What are the system (computer) requirements for Broadband?

Before you connect to Optus Cable, DSL Direct or DSL Broadband you need to make sure your computer is compatible. Please see the information for your operating system below for details:

Cable, DSL & DSL Direct Broadband

Windows 7
CPU: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86), equivalent or higher
RAM: 1GB RAM (32-bit)
Free Disk Space: 500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: USB or Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port

Windows 2000
CPU: Pentium, equivalent or higher
RAM: 64MB
Free Disk Space: 125MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: USB or Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port

Windows XP
CPU: Pentium 233MHz, equivalent or higher
RAM: 64MB
Free Disk Space: 500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: USB or Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port

Windows Vista
CPU: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86), equivalent or higher
RAM: 512MB
Free Disk Space: 500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port

Mac OS10.0 to 10.3
CPU: PowerPC G3 (or higher)
RAM: 128MB
Free Disk Space: 500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port

Mac OSX10.4
CPU: PowerPC G3 (or higher)
RAM: 256MB
Free Disk Space: 500MB
Standard Modem & Wireless Cable Network Device: Ethernet Port
Wireless DSL Network Device: Ethernet Port

DSL & DSL Direct Broadband

Optus DSL and DSL Direct Broadband runs on your standard phone line and a DSL modem and filters can be supplied as part of a connection package. If you plan to use your own existing ADSL modem or telephone filters, check the list of approved equipment to ensure they are Optus Network approved, and not part of the incompatib le product list. It is recommended that you use an ADSL2+ modem for your DSL Direct connection.

Is Optus Broadband secure?

Due to your Internet connection being 'always on', we suggest you take precautions to protect your computer. Optus Internet Security Suite offers a complete range of Internet protection, including anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and parental control. Find out more about Security Suite.

Does Optus Broadband offer virus protection?

Yes. As an Optus Broadband customer, you can get Optus Internet Security Suite to protect your PC from viruses. Optus Internet Security Suite offers a complete range of Internet protection, including anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and parental control. Find out more about Security Suite.

Does Optus Broadband offer content filtering?

Yes. Optus is compliant with the Internet Industry Association (IIA) Family Friendly policy. The IIA policy requires ISPs to provide its customers with access to an IIA scheduled content filtering solution. As such, Optus offers all Broadband customers Optus Internet Security Suite, a complete Internet protection solution. Find out more about Security Suite.

What does downstream/upstream mean?

Downstream refers to the flow of data from the Internet to the end user i.e. a webpage loading onto your computer. Upstream refers to the data flowing in the other direction i.e. from your computer when you send an email. Typical residential Internet subscribers use four to 10 times as much downstream data as upstream data.

Can I make and receive telephone calls while I use Optus Broadband?

Absolutely. With Optus Broadband you can be online and on the phone at the same time without interrupting your phone calls. There's no need for a second line, you simply make and receive your calls as usual.

Do I need to log on or connect every time I want to use the Internet?

No, with Optus Broadband you opt to have an 'always on' connection which means when your computer is on, you're online. Alternatively you can configure your system to only connect 'on demand'.

Can I have more than one email address?

Optus Broadband includes up to five email addresses.

Can I keep my Optus Dial-up username when I move to Optus Broadband?

Yes. You can keep your Optus Dial-up username/password and share it across both services. Or if you are cancelling your Optus Dial-up service, you can choose to move your dial-up username to your Broadband service. Be sure to request this feature from your Optus sales representative when you sign up for Optus Broadband.

What kind of customer service and support does Optus Broadband offer?

Optus Broadband will provide dedicated Customer Support 24 hours, 7 days a week on 1300 309 333 across all plans. As an Optus Broadband customer you can also access comprehensive online help from your Optus Broadband customer portal.

What is throttling?

When you sign up to Optus Broadband, you will choose a plan with an included set data usage allowance per month. If you exceed your plan's monthly data allowance, instead of additional usage charges, your access will be speed limited or ‘throttled’ to 64kbps or 128kbps depending on your plan until the end of the billing month. This means you will always know how much your monthly bill will be. And there are never any surprise excess usage charges.

Is my computer compatible with Optus Broadband?

You'll need to confirm this by checking that your PC meets the Optus Broadband minimum system requirements for the service you are able to connect to. These requirements are relatively low and are met by most computers sold over the past few years.

If I don't subscribe to local and long distance telephone or mobile services from Optus, can I still get Optus Broadband?

Yes. You are not obliged to subscribe to Optus telephone services to receive Optus Broadband.

Does Optus Broadband offer Static IP addresses?

No. The Optus Broadband services provide dynamic IP addresses and do not support or allow servers of any kind to be run from home or business premises.

What is Home WiFi?

A home WiFi modem is a device that allows you to access the internet wirelessly within your home. It will allow you to connect multiple computers, laptops and gaming consoles for example, all at the same time.

What equipment do I need to enjoy the benefits of Wireless broadband within my home?

You will need to purchase an Optus home WiFi kit (includes a wireless 4 port Ethernet modem and USB wireless adapter) when you sign up to fixed Optus broadband. Sign up online now at Broadband.

Questions about Optus Cable:

What is Optus Cable?

Optus Cable is much more than just a high-speed Internet service. Optus Cable is a complete online service that delivers a high-speed, constant and immediate connection to the Internet.

Optus Cable delivers the full power of the Internet to your computer using a fibre optic cable instead of a phone wire. Since Optus Cable uses cable, you don't have to bother with a phone line for your Internet access ever again.

The Optus Cable service provides all the features your family needs to enjoy the Web, including: five email accounts, five personal web space accounts, FREE optional SPAM filtering, 24 hours/7 days a week technical support, customisable content on the Optus homepage, search tools, newsgroups and more.

How does Optus Cable work?

Optus Cable designed to deliver data at high-speeds to your home.

Moreover Optus Cable uses standard 'DOCSIS' modems so you don’t have to worry about the cable modem becoming obsolete. DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) is the worldwide cable modem standard supported by all major manufacturers.

How much does Optus Cable cost?

Optus Cable will be available to you for a flat monthly subscription rate with no metered or 'per megabyte' charges^. Instead, you get a monthly Data Allowance and if you exceed this allowance, your service is simply speed limited.

^If you exceed your monthly data allowance, access will be speed limited or ‘throttled’ to 64kbps or 128kbps depending on your plan until the end of the billing month.

How do I subscribe to Optus Cable?

You can subscribe to Optus Cable via a toll-free number – 1800 555 669.

Is a cable modem included with the Optus Cable service?

If you do not already have an existing approved cable modem, Optus can provide you with one as part of your installation package for an extra charge. Any other additional hardware required for connecting (i.e. Network Interface Card) may incur additional charges.

What is a cable modem?

An Optus Cable modem is a device that gives you high-speed data access to the Internet via a Optus Locale Cable network. It is capable of downstream speeds of up to 20Mbps~. Displayed speed is based on Optus network testing. Not applicable if your service has been speed limited. Speeds of up to 20Mbps are available in selected areas. Actual speeds will vary and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as, Internet traffic, your hardware and software, the source of your download, and your location.

~ Not applicable if your service has been speed limited. There are no phone numbers to dial and no limitations on serial-port throughput. However, usage of the Optus Cable service is subject to the Customer Terms and Acceptable Use Policy.

What type of modem can I purchase?

If you do not already have one, Optus can supply you with a DOCSIS-compliant cable modem.

Optus Cable uses only standard DOCSIS cable modems and equipment. Because Optus Cable uses a standard modem, you can be confident that the cable modem you receive as part of the service will not become obsolete.

How can I get Cable Internet from the TV in my living room to the PC in my bedroom?

Since the data and the television signals travel on the same physical cable, the installation of a simple cable splitter is all that is needed to provide multiple connections. To minimise noise to the system, a cable technician will perform the installation of the splitter and cable outlet in the secondary location. If user-installed splitters or cabling are present, the technician will perform quality assurance tests before making sure that the service is operational.

Can I watch Optus TV or make calls on Optus Local while I use Optus Cable?

Absolutely, Optus Cable uses the bandwidth of only one cable TV channel. So, you and your family can surf the web on OptusNet Cable, make calls with Optus Local, and watch a movie on Optus TV in another room all over the same cable, at the same time.

Can I operate a server from my home computer?

No. The Optus Cable service is for residential, casual use only and does not support or allow servers of any kind from the home.

Questions about Optus DSL Direct:

What is Optus Direct?

Optus Direct delivers both Optus Local Direct telephone service and Optus DSL Direct Broadband service via standard phone lines in selected areas. By using our own 'Direct' network, Optus has more control enabling us to provide you higher quality, better value products with features like broadband with super-fast speeds up to 20Mbps*.

*Displayed speed is based on Optus network testing. Not applicable if you service has been speed limited. Around 50% of customers on the DSL Direct network can access speeds between 8Mbps and 20Mbps. Actual speeds will vary and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as your distance from the telephone exchange, your line condition, your hardware and software, the source of your download, and general internet traffic. Speeds above 8Mbps require network compatible ADSL2+ modem and filters. Network theoretical download maximum is 20Mbps.
If you exceed your monthly data allowance, access will be speed limited to 64 kbps or 128kbps depending on your plan until the end of the billing month.

What is Optus DSL Direct?

Our newest broadband service delivers extraordinary speeds via ordinary phone lines. Using advanced ADSL2+ technology, this service gives you all the popular Optus Broadband features, but with the speed you've always wanted. This service is only available in selected areas and when bundled with Optus Local Direct telephone service.

What is Optus Local Direct?

Similar to the DSL product, Optus Local Direct is also delivered via specialised equipment installed into telephone exchanges around Australia and like the DSL product; it allows us to provide you with some great offers as we have greater control over the service we deliver to you.

What is the price for both Local and DSL Direct?

DSL Direct has a range of plan options to suit the way you use the internet. Click here to view the price of our DSL Direct and Local Direct plans.

What speed can I expect?

The Optus DSL Direct service provides super-fast downstream speeds of up to 20Mbps. Speed based on Optus network testing. Around 50% of customers on the Direct Network will receive speeds between 8 and 20Mbps. Actual speeds will vary and may be slower. Many factors affect speeds such as your distance from the telephone exchange, your line condition, your hardware and software, the source of your download, and general internet traffic. Speeds above 8Mbps require network compatible ADSL2+ modem and filters. Network theoretical download maximum is 20Mbps.

If you exceed your monthly data allowance, access will be speed limited to 64kbps, 128kbps or 256kbps depending on your plan until the end of the billing month.

Can I purchase an ADSL2+ modem from Optus?

Yes. If you require a modem, you can buy one from Optus. Alternatively if you have an ADSL modem, ensure it is an Optus network approved modem. Click here for a list of Optus Network Approved modems.