Posted on 8th November 2001

Filters Before Splitters For DSL

Telecom patch contractors who complete JetStream installations are
currently very short on splitters and are likely to run out - these are an
integral part of 'connection & wiring' installations for JetStream &
JetStart. This has a very serious impact upon new customers selecting the
'connection & wiring' installation option as installation cannot proceed
without a splitter. This is affecting people now.

What impact will this have?

This is resulting in installation delays for people requiring a splitter
type installation. Delays will likely push us beyond the normal 5 day
leadtime.

What can be done?

While endeavours are being made to improve the splitter situation, you can
avoid lengthy delays by opting for the self-installation (connection only)
option instead.

What are the Installation options?

· Connection & Wiring - this option involves a technician doing the
'jumpering' at the exchange, plus a technician going to the premises,
installing a splitter at the external termination point (ETP), and running
wiring through to a new jackpoint in the premises. The JetStream connection
can only be used at this jackpoint.

· Connection Only - a technician does the 'jumpering' at the exchange. No
premises visit is required (i.e. no splitter installed). You simply buy
filters (~$20 each), and plugs these into all jackpoints in use (other than
the modem jackpoint). One end of the filter plugs into the jackpoint, and
the telephone plugs into the other end - it really is simple !

Self Installation using the 'Connection Only' option

There are a significant number of small business and residential customers
who can quickly and simply complete a self installation. This is an option
that Telecom is heavily promoting, as in many instances, it is simply not
necessary for a Telecom technician to visit the customer's premises, nor
make invasive wiring changes.

Any other differences between a splitter and filter installation?

Splitters and filters serve the same purpose, that is - to distinguish
between data and voice traffic, which enables the user to talk and surf
simultaneously. In neither instance do new users get any assistance with
setting up their modem and PC, a common misconception with the 'Connection
& Wiring' option. All the technician will do in this instance is install a
splitter at the network termination point, and run wiring through to a new
jackpoint in the premises. i.e. a technician installing a splitter, and a
customer plugging in filters serves exactly the same purpose

Why are you better off completing a self-install using filters?

· Its cheaper - pay only the 'Connection' fee of $99 versus the 'Connection
& Wiring' fee of $178/$248 for residential/business respectively.

· Don't need to be at the premises when JetStream /JetStart is set up.

· Its dead easy to set up the filters - all you do is plug one end in the
jackpoint, and plug the telephones in the other end (one filter required
for each non-modem jackpoint in use).

· Flexibility - a splitter type installation limits the use of the
JetStream connection to the fixed jackpoint. With filters, the connection
can be moved around the premises at will (by simply moving the filters
around).

· You can take the filters when leaving the premises (splitter has to stay).

Where is a self-installation not suitable?

There are some instances where a customer cannot use this option:

· Not recommended if have a monitored alarm

· If have more than 5 non-modem jackpoints in use.

· If operate a PABX or Keyphone System

Telecom are not saying when the splitter supply situation will be resolved.
This is however an opportunity to use self-installs using filters, and will
overcome any potential delays you may experience should you opt for the
splitter ('connection & wiring') option.