Exetel Naked DSL Review

Data Allowance

One of the most notable features of the Exetel Naked DSL plans is that they all come with a massive download limit for off peak times. Even the entry level $45 plan comes with 6GB in peak times and 60GB in off peak times! Exetel has five Naked DSL plans, with the highest being $90 per month which includes 54GB peak + 60GB off-peak of downloads.

The peak and off peak split is also one of the best available: peak times are from midday to midnight and off peak is from midnight to midday.

The Exetel data allowance is even better because only downloads are counted – uploads are free.

Unlike almost all of the other Naked DSL providers, Exetel does not shape (slow down) your download speed if you exceed your quota. The extra charge is only $3 per GB if you exceed your download limit, so it is a very reasonable rate. This will appeal to those who never want their speed reduced and are happy to pay for it.

Bundle Deals

Exetel has a number of services you can bundle with your Naked broadband connection, with the most popular ones being a mobile phone plan and VoIP. With Exetel VoIP you get 100 free calls each month to national landline number with additional calls to landlines at only 10 cents per call. Calls to mobiles are very cheap at just 22 cent per minute.

Contract Options

The only option is for a 12 month plan with a very cheap $40 connection fee.

Service and Support

Exetel provides the majority of its customer service online. By minimising call centre staff it allows them to keep their pricing low. They do have a phone number for logging issues if you have no internet access. They also have a comprehensive ‘User Facility’ online to manage every aspect of your Exetel service.

Freebies

Exetel has a long list of freebies and inclusions. They provide a Static IP as standard on their Naked DSL plans as well as 100 free calls to landlines with their VoIP service and a direct indial phone number. Exetel also gives customers 20 free email addresses, 200MB of hosted webspace, 30 free Australian SMS each month and 20 free Australian Email2Fax per month. Calls from Exetel VoIP to another Exetel VoIP user are free.

Connection Options

To connect to Exetel Naked DSL you need to have an active Telstra network phone line. Your bills may come from a non-Telstra provider like AAPT, but the line must be part of the Telstra network and not an Optus line. Once your Naked DSL connection is complete, your phone line will be disconnected and your broadband will be truly ‘Naked’.

If you want to sign up with Exetel but don’t have an active phone line or are moving into a new premises, you’ll need to activate one first. In many cases if there has been a line there recently it will only be a $59 reactiviation fee. Just call Telstra on 13 22 00 to do this.

You cannot keep your current phone number and transfer it to an Exetel VoIP service.

Summary

The Exetel offer is pretty simple – cheap monthly plans, with heaps of download limit – especially in off peak times. Don’t expect the world in terms of customer service, but many people don’t ever need to contact customer service anyway. Exetel is a popular provider and their 12 month contract, cheap $40 set up  fee and cheap modems could be perfect for you.

Sign Up

To sign up for Exetel Naked DSL visit the Exetel website.