Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADSL & how does it work?
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) operates over a traditional telephone line, allowing the existing telephone line to be used to send and receive high-speed digital data whilst retaining its ability to function as a basic telephone line. The ADSL signal is carried by two ADSL modems - one at the user end and one in the local exchange. These ADSL modems are designed to exploit the physical transmission capabilities of the copper-loop line to enable high data rates over the line.

There are some limitations however to ADSL technology, the first one being you must be in an ADSL enabled exchange area. Other limitations are:
• Being within 7-9km of your local exchange
• Not on a "Pair Gain" system
• And not on a RIM

Once you submit your application for Highway ADSL, we are able to see if you are in a "Pair Gains System" or other technology blockers. If your line can not be activated, we will notify you, and refund any monies paid.

Many business and professional Internet users require high speed access to the web. Others need to be online regularly or constantly, but do not want to tie-up their existing telephone lines. An ADSL service from Highway is an affordable and consistent solution. Even with the boom in online gaming and the increased use of the internet at home, huge phone bills will be a thing of the past.

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. You add ADSL service to an existing analog phone line in much the same way you add other services like Call Waiting. This service allows you to use your standard phone line for calls and at the same time have a high speed connection to the Internet through Highway. The upstream (from you to the internet) speed of ADSL is less than the downstream (to you) speeds. For Internet use, this is fine as you are typically sending a small request upstream and pulling lots of information downstream.

In summary, this means that an ADSL connection runs much faster than a modem, is always on, doesn't tie up your phone line and is charged at a flat-rate.

What tests will be carried out?
Once you place an order with Highway, we pass the order to our broadband carrier. They then carry out a series of tests on the line before confirming that we can offer you an ADSL service. Firstly, they check how far your home or office is from the local telephone exchange. Currently, you must be within 9km to pass for 1Mbps and 2Mbps products, and within 5.5km for the 512kbps products. This is based on actual line length as opposed to the physical distance from the exchange. Secondly, they test the quality of your line. This test is normally based on current records for your line and geographical area, but a test may be needed at street level before confirming to us that they can supply ADSL to your location.

When will I be able to have ADSL installed?
Installation is dependent upon Telstra's rollout schedule for ADSL. If your area is ADSL enabled, you can order now and your service should be live within 5-10 business days. If your area isn't ADSL enabled, you will need to wait for Telstra to enable your local exchange before placing an order.

Can I keep my existing telephone number?
Yes. The use of ADSL will not affect your phone number.

Can I keep my existing email address?
Yes, you can continue to use your same email address.

Just how fast is ADSL?
ADSL provides data rates that expand the best existing download capacity (ISDN) by approximately 3 times. The best analog capacity (v.90, otherwise known as 56K modems) is bested by about 8 times and ADSL will achieve speeds approximately 10-12 times that of a 28.8K modem all without requiring any new cabling. Regular telephone service uses less that one percent of the capacity of a telephone line, leaving the remaining 99 percent of the line for high speed data use. Actual throughput will vary from customer to customer and will depend on many factors, such as the length and condition of the telephone wires connecting your house to the exchange. While Highway cannot offer any throughput guarantees, we will do our best to provide you with the fastest connection your specific conditions will allow.

Can I still use my telephone line?
Yes - you can use a telephone on the same line as the ADSL service - and while you are using the internet! ADSL requires a micro-filter to be connected to the line - the filter has outputs for both ADSL connections and standard telephones.

Can I connect a network to my ADSL link?
Yes - ADSL is ideal for connecting a home or office network to the internet. Connect your network to the ADSL router and all network machines will be able to access the internet.

What hardware will I need?
You'll need an ADSL modem or ADSL modem router if on a network. See our ADSL pricing page for cost of ADSL modems.

Dial-Up vs. ADSL
Enjoy the Internet more with the speed of your ADSL service. With downloads up to 30 times faster than dial-up connections. Judge for yourself with our speed comparison table:

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