updates or compression software) may cause differences between the amount of data shown as transferred in the Usage window, and the transfer actually recorded by Mobile networks. These differences may sometimes be large. Your actual usage, rounded up as per our rounding policy, will be recorded in your monthly bill and our charges are calculated on this basis.
Where can I access mobile broadband?
TransACT mobile broadband services are available in Australia via the Vodafone 3G mobile phone network. To view Vodafone’s 3G mobile coverage maps click here.
If you are outside the 3G network you can still access the internet via 2.5G network in most areas.
Can I access mobile broadband overseas?
Yes. Currently you can roam in 70 countries around the world. Speeds available vary from network to network and may not be as fast as here in Australia. Roaming data is charged at 4c per kb at 10kb increments. You’ll have to make sure you enable international roaming on your account before you go. To do this, call us on 13 30 61.
How do I know which network I am accessing?
The software installed on your computer will show which network you are connected to. It will show 3G+ for the HSPA network, 3G for the normal 3G network and GPRS for the 2.5G network.
How do I check signal strength?
Software installed on the computer will indicate how strong your signal it. Physical obstructions, such as being indoors, underground, behind buildings or behind other land masses, can reduce your signal strength.
If you are having problems with signal strength you can try moving to a different location such as outdoors, closer to a window, or to higher elevation. You can also try plugging the internet stick into a USB extension cable and placing the internet stick near a window or at higher elevation.
Can I use the internet stick to store files?
Yes. The internet stick also doubles as a storage device with a MicroSD memory card slot for storing music, important files and more. Please note the MicroSD memory card is not included with TransACT’s internet stick.
TransACT is not liable for loss or damage to your files stored on the internet stick or MicroSD memory card so be sure to save copies of your files in a safe place.
Can I use my mobile broadband data allowance on my mobile phone?
No, you cannot share the mobile broadband data allowance between your computer and mobile phone. You will need a separate data plan to access the internet from your mobile.
Can I use the SIM card to make calls?
Yes, however usage of the SIM card for any other service other than the data service will be charged in addition to the minimum monthly fee. The applicable service rates are the TransMOBILE Cap19 call rates and you will not get any call credit.
Can you help me with other technical questions?
If you have any other technical questions about mobile broadband call us on 13 30 61.
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