Location, Location, Location - and a Decent Broadband Connection

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, May 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- House hunters are factoring into account a fast, reliable access to an internet connection when making a decision on a property, according to a poll.

Broadband comparison website Compare Broadband asked site visitors 'Would access to a fast, reliable broadband connection affect your decision to rent or buy a property?' 78% of the 300 respondents said "yes, access to broadband is something I consider when looking for a property".

Sarah McDonald, spokesperson for Compare Broadband, said: "At Compare Broadband, we often receive calls from customers seeking help in setting up a broadband connection in their new property. Unfortunately, there are many instances where the customer has unwittingly moved from a property with access to cable or ADSL2+ to an area with ADSL1 or no fixed-line internet options at all.

"While we can still recommend mobile broadband plans in these scenarios, this can be a serious problem for someone running a home business who needs lots of data and a fast, reliable connection. We would advise house hunters to perform a quick check of the address before moving in."

As the NBN connects properties across Australia, the gap between broadband services will become wider, as some suburbs enjoy ADSL speeds of up to 100Mbps while others are stuck on ADSL1 or even mobile broadband.

Internet providers and comparison websites such as Compare Broadband can check an address for ADSL2+ services, although this is only a preliminary check and is not a guarantee of a service.

Tips for house hunters
1. The cost or reputation of an area is no guide to broadband services. Even leafy metro suburbs can have 'blackspots' where a telephone exchange is unsuitable for installing ADSL2+ equipment

2. If you get the opportunity, ask the previous occupant about their broadband service.

3. Call Compare Broadband on 1300 764 000 for advice on which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can offer ADSL2+ plans in your area

4. Brand new Greenfield housing developments are often advertised as fibre optic ready, which means speeds of up to 100Mbps. While residents may not have as many choices of providers, fibre optic offers plenty of data and blisteringly fast speeds

5. The NBN is rolling out across the country, with some towns due to receive the service within the next three years. If you want to see if your area is included in the next stage, NBN Co has a roll-out map on its website

Notes
Would access to a fast, reliable broadband connection affect your decision to rent or buy a property? Yes - access to broadband is something I consider when looking for a property, 78% (234 votes). No - there are more important considerations, 21.33% (63 votes). Other, 0.67% (2 votes). Total Votes: 295

About CompareBroadband.com.au:
CompareBroadband.com.au is an Australian company providing a free, impartial comparison service and expert advice to consumers in relation to broadband plans from Australia's leading Internet Service Providers.

For further information please contact:
Scott Kennedy, CEO, CompareBroadband.com.au.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (1300 764 000)

# # #