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Coding for fun since 1996, Learn by doing and sharing.

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Copper

I am moving away from Apple hardware

February 3, 2019 by Simon

My Late 2012 Mac Book Pro Retina laptop is all but dead, it has many dead pixels and because of the poor cooling and is NOT a joy to use anymore. It does not “JUST WORK” and personally, I do not think “thinner” laptops can handle Australian summers as its hardware cooling it inadequate above 40c air temperatures.

My laptop processor would spend more time thermal throttling (at 104c)  in Web Browsers and text editors that at normal speeds. Opening up productivity apps like Photoshop or Premiere Pro would send the laptop into meltdown.

Image of temperate monitoring showing an overheating macbook when the apple is idle

Frequent high temps were common.

Temp monitoring showing 100+c temps

Attempted Fixes

Warning Disclaimer: My laptop is out of warranty and I know my way around the inside of computer hardware without zapping it. Do not attempt to open your laptop unless you know what you are doing, have backed up your data and are prepared to brick your computer.

  • I removed dust from inside the laptop.
  • I tried to only use the laptop refrigerative air conditioning
  • I replaced the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU (3 times)
  • I reinstalled OSX Mojave and reset the SMC and PRAM multiple times.
  • I ran the fans at 100% (see post here), The fans were operating at full capacity and were not broken.

The stock thermal paste was crusty after 5 years. The plastic CPU/GPU cover was visibly cooked.

Picture of dry stock thermal paste

I ordered some new Thermal grizzly thermal paste, I had some older silicone paste on hand just in case.

Picture of thermal paste options

After many reapplications of the Thermal Grizzly, the older silicone paste seemed to work the better???

Picture of thermal paste applied on a processor

After a few months, all of the fixes above did not seem to work. OSX Mojave would spin up the CPU and GPU into a frenzy overloading the single heat pipe within minutes.

Time to try some more drastic cooling modifications?

I tried improving the efficiency of the single (copper) heat pipe that is shared between an Intel i7 2.6 GHz and an Nvidia Video Card by removing the black paint by stripping the paint with acetone.

Picture of the apple heat pipe in a jar of acetone

I manually removed paint from in between the heat sink fins with a LED to reveal the metal.

Picture of paint being removed from the apple heat pipe fins

I reinstalled the heat pipe with high hopes? That looks nice 🙂Picture of the heat pipe minus paint reinstalled

I removed the old thermal paste and added new paste. First I tried Thermal Grizzly Cryonaut. I re-applied the paste three separate times as each application was not that much better than the old crusty stock paste from Apple. Did I have a bad batch of Thermal Grizzly?, It seemed thick and not very viscous. I ended up using an old tube of silicone paste (the white stuff) as my Arctic Silver was too old to try and I did not want to order more.

More heatpipe post re installation pictures

With the silicone paste applied and the paint removed temperatures were about 15c lower at max, I still had frequent thermal throttling but at least I had a reserve buffer.

This was all before the Aussie Heatwaves and high temperatures soon returned.

Is there still room for improvement?

How heat pipes work

Picture of how heatpipes work

Heat pipes have an evaporating (hot part) and condensing zone (cool part) on the heat pipe. I noticed Apple’s “stock” condensing fins were small, would improving this zone help?. Time to improve the condensers zones by adding larger copper heat sinks to the bare side of the heat pipe.

I purchased a few copper Xeon/Sun server sized heat sinks and thermal epoxied them to the condensing end of the heat pipe. Yes, they would protrude out the bottom of the case but #Meh.  I can fix that by extending the base of the laptop down and making it thicker (old school style).

The server heat sinks arrived

Side on picture of server heatpipes

I cut the heat sinks in half.

Picture of a hacksaw cutting heatsinks

I packed the fins with paper before cutting to ensure the cut did not damage the fins.

Picture of a cut heatsink

After cutting, I wiped the copper heat sinks with vinegar to restore the surface to a nice copper shine.

I tested the heat sink idea with silicone paste first

picture of silicone tested on the heatsink

Temps were 25c lower, Now it’s time to use Arctic Silver Thermal Epoxy 

Picture of two part thermal epoxy

I applied the Thermal Epoxy to the heat pipe (I temporary had foil strips above the fans so I did not block them while the epoxy dried.

Picture of epoxy applied

I then stuck the heat sink’s to the heat pipe (with Arctic Silver Thermal Epoxy).

Heatsinks Thermal Expoxied on

I toyed with a clear case but decided against it for static electricity and stability reasons.

Clear Case pon the botom of the laptop picture

I purchased a second Mac Book base for so I could cut holes for the heat sinks to protrude and use the original base to hide the modification.

Cut holes in the base of the laptop base and purchased a second case bottom

I made a 30 mm base wall so I could use it as a wall between the laptop base and the new 30mm lower base.

picture of the base side wall i made

I added some 5-volt and 12 -volt fans inside the new extended 30mm base.

Collage of base assembly, screws and wires

Finished Product

A normal looking Mac Book except for the 30mm lower base and internal 5V or 12V fans.

Picture of the final mod with 50c lower temps and a 30mm bottom slab under the laptop

External power plugs on the left side, I will add lights at a later stage.

picture of the external power plugs flush with the case on the side of the laptop

Are the temps lower?

50 lower temps screenshot

Videos

Video: Mac Book Pro cooling mod, I can now watch 1080p videos without maxing the CPU

Video: Mac Book Pro cooling mod with external powered 5v or 12v fans

Conclusion

50c lower temps are nicer at idle but in Premiere Pro (exporting video) the laptop was still thermal throttling like mad and temps were terrible (100+). Lets not get started when I start some development VM’s

Conclusion 2 weeks later

This is still not a joy to use. I don’t think I have the right to expect a 5-year-old laptop to keep up running a CPU/GPU intensive OS and applications.

Time to buy a new computer, Apple still makes thin and overheating laptops by the looks of it? 

Maybe I need to buy a fridge to stick a computer in a fridge to use these days?

YouTube users indicate Apple has a problem with heat.

What computer do I get next?

Not an Apple made one. I will be moving back to Windows for local development and Linux on servers

Dell Alienware has many heat pipes.

Picture inside a dell alienware laptop with more heatpies

Acer Predator 500

I read a few reviews (e.g this one from Ultra book reviews) and Acer have good cooling.

picture of Acer Predator cooling and heatpipes

MSI GT Series laptops look the best if cooling is important.

Picture of a MSI GT laptop with 9 heatpipes

Or should I build a custom desktop with way more cores

CPU: Threadripper 2950X 16C 32T 

SSD: M.2 SSD: Samsung 970 PRO 512GB
MOBO: Asus Zenith Extreme
Power: Corsair RM1000x 1000W
MEM: Quad 3600 Mhz 
GPU: AMD Radeon VII Navi 3980

Thanks for reading.

 

v1.3 Added videos

v1.2 Updated alt tag descriptions

v1.1 Added “I will be moving back to Windows for local development and Linux on servers”

1.0 Initial Draft

 

Filed Under: Advice, Apple, Backup, Computer, Copper, Disaster Recovery, Heat, Maintenance, Uncategorized Tagged With: Apple, Heat, Macbook

Telstra promised Fibre to the house (FTTP) when I had FTTN and this is what happened..

July 28, 2018 by Simon

This post is for Telstra (to help a 10+-week investigation into Telstra NBN issues).

This post has been split up to make this page load faster: Read [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

Unresolved Issues with Telstra

  1. Telstra promised Fibre to the premises but delivered fibre to the node (deceptive bait and switch?)
  2. Data stability issues remain.

Status

  • TIO deadline (16th of August) passed 7 days ago (no resolution). Still waiting for assistance for the TIO (at least 6-week wait from the TIO ticket creation)
  • Telstra deadline passed (23rd August) with no resolution.
  • Escalating Federally (Federal cannot help until the TIO case is closed, Telstra will not close TIO case)
  • Telstra added a 2-week deadline to transfer the phone line (phone line back).
  • Have I been blacklisted by Telstra 13 22 00 support number (and reps says talk to your case manager)
  • Data stability issues remain

I was already with NBN (FTTN, ISP Name redacted) on a 50/20 Megabit plan and Telstra promised fibre to the house (FTTP) instead of FTTN and this is what happened (still unfolding…).

Telstra NBN (FTTN)

You can read my change over from ADSL 2 to NBN posts here. I was paying for a 50 Megabit Down and 20 Megabit up plan and it was not very after 5 months. I am not into torrenting unless downloading essential Raspberry Pi images or Linux ISO images. I needed a faster and more reliable internet connection and phone line.

My landline was down for 30 days and because I had a stroke recently (all good touch wood) a working phone line is very important. My previous provider said they can’t escalate issues unless the data line is completely down. Some days the internet was fine other days it was terrible.

I was sent a number of routers from my previous ISP to try an diagnose the dead landline and bad NBN speeds.

Picture of 3 dead routers

I was sick of the poor speeds of FTTN NBN. I was frequently talking to my previous NBN provider and had to perform daily router reboots. Some days NBN 50 Megabit seemed like being on a modem on a good day or ADSL1 on a bad day.

Old Provider Scores

All support calls with my previous ISP support usually went one of two ways

  • We cannot escalate this issue (dead landline/slow data speeds) to NBN because your router is “syncing” (all be it slowly and with a dead landline).
  • We will send you a new router (mostly with experimental firmware?).

The landline stopped working and we got used to rebooting the router multiple times a day.

NBN is having troubles?

NBN woes signal boom in fixed wireless broadband internet (1 in l 6 NBN connections fail.

1st Telstra Inquiry

On the 30th June 2018, I chatted with Telstra to investigate Telstra NBN options.

General Info

Duration (actual chatting time) 00:40:54
Operator TelstraOperator (real name redacted)

Telstra Chat Transcript (*** = “*** removed delayed replies for readability ***”. Some numbers have been pre redated by Telstra?, Telstra Typo’s not corrected.)

P.S The real name provided by the Telstra Operator has been replaced with TelstraOperator (as I promised to hide names when asking for permission to post the conversation on my blog).

fyi: Alison and myself (Simon) are married.

> Info: Thank you for choosing Telstra 24×7 Live Chat. A representative will be with you shortly. At the conclusion of your chat please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today.
> Info: All agents are currently assisting others. Thank you for your patience.
> Info: You are now chatting with TelstraOperator.
> TelstraOperator: Welcome to Telstra, this is TelstraOperator one of the sales representatives. How may I help you today?
> TelstraOperator: Hello Alison how are you?
> Alison: (***Asked about switching NBN to Telstra***)
> Alison: Do you we need to leave the current provider or can we transfer?
> TelstraOperator: Could you please provide me your account /home number with complete name and Date of birth? I will quickly have a look.
> …
> Alison: (*** I provided my addresss ***)
> Alison: (*** I provided my landline ***)
>TelstraOperator: I Thought you are existing Telstra customer
> Alison: Telstra mobile but (Previous ISP Name) phone
> Alison: We want the phone and nbn to be on Telstra with mobile number
> …
> TelstraOperator: Thank you for the address, and yes while palcing the order you will get a option to enter your deatails, so our team will cancel your current broadband plan and switch to Telstra.
> Alison: Nice
> TelstraOperator: Thank you, (Please allow me a moment while i check the same in our system.)
> Alison: Ok
> Alison: I have an optus phone I am willing to switch ove too
> Alison: Over
> TelstraOperator: Greta, yes you can switch your number as well with us.
> TelstraOperator: After running the serviceability check it was found that Telstra will be able to provide you service via NBN which is the fastest fiber optic based technology we offer, and with our NBN plan you will get 50 mbps speed .
> Alison: Are you sure it’s fibre optic?
> TelstraOperator: Great! Based on the information you have provided today, I would like to offer you _ our $79 plan for ***** gb data per month + new smart modem free , and pay as you go calls, however if you want the cals so you can add our calling pack any time for $10 unlimited loclam national ,Aus mobile calls .
> TelstraOperator: And yes its a fibre optic .
> Alison: Our nbn at present is copper vdsl
> Alison: sounds great
> Alison: Do we pay extra to upgrade our house line to fibre from copper?
> TelstraOperator: Thank you, and like to
> TelstraOperator: iNFORM*
> TelstraOperator: Like to inform*
> Alison: What deals can we get with a landline phone, nbn 50/20/***** and 1 or 2 mobiles a month?
> Alison: Sounds good, thanks
> TelstraOperator: After sign up our $79 plan our team will come to your place to set up our service for you,and there is only one time fee of $99 for activtion feeand this fee will be add on your firts bill , so no need to pay any thing right now , and this fee will cover all like set up , line connection technical team visiting etc.
> TelstraOperator: And yes on $79 plan you can add mobile plan as well any time .
> …
> Alison: Can you double check please the fibre optic, is this to the house or nbn cabinet?
> TelstraOperator: Sur
> TelstraOperator: sure*
> Alison: Can I share these awesome details on my blog? So sick of (*** Previous ISP Name ***) NBN
> TelstraOperator: Thank you for waiting, as I have checked and confirm with my team as well, so yes fibre optic its availabl.
> TelstraOperator: Order Processing You will have to place an order from the Telstra website itself, I will help you with the process whenever you are ready.
> Alison: fibre to the house?
> …
> TelstraOperator: Yes , You can connect to the nbn™ network via Fibre to the Curb technology.
> TelstraOperator: Fibre.
> Alison: Oh, so it’s not fibre to the house but copper from the house to the node then fibre the exchange from the node
> TelstraOperator: Yes, but do noty worry.
> TelstraOperator: As I have inform you
> Alison: yes fibre or copper from the house? Huge differences.
> TelstraOperator: That after signup the plan our team will come to your place to do all teh set up from your streret to your house
> TelstraOperator: With a fibre .
> Alison: Sorry to be a pain and ask for clarification but it’s copper from the house to the node not fibre. Answers being blogged here for other to read https://fearby.com/article/upgrade-adsl2-fttn-nbn-national-broadband-network-australia-journey/
> TelstraOperator: I understand it’s been an inconvenience and I’m sorry., but let me explain .
> Alison: Not sure it’s legal for you to say I can get fibre nbn when it’s copper to the node?
> TelstraOperator: As I have inform that our team will set up the service from your street to your home, it means our team will do the new cabling from your strtyee to your home, of fibre .
> Alison: FttN or FttC
> TelstraOperator: For thaat reason only there is one time fee of $99 .
> Alison: Awesome
> Alison: Do we pay for the fibre from our house to the street? Our driveway is 80m long
> …
> Alison: Nice, based on your advice of new fibre and price, we will signup ASAP, do you have a reference number we can use to lock this in?
> TelstraOperator: Thank you we can sign up the plan now as well
> TelstraOperator: And after sign u p the plan our team will call you with i 24 hours for the confirmatoin.
> TelstraOperator: Order Processing You will have to place an order from the Telstra website itself, I will help you with the process whenever you are ready.
> Alison: I need to confirm we can exit our nbn plan from the current provider first
> Alison: do you have a reference number for this chat?
> Info: The chat transcript will be sent to: [email protected] at the end of your chat.
> : ThatTelstraOperator’s fine , no worries please take your time,and once your ready so please feel free to chat back with us
> TelstraOperator: I hope I have replied all your queries successfully?
> Alison: It has, awesome news tekstea
> Alison: telstra
> TelstraOperator: Thank you,I have a small favour to ask.
> TelstraOperator: It has been a pleasure serving you, please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today. Please Initiate the End Chat Session Now, by clicking the (+) sign, and Select the ‘End Chat Conversation’ and you can also get a copy of our chat transcript by selecting ‘Email Transcript’ button.
> TelstraOperator: Thank you,I am glad I was able to assist. Is there anything else I could help you with today?
> Alison: Yep, can I share this info on my personal blog? happy to blur out names.
> TelstraOperator: yes of cource you camn
> Info: The chat transcript will be sent to: [email protected] at the end of your chat.
> TelstraOperator: can*
> …

Summary

  • TelstraOperator: Great! Based on the information you have provided today, I would like to offer you _ our $79 plan for ***** gb data per month + new smart modem free , and pay as you go calls, however if you want the cals so you can add our calling pack any time for $10 unlimited loclam national ,Aus mobile calls .
  • TelstraOperator: And yes its a fibre optic .
  • Alison: Do we pay extra to upgrade our house line to fibre from copper?
  • Alison: Can you double check please the fibre optic, is this to the house or nbn cabinet?
  • TelstraOperator: Thank you for waiting, as I have checked and confirm with my team as well, so yes fibre optic its availabl.
  • Alison: fibre to the house?
  • TelstraOperator: As I have inform that our team will set up the service from your street to your home, it means our team will do the new cabling from your strtyee to your home, of fibre .
  • Alison: Do we pay for the fibre from our house to the street? Our driveway is 80m long
  • Alison: Nice, based on your advice of new fibre and price, we will signup ASAP, do you have a reference number we can use to lock this in?

I was left thinking that I was being offered fibre to the house (FTTP – fibre laid up my driveway).

Telstra promise of Fibre (FTTN)?

Telstra Fibre Promise?

Street to the house cabling (Fibre).

FTTP?

Fibre to the house sounds awesome.

Exiting my contact with my previous ISP

I asked my previous ISP to release me from the contract I was in (given the ongoing issues)

Request to leave my previous ISP

My previous ISP called and said that I can leave the contract 🙂

2nd Telstra Inquiry (and switchover to FTTN)

On the 3rd of July 2018, I contacted Telstra Chat to confirm fibre again and to switch over if it was fibre.

General Info

Duration (actual chatting time) 00:47:30
Operator TelstraOperator (real name redacted)

Telstra Chat Transcript (*** = “*** removed delayed replies for readability ***”. Some numbers have been pre redated by Telstra?, Telstra Typo’s not corrected.)

P.S The real name provided by the Telstra Operator has been replaced with TelstraOperator (as I promised to hide names when asking for permission to post the conversation on my blog).

> Info: Thank you for choosing Telstra 24×7 Live Chat. A representative will be with you shortly. At the conclusion of your chat please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today.
> Info: You are now chatting with TelstraOperator.
> TelstraOperator: Welcome to Telstra, this is TelstraOperator one of the sales representatives. How may I help you today?
> TelstraOperator: Hello Simon , how are you?
> Simon Fearby: Hello, (Previous ISP Name Redacted) just said I can exit a 50/20 NBN contract early so I can switch to Telsta NBN (Connect Plus)
> Simon Fearby: Shall I cancel with (Previous ISP Name Redacted) then signup with Telstra to make things smoother or transfer and have Telstra pull the number etc?
> TelstraOperator: That’s good to know, and good choice of plan, Sure I Telstra sure provide teh service,and Telstra will cancel yourt current (Previous ISP Name Redacted) plan as well .
> TelstraOperator: While placing the order you will get a option to enter your (Previous ISP Name Redacted) details
> Simon Fearby: So I should signup with Telstra, enter address and number and then have Telstra pull services then call (Previous ISP Name Redacted) to ensure all is cancelled?
> Simon Fearby: Nice.
> TelstraOperator: Yes corret .
> TelstraOperator: Can I have your complete address to perform a serviceability check for you?
> Simon Fearby: I cant wait, Telstra’s service sounds great.
> Simon Fearby: (*** I provided my addresss ***)
> TelstraOperator: Thank you, in our $79 plan you will gte ***** gb data per month+ new smart modem free , no calls included , however if you want the calls so you can add our $10 calling pack for ulnimited local, natioanl ,Aus mobile calls .
> Simon Fearby: Thanks
> Simon Fearby: We dont make many calls. 🙂
> Simon Fearby: So we signup online?
> TelstraOperator: After running the serviceability check it was found that Telstra will be able to provide you service via NBN which is the fastest fiber optic based technology we offer, and with our NBN $79 plan you will gte 50 mbps speed.
> Simon Fearby: Do we pay extra for fibre to be installed?
> TelstraOperator: Once the order will be placed, soon you will receive an email and SMS about the package details. The plan/bundle will be activated in your account within 5 to 7 business working days based upon cabling work required . The necessary devices will be sent within 5-7 business working days, and if you want in urgent so while placing the order you can select connect me soon option.
> TelstraOperator: NO , There is only one time cost for $99 for activtion fee, and thsi fee will be add on your First bill so no need to pay any thing right now , and this fee will cover all like set up, line connectiojn , technical team visiting etc.
> Simon Fearby: Thanks for your information, this has made me decide switch 🙂
> TelstraOperator: Great, Order Processing You will have to place an order from the Telstra website itself, I will help you with the process whenever you are ready.
> Simon Fearby: Will do tonight.
> Simon Fearby: Thanks TelstraOperator
> TelstraOperator: Sure, but I like to suggest to go right now
> TelstraOperator: Because I will be there online for you
> Simon Fearby: go and get connected?
> TelstraOperator: So if you stuck in ay question so i can help you
> …
> TelstraOperator: So you can sign up the plan any time .
> Simon Fearby: Just to confirm we dont need to pay for the fibre optic trench form the cabinet to the house up our driveway?
> TelstraOperator: No need to pay any extra
> TelstraOperator: The $99 wil cover all.
> TelstraOperator: will *
> Simon Fearby: Im happy to switch now, just got the ok.
> TelstraOperator: Awesome, so shall we go a head to sign up the $79 plan ?
> Simon Fearby: Yep.
> TelstraOperator: Sure captain .
> TelstraOperator: https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/plans-bundles
> Simon Fearby: Lets do this
> …
> TelstraOperator: please visit the above link to sign up the $79 p;lan
> Simon Fearby: done
> TelstraOperator: After visit the link, please enter your address.
> Simon Fearby: I can self install
> TelstraOperator: Yes
> : You have to select self install option.
> TelstraOperator: When you click ‘select’, it will take you to the online order form. You will have to fill the details and pass me the Order Reference Number that is generated after the order is placed successfully for further processing.
> Simon Fearby: doing now 🙂
> Simon Fearby: Whats “Registered Priority Assistance customer.”?
> TelstraOperator: Sure,please take your time, and once you done, please pass me the order id munnuimber for the further process, and Thank you. I am there online in case you need any help.
> TelstraOperator: We offer Priority Assistance which is a free service designed to help customers who have (or are living with someone who has) a diagnosed life threatening medical condition and whose life may be at risk without access to a fully operational phone service. Eligible customers can register for Priority Assistance and we will install a Priority Assistance customer’s first home phone line at their address as quickly as possible.
> Simon Fearby: just confirming phone bundle
> TelstraOperator: Yes
> Simon Fearby: can i select the $10 unlimited calls option later?
> TelstraOperator: yes of cource
> Simon Fearby: “Yes, with another service provider and I want to switch to Telstra” = (Previous ISP Name Redacted)?
> TelstraOperator: you can add the add on stuiff any time .
> TelstraOperator: Stuff*
> Simon Fearby: nice
> TelstraOperator: Yes correct ,and enter your (Previous ISP Name Redacted) details.
> Simon Fearby: “Connection Type” = Cable Other?
> TelstraOperator: please select other .
> TelstraOperator: As part of your service, your name, address and phone number will be published in the printed and online White Pages directories and available from Directory Assistance. If you don’t want your details published, we offer a private number service called Silent Line free per month. We’ll also block your number so that when you call others they won’t be able to see your number. It’s important to know that a Silent Line alone won’t stop all telemarketing or unwanted calls. Would you like a silent Line?
> TelstraOperator: As part of the Telstra family it’s important to know all the best ways you can make changes and view your account online. Your first stop for all things related to your account is My Account found at: https://www.my.telstra.com.au. Here you can view your accounts, current invoices and make change requests to your accoun
> TelstraOperator: The whole process takes anywhere from 5 to 7 business days to get you connected after you sign-up.
> TelstraOperator: You won’t be charged for any excess broadband usage, however your speed will be shaped to 256 kbps for that month or until you do a data top-up.
> TelstraOperator: Your Telstra Technician will call when they’re on their way. Please allow around 4 to 5 hours for your appointment. You must have : an authorised representative on your account on site and available during your appointment(s), access to all work areas (including any required work permits), access to any service configuration emails that we’ve sent you, access to any relevant usernames and passwords. If your installation requires any non-standard services or equipment, your technician will discuss your options and let you know any extra costs before commencing work.
> TelstraOperator: We offer the option to connect to the nbn network if you’re confident with installing your own devices and if your home set-up is fairly simple, this would be the ‘Self Install’ option. If a standard Professional Installation/ tech visit is required, there will be a charge of $240 (one off). The $240/standard Professional Installation/ tech visit fee is available on a 12 month service repayment option. Additional costs will apply if you have complex cabling requirement
> Simon Fearby: DONE.
> TelstraOperator: There must be a working phone line/cable in the property for Telstra to provide services. If cabling is required, additional charges may incur.
> TelstraOperator: https://www.telstra.com/content/dam/tcom/personal/help/pdf/cis-personal/bundles-c/personal-critical-information-summary-telstra-plans-bundles-MOSC2160.pdf
> TelstraOperator: The above link its for our $79 Critiacl info summary , so you can go throuigh it any time .
> Simon Fearby: how do i pay?
> TelstraOperator: you will get a bil after 30 days .
> Simon Fearby: What about $99 setup fee?
> TelstraOperator: It will add on your First bill.
> TelstraOperator: And from second montyh it will be $79 per month .
> Simon Fearby: Nice.
> Simon Fearby: When will the fibre be connected to the house and router turn up?
> TelstraOperator: After sig up the plan our team will come to your place to set up our service for you, and our team will call you with in 24 hours for the confirmation.
> Simon Fearby: Thanks
> TelstraOperator: Thank you, once you done please pass me the order number /
> Simon Fearby: Today?
> Simon Fearby: So I check email?
> Simon Fearby: ########
> Simon Fearby: What’s next? We’ll process your request within 24-48 hours and contact you to clarify details of your order if required. Your order Order reference number: NA########
> TelstraOperator: NO , OUR team will create a pass word them you can checked the email .
> Simon Fearby: thanks, so that is?
> TelstraOperator: Fantastic,thank you for the order id number, soon you will receive an email and SMS about the package details. and one call fro our team with in 24 hours for the confirmation.
> …
> TelstraOperator: Just to summarise what you have purchased today our $79 copnnet plus plan with NBN
> TelstraOperator: My account As part of the Telstra family it’s important to know all the best ways you can make changes and view your account online. Your first stop for all things related to your account is My Account found at: https://www.my.telstra.com.au. Here you can view your accounts, current invoices and make change requests to your account.
> TelstraOperator: CrowdSupport If you have further questions about your services in the future, I also recommend visiting our crowdsupport page at: https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/. This is a digital community providing support and answers to a list of commonly asked questions by our customers. Have a browse and ask a question, there are no bad questions.
> Simon Fearby: Yes, with pay as you go phone.
> TelstraOperator: I hope I have replied all your queries successfully?
> TelstraOperator: Yes correct .
> Simon Fearby: Thanks, can I tell my friends on blog how awesome Telstra are?
> Simon Fearby: https://fearby.com
> TelstraOperator: YES please .
> Simon Fearby: Thanks
> …
> TelstraOperator: It has been a pleasure serving you, please take a few moments to give us some feedback on your experience today. Please Initiate the End Chat Session Now, by clicking the (+) sign, and Select the ‘End Chat Conversation’ and you can also get a copy of our chat transcript by selecting ‘Email Transcript’ button.
> …
> TelstraOperator: Thank you for visiting Telstra, have a nice day.

Summary

> TelstraOperator: After running the serviceability check it was found that Telstra will be able to provide you service via NBN which is the fastest fiber optic based technology we offer, and with our NBN $79 plan you will gte 50 mbps speed.
> Simon Fearby: Do we pay extra for fibre to be installed?
> Simon Fearby: Just to confirm we dont need to pay for the fibre optic trench form the cabinet to the house up our driveway?
> Simon Fearby: When will the fibre be connected to the house and router turn up?

Again I was expecting Fibre to the house.

Continue onto Part 2

WiFi Research

I found this Telstra Wifi Page:
https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/extras/getwifi

I Downloaded the Telstra Home Dashboard App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.telstra.wifidiag

House Plan

Telstra Map House Wifi Speeds

My Wifi Speeds

Wifi Speeds

Related Links

  • ACCC report on NBN speed show some customers aren’t getting what they paid for.
  • NBN Co considering mechanisms to slow down heavy NBN users (Gamers)? Will Netflix users be next? This sounds like modem dial-up days and low quotas again 🙁
  • Better Internet For Rural, Regional And Remote Australia (BIRRR) volunteers helping fix NBN connections – IT Wire
  • NBN backflips on 1 gigabit speed promise
  • Telstra’s full-year profit falls 8pc to $3.6 billion as NBN rollout erodes business
  • Telstra offers to compensate 42,000 customers for slow NBN speeds
  • NBN came in like a wrecking ball, and worse is to come
  • TIO Complaint Handling Procedure
  • Telstra expects $300m income hit from NBN delays
  • NBN Co’s build costs rise $2bn, 1.2m premises delayed

Revision History

V8.2 TIO case closed.

V8.1 upload limit removed by Telstra Specialist.

V8.0 Telstra confirmed that NBN visited last week and fixed a fault. Also 14Mb upload OK ok.

V8.0 slow upload speeds remain

V7.9 slow upload speed

V7.8 unscheduled technician visit while I was out.

V7.7 third plan restart?

V7.6 remote fix scheduled.

V7.5 technician visit booked.

V7.4 Update 4th October 2018.

V7.3 the TIO called and asked that the remaining issue is? (I said dropouts, slow uploads and fluctuating speeds). New Telstra case manager will be assigned.

V7.2 slow speeds

V7.1 Upload speeds now 14Mb (20% lower)

V7.0 Created Part 5 (Part 4 was too slow to edit on mobile)

V6.9 the Internet is going down a lot tonight, 6x already.

V6.8 NBN went down, I called Telstra and the automated voice said they can’t find a NBN plan attached to our landline.

V6.7 data slow again?

V6.6 landline back, data stable, no FTTP. Case over?

V6.5 landline and data are back but no services are listed in our account.

V6.4 Telstra landline is still dead, data-poor. Talked to Teksta and they cancelled our contract and will reconnect in 6 days.

V6.5 silent case manager.

V6.5 reconnection date changed to 27/9/2018.

V6.4 reconnection date changed to 1/10/2018

V6.3 dead landline still.

V6.2 dead landline and unstable speeds again.

V6.1 router is working video, why send a tech.

V6.0 Local Telstra technician tried to visit (Telstra did not call him to cancel the call). Again Telstra need a working CRM.

V5.9 I requested a new case manager.

V5.8 Telstra cancelled todays technician visit (news to me), Telstra rescheduled to next month.

V5.7 Telstra CEO blocked me.

V5.6 I advised Telstra of the days I will be home for NBN to visit again. Waiting for confirmation.

V5.5 TIO said they cant help for a few more weeks, Telstra NBN visit appointment issues.

V5.4 Being booted of NBN so they can reconnect us with the old number.

V5.3 Mandatory Telstra visit required to port a landline.

V5.2 Telstra replied to the query about $40/mobthly landline BILL (needed to port our landline)

V5.1 TIO office and asked Telstra to send a bill.

V5.0 Re-adding advertisements to this blog post to help pay for my mobile data.

V4.9 Splitting the guide into 4 parts (it is too long and I can’t edit on my phone).

V4.8 CEO comments

V4.7 microchip details invalid.

V4.6 two more weeks to wait.

V4.5 two months on

V4.4 deadlines passed, escalating.

V4.3 FTTN running very slowly.

V4.2 my desire for FTTP is my fault?

V4.1 Error porting number.

V4.0 50/20 FTTN is back up.

V3.9 replacement router received.

V3.8 Donated $10 USD to the Electronic Frontier Foundation – The leading nonprofit defending digital privacy, free speech, and innovation (to cover any revenue gained from an ad’s in the post sidebar (no ads are in the header or content).

V3.7 Telstra CEO replied on Twitter.

V3.6 TIO added link to Complaint Handling Procedure.

V3.5 mobile quota update.

V3.4 Weekend with no Internet or phone.

V3.3 dead router, no internet or phone.

V3.2 todo factory reset router.

V3.1 No outages nearby

V3.0 No Internet.

V2.9 TIO resolution time expired.

V2.8 TIO complaint update.

V2.7 no reply from Telstra today, added profit fall link.

V2.6 early update on the final day of TIO complaint

V2.5 3pm speed test added.

V2.4 Telstra called.

v2.3 Added WiFi MAp and Telstra call details.

V2.2 added 100/40 FTTN 6am speed test

V2.1 added 100/40 FTTN night speeds.

V2.0 added 100 Mbit FTTN

V1.9 Telstra were in touch.

V1.8 added lunchtime speed test.

V1.7 added backflip link on 1gb speeds

v1.6 Instability and dropouts tonight

v1.5 Complaint is back to the Executive Customer Contact Team 🙁

v1.4 NBN Co to slow down heavy NBN users?

v1.3 added requested speed test

v1.2 speed test falling well below 50Mb.

v1.1 Telstra received my TIO complaint.

v1.0 Escalated to ACCC and Telecommunication Ombudsman

v0.99 update 2nd August 2018

v0.98 added Links section

v0.97 Escalated to Telstra “Escalated Complaints Group”

v0.96 Next update in 2 days.

v0.95 escalated to Executive Complaints Team

v0.94 added Telstra link

v0.93 added 2nd phone update.

v0.92 added update re phone line.

v0.91 added nbn issues article

v0.9 Draft Post

Filed Under: Copper, Fibre, FTTC, FTTN, FTTP, Telstra Tagged With: and, Fibre, FTTN, FTTP, had, happened, house, I, is, promised, Telstra, the, this, to, what, when

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