And on it goes...

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/nbn-providers-could-pass-on-monthly-levy/news-story/132a97e1d59a209fb1bf5d5e8cd5f0b3

Tis said that there are 3 types of lies. However, that misses the 4th type: government cost projections.

There is an article in September Silicon Chip about a project to automatically reboot the NBN router early in the morning in order to set speed back to normal after speed reduction with time. The suggestion to reboot was given by the author's ISP (not given).

This sounds like an idea to try out first with one of my Christmas light mechanical timers. But why does such an idea work? Does anyone know?

But why does such an idea work?

My guess is that re-booting the modem 'blows out the cobwebs', so to speak. By that I mean dealing with an accumulation of message error data in the modem's registers and such, or bugs in the modem's software (firmware), either of which could potentially affect the modem's capability to operate at full speed.

Then there could be times when speed reduction is the result of errors or problems with either or both of the hardware and software in the NBN network route or at the ISPs connection point to the NBN.

Re-establishing the link on a regular basis may ensure a new and better connection.

It's not a new phenomenon. When the connection to this site cokes up a bit I do a reboot of the modem and there's a vast improvement. Time isn't an issue. A reboot can happen after a few days or the uptime can be longer than a year before there is a gremlin that needs clearing.

"reboot the modem"

While the story heading is "Automatically rebooting the modem" the text of the story, including the circuit diagram, only mentions the router, so I assumed the heading was a typo.

Could do both together although I have found that if the router startup is not delayed until the modem is online, sometimes the phone, connected to the router through my old copper wire phone extensions rather than digitally through the modem, doesn't connect.

So would use two timers - a bit more fiddly but OK.

text of the story, including the circuit diagram, only mentions the router,

These days a modem is usually a modem-router combination, with the modem handling the service line side and the router handing the computer side.

Together or separate, I can't see why one timer couldn't be used to restart any and all connection equipment. I know the NBN isn't too pleased with the idea of powerboards being used to connect their gear (especially for the first generation fibre connections) but once the tech leaves the premises they'd be none the wiser.

Well, the nbn has arrived in Glen Waverley, Melbourne. HFC area .... new cable and external Utility box connected to my house whilst I was away. Shoddy job .... anchor point weak and cable sheath 'nicked' ... shield material visible .... 2 weeks and no response as yet.

Re 18 months to change over to nbn .... nah ... although I am yet to receive any notification from nbn that its service is available in our area, Optus sent letter saying that the existing system will be turned off in 3months ... take it, or leave it .....
Not happy Jan.

Shoddy job .... anchor point weak and cable sheath 'nicked' ... shield material visible ...

Have read such complaints elsewhere. Work mainly being carried out by 457 vis people; no care, no responsibility. Just in and out.

Optus sent letter saying that the existing system will be turned off in 3months ... take it, or leave it .....

I believe the 18 months applies to those who elect not to be connected at the time of the initial rollout and I believe it relates mainly to those who simply use their copper for telephone.

However, it would be interesting to refer that letter from Optus to ACMA for comment. Strikes me as their own brand of BS to stand-over existing customers.

I am yet to receive any notification from nbn that its service is available in our area

I don't think NBN is advising anyone. I think they are relying on push-marketing by the ISPs. Have a look at this site and see what it says about your address:

http://www.nbnco.com.au/connect-home-or-business/check-your-address.html

A start-up mob in Bundaberg, QLD is offering fixed wireless at 200Mbit, twice as fast as NBN fibre. Apparently their first punters are talking up the service and generally like what they are getting. Shame it's only available in Bundaberg!

"idea of power boards"

I took a lot of trouble making a cabinet for the NBN modem and Optus router (decided not to have the backup battery - I'll buy a UPS if necessary), providing it with the right ventilation, having the thing at the right height and location near a double power point etc. Well, I don't think that the technicians could care less - "Where do you want it mate" and out the door as quickly as possible to the next job. I had the power board in the bottom of the cabinet but no comment on it.

But if there is ever to be a visit for a problem, the powerboard will disappear.

Article in today's SMH says that ISPs are buying raw bandwidth from NBN on a 1:30 basis. That is, they are punting that that only 1 in 30 customers will be connected at any given time.

No wonder some densely populated areas are experiencing lousy speeds.

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/nbn-congestion-woes-wont-go-away-just-because-providers-increase-spending-20170829-gy6vos.html

Have just connected to NBN, using Telstra, with a good outcome.
With the exception of my phone sending all incoming calls to voicemail, (fixed with a phone call), it is working well. However, I think luck was on my side. The NBN roadside box is only 100m up the road and as our land was only subdivided about 12 years ago, all the copper is relatively new.
Pre NBN, our ADSL download speed was about 11.5 Mbs, now about 25 and upload is now about 5Mbs against about 500Kbs previously. Having said that, it is difficult to see the improvement in real life, as we don't do anything exotic.
Harold

Telstra emailed and said "hold on...we are coming"!!!!! (good lyric for a song..i know already ...used).
Toongabbie area will have NBN September / December this year".
Many Telstra guys in white vans digging up "PMG" pit covers "doing a survey" one guy said as we looked in the pit and gazed at the lead covered bundle put in from Pendle hill exchange back in the 1950's. That should handle it I said...he just looked at me,!.
I was over at my daughters place at Pennant Hills, they just got the NBN, they came in from the overhead poles, no trenching all overhead.
They ran a telephone cable to a plate beside the TV plugged a box with twinkly lights into that plugged the phone and TV into that box and departed. it all works by magic apparently.
I wonder what we will get here in Toongabbie?
Fred.