Frequently Asked Questions
ADSL
Can I get ADSL if I have a local telephone service from a telephone company other than Telstra?
It is possible with the exception that it may not be possible if your local telephone service is provided by Optus. If Optus provide your telephone service through their HFC local network then it is not possible. It is only possible to get ADSL if your telephone line is connected to Telstra's local exchange. If Optus provide your telephone service then you can ask them whether ADSL is possible or apply for ADSL and see if an ADSL connection can be provisioned.
Do I need to have a central filter installed?
You need a central filter if you have a monitored alarm system on the telephone line that the ADSL service is on. It is also preferable to have a central filter if you have more than four devices connected to the telephone line, not including the ADSL modem. Only devices, e.g. telephones, faxes, answering machines, dial-up modems, plugged into the telephone line count - it does not matter how many telephone sockets you have.
Central filters must be installed by ACA registered installer.
What's the difference between and central filter and a central splitter?
There is no difference. They are two different terms used interchangeably for the same device.
Where do I find a registered installer?
Look in the Yellow Pages under "Telephones & Systems - Installation &/or Maintenance". If you are having one installed because you have a monitored alarm system, it may be worth asking your alarm company if they have or can recommend an ACA registered installer to do the work.
How many line filters do I need?
You need one line filter for each device that is connected to a telephone socket except the ADSL modem. Modems ordered from WestNet include one line filter in the box, so order one less than you need. If you need to install a central filter you do not need any line filters.
Where do I put the line filters?
You need to put one line filter in between the telephone socket and every device that is connected to a telephone socket except the ADSL modem. Do not connect a line filter to the ADSL modem, as it will block the ADSL signal.
What do I need to do to keep my Melb PC e-mail address?
Before your Melb PC full Internet subscription expires, or when you ask for a refund on the unused period, you will need to compete a Melb PC Internet application form for an Associate account in your current user name so that your account is not automatically closed.
Please Note: the above details may change in the future.
Do I put my Melb PC username and password on the ADSL application?
No, the username and password fields on the ADSL application are for your WestNet account. You enter these into your ADSL modem and use them for your first WestNet email account, if you use it, and logging in to your WestNet ADSL account management web page.
You will have a WestNet account for the ADSL connection and the services WestNet provide and a Melb PC account for the services Melb PC provide.
I can't send any email but I receive my Melb PC email ok. What do I do?
To send email you need to change the outgoing mail server in your email program to smtpwest.melbpc.org.au .
In Outlook Express, you can do this by:
- Clicking Tools, Accounts... from the menu.
- Click on the Mail tab in the Account Properties dialog box, if it is not already selected.
- Click on your mail account and then click on the Properties button.
- Click on the Server tab in the mail account Properties dialog box.
- Change the Outgoing mail (SMTP) field to smtpwest.melbpc.org.au
- Click OK, and then Close to close the two dialog boxes.
Do I need to keep my computer switched on all the time as you say that ADSL is an "always on" service?
No, you do not need to keep your computer switched on all the time. By "always on" it is meant that you are connected to the Internet whenever your computer and ADSL modem are switched on.