An Introduction
Based in Sydney, Australia, TPG (short for Total Peripherals Group) have provided internet services to Australia for the last eighteen years.
Internet Services
Like most internet providers in Australia, TPG offer standard ADSL internet as well as dialup, ADSL2+, website hosting and Voice Over IP.
Another similarity TPG has with other Australian ISP’s is its use of a separate download limit for off-peak times. This means that if you had their plan for 10 GB download pre-paid and 15 GB off-peak, you would be able to download 15 GB between 2 AM and midday, and have to spread the other 10 GB throughout the rest of the time in a given month. This kind of set-up can be help, since it gives your download limit a boost for a lower cost. Of course, the problem is that you’ll be forced to schedule time for downloading large files for the off-peak periods. If you don’t download the amount of data you are able to by the end of the month, there is no rollover, and that download capacity will be reset.
At the speed of 1500 cobs download and 256 cobs upload, TPG offer 10 GB pre-paid and 15 GB off-peak for $49.95, 25 GB pre-paid and 25 GB off-peak for $59.95 and 35 GB pre-paid and 45 GB off peak for $69.95.
Unlike Optus, Telstra and Dodo, TPG do not count uploads towards the monthly data exchange limit. They also have no bundling options for phone services, and do not run any gaming services.
For Australia, these prices are quite competitive. However, there have been reports of TPG’s tech support line being unhelpful at times.
If you are able to use TPG’s ADSL2+ services (only usually available to metropolitan areas) you can take advantage of their IPTV services. This is a free service, which streams the Australian free to air channels along with a number of feeds from different news organizations.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Provide good value for money
- Customer satisfaction of service is relatively good
Cons:
- Some complaints of unhelpful tech support
- If off-peak periods are not used, monthly cost is comparatively higher
Conclusion
TPG offer decent pricing for the services on offer. If you’re able to utilize the off-peak times, you should be able to match or perhaps beat the cost-effectiveness of other companies. Research the other ISPs available in Australia and see if TPG is right for you.
