Saving a Sydney Charity from Costly 5G

Introduction

In this case, we were called to help a charity organisation based in Alexandria called “Relove.” The charity was facing difficulties securing a stable internet connection for their operations. They had been informed by their provider, Telstra, that there was no cabling infrastructure available at the location. Telstra’s only suggestion was to move to a 5G system, which could be more expensive and potentially less reliable. The situation needed further investigation, so we stepped in to get to the bottom of it.

Customer’s Problem

Relove faced several challenges that complicated their connectivity options:

• Provider Confusion: Telstra had informed the charity that no wired infrastructure was available, contradicting what the charity believed based on past phone services.
• 5G as the Only Option: Telstra’s solution was to switch to a 5G connection, which posed potential issues in terms of cost and stability.
• Inconsistent Information: Other residents in the factory complex mentioned that they had ongoing phone services through another provider, raising questions about Telstra’s claim of no existing cables.

Our Solution

Upon arriving on-site, it was clear that a thorough investigation was necessary to confirm the actual state of the infrastructure. Here’s what we did to solve the problem:

• Investigating the Site: We began by exploring the factory complex, looking for key connection points. We identified both an IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame) and an MDF (Main Distribution Frame) on-site, which suggested there were existing copper lines for potential internet and phone connections.
• Testing Copper Lines: Using an FSET (Field Service Evaluation Tool), we connected to Pair 9 at the IDF to see if it linked back to the MDF. Running a trace allowed us to confirm that these connection points were active and in working condition.
• Verifying with Tenants: To back up our findings, we spoke with other factory residents who confirmed that they still had active phone lines and services, some of which were provided by a different company, Commander. This reinforced our suspicion that Telstra’s information might be outdated or inaccurate.
• Using an Online Checker: To eliminate any remaining doubts, we turned to the “POI Checker” from Aussie Broadband. This online tool allowed us to check the NBN (National Broadband Network) database by entering the charity’s address. Both addresses within the factory complex showed up as eligible, proving that the site was capable of receiving NBN services.

Results

• Confirmed Existing Infrastructure: Despite Telstra’s claim, our on-site checks and confirmation with tenants showed that the necessary cabling infrastructure was in place. This allowed us to avoid the costly and less stable 5G solution.
• Switched Providers to Save Costs: We advised Relove to switch their service to Aussie Broadband. Not only was it a more reliable option, but Aussie Broadband was also more affordable by approximately 20% compared to Telstra. After switching, the customer was successfully connected within 24 hours.
• Set Up and Tested: After confirming that the service was active, we installed a high-performance router that provided consistent speeds of 150-160 Mbps across the factory floor. This set-up offered the charity stable and fast internet, ideal for their daily operations.

Final Thoughts

This case is a perfect example of why it’s essential to double-check existing infrastructure before jumping to costly solutions like 5G. On-site inspections, by professional Internet technicians, combined with verification tools like the “POI Checker,” helped us uncover the truth and provide Relove with a better, more economical connection. By switching to Aussie Broadband and confirming the existing cabling, we saved the charity from unnecessary expenses and ensured they had a reliable, high-speed internet connection.

If your internet provider is pushing you towards an expensive solution without properly investigating your current setup, it might be time for a second opinion. Reliable connectivity doesn’t always mean a higher price tag!

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