Sponsor's Message

Why did I do that?

Well, in the light of the non-event changes to JetStream pricing, I don't see why I should give Telecom/Xtra any more of my money than I have to. I'll also be contacting the local wireless provider and signing up with them as a backup connection and for alternative connectivity while I'm not at home.

But should I be upset that I might have acted too hastily in selecting ihug rather than waiting until I saw this deal that Slingshot have just announced?

Check this out, it says "With no download limits".

Yes, that's right -- a DSL connection at 256Kbps with no cap and no excess data charges -- it sounds almost too good to be true doesn't it?

Before you go rushing off with credit-card in hand however, just stop and think about the golden rule of buying stuff on the Net:

"If it sounds too good to be true it probably is"

And such a warning seems worth issuing in this case too.

If you're going to sign up for this wonderful "deal" you should first be aware of several things.

First-up, that 256Kbps is actually plain old JetStream starter at 128Kbps -- but with some data compression thrown on for good (or bad) measure.

Your Linux distros, MP3 files, DivX movies and pr0n will not download any faster and in fact, if your PC is an older/slower unit, they might even download a little slower than with a raw JetStream Starter connection.

The concept of software-based transparent data compression works brilliantly on relatively slow (dial-up or GPRS) connections and especially where most of the activity involves browsing web-pages, downloading text-based emails, etc. Give it a large, already highly compressed binary however, and you see no benefits at all -- in such cases you've got a 128Kbps connection and that's it.

But no data limits eh? Surely that's got to be good?

Well make sure you read the Terms & Conditions first -- because you'll be agreeing to them when you sign up.

Pay particular attention to section 5.2.c which says:

"we can at our discretion disconnect you if we otherwise consider that your use of our internet access service has been excessive or unreasonable"

What does that mean?

Well, since the definition of "excessive or unreasonable" appears to be entirely at Slingshot's discretion, it might mean that if you chew through 10GB they'll toss you off for breaching this condition of supply.

"No download limits"? Well apparently that's not cast in stone is it?

Note also that this account comes with the caveat that "During peak usage times we will actively bandwidth manage file sharing applications", so don't expect to see that 256Kbps (or even 128Kbps) in the evenings while searching for your favourite warez.

And what about bandwidth? Does Slingshot have enough?

Well here's a thread worth reading that ran recently in the nz.comp newsgroup.

Something else worth asking is why you've got to pay quarterly in advance?

And, as a final consideration before you leap into this "deal", it's worth noting that the future of Slingshot appears a little uncertain in the longer-term if this story is anything to go by.

So there you go -- if you're someone who browses gigabytes worth of websites a month, has a fast PC and doesn't use P2P in peak-hours then this might be just the account for you. Otherwise, I see little to make me regret signing up for a regular DSL account with someone else.

If any Aardvark readers want to share an opinion on today's column or add something, you're invited to chip in and have your say in The Aardvark Forums or, if you prefer, you can contact me directly.

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