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.
|