Smart 24m/1m 350GB cap €30

opus

I've been with Smart Telecom for years & was on their €40/month plan for broadband & phone, download speed was 8Mb/s with a cap of 170Gb/month. Earlier this week I noticed they had new plans on their site so now it's €29.95/month for upto 24Mbs (12Mbs in my case) and a cap of 350Gb (not sure if that's per month or not tbh).

Anyway I emailed them and have now moved saving myself €10/month so something to consider if you're on the older tarrif.

OneIdea

opus wrote: »

I've been with Smart Telecom for years & was on their €40/month plan for broadband & phone, download speed was 8Mb/s with a cap of 170Gb/month. Earlier this week I noticed they had new plans on their site so now it's €29.95/month for upto 24Mbs (12Mbs in my case) and a cap of 350Gb (not sure if that's per month or not tbh).

Anyway I emailed them and have now moved saving myself €10/month so something to consider if you're on the older tarrif.

Does this renew your contract for 12months.

I realise it says "contract applies to new customers.", I'm just been careful.

cookie1977

I'd expect it does.

seeing_ie

Not surprised at this.

Smart must have been hemorrhaging customers since they tried to pull a fast one by bringing in a 170GB limit on an "unlimited" broadband product and then charging by the MB for downloads above their new limit.

UPC beating them on price, service etc couldn't have helped.

Changed from Smart to UPC last year and the service is better in every respect.

OneIdea

cookie1977 wrote: »

I'd expect it does.

I just rang and changed my package, and just to clarify to others reading this thread... because I'm already a customer it does not renew my contract, I'm still free to switch away or change my package anytime.

I'm not impressed that I had to ring them to do this, however no point in complaining to the customer service agent.

Thank again @opus for bringing this to our attention;)

cookie1977

That's great news. So often in these situations companies require you to re contract with them to gain the cheaper deal.

Gadgetman496

Opus, which Dept do existing customers contact to make that move, is it Support or Accounts on 1890 945300?

Do you know if the new 350GB Cap has the 80% warning attached?

The existing 170GB has the 80% warning attached so you receive the warning email once you hit 136GB

I'm with them from the start but use my own wireless router, would the change also entitle me to their offer of the free wireless router or would that only apply to new customers I wonder?

bk

Smart Telecom have launched a new ADSL2+ product that offers up to 24mb down, 1mb up and a 350GB cap for just €30 per month including line rental:

http://smarttelecom.ie/home_broadband/more_details/Home_Broadband_Phone.aspx

This is major news, this is now the best DSL product on the market now and even gives UPC's 20 and 25mb products a run for their money *

It really is a superb price for DSL and totally smokes Eircom and Vodafone. In the past I've been highly critical of Smart since Digiweb took over, but this really is an excellent product and good work by them.

Here is a comparison with the rest of the market, all include line rental:

Smart - 24m/1m 350GB cap €30
Vodafone - 8m/? 300GB cap €48
Vodafone - 24m/1m 350GB cap €55
UPC - 20m/2m 500GB cap €25.41 / €31.51 *
UPC - 25m/2.5m 500GB cap €35.57 / €40.51 (includes freetime world fee calls) *
UPC - 50m/5m 500GB cap €45.50 (includes phone)
UPC - 100m/7m 500GB cap €55.90 (includes phone)

For UPC the first cost is if you already have UPC TV service, otherwise the second price adds the required phone service if you don't.

I currently can't add the Eircom products as their website is badly broken and I can't seem to view the prices!! But they are more expensive then Vodafone anyway.

* I would be cautious with comparing "up to" 24mb ADSL with UPC's 20/25mb products. On top of UPC's products having higher upload speeds and caps, most people are unlikely to get more then 15mb out of "up to" 24mb DSL, but most people should get 20/25mb from UPC, due to the nature of the technology.

However if you can't get UPC cable, then this new smart product by far seems like the best DSL product available now. Well done Digiweb/Smart. I wonder how Vodafone and Eircom will respond to this?

I predict this will lead to the end of the crappy "up to" 8mb products with their crappy low 10/40GB caps from Eircom and Vodafone. I expect "up to" 24mb and ~ 300 GB cap's will become the norm for entry level broadband.

bk

I've already upgraded to this new Smart product and I'm getting 15m/700k from it. I'm interested to hear if anyone is getting faster speeds then this. I'm suspicious that there is some throttling going on or some back end congestion. But I don't know if it is just my building or the Smart network in general.

I live in a building with Smart fibre to the basement and then DSL to each apartment. Two neighbours have also upgraded to this product and are getting the same speed. This is interesting as:

1) My modem is actually connecting at 20m/800k
2) My line stats indicate that it should be capable of 20mb throughput
3) When I first moved in I was actually getting 20mb/800k as Smart were initially not doing any capping for the first few months.

So I'm surprised I'm only getting 15mb now and I wonder when the congestion or throttling is?

One criticism I have of this fantastic new Smart product is their website. The website looks very old now and not very good. With their much simpler product make up (basically one product with a few phone add on options) they should really redesign the site to modernise it and simplify it to help promote this excellent new product.

homer911

I'm on entry level Vodafone@home package with fixed ip address and free off peak Irish calls - €44per month

Vodafone rang the other day and offered same package for €38, with free UK calls. They claimed I was on 3Mb and would increase this to 8, but I'm pretty sure I was on 8..

Is there any map showing where this service is available?

bk

AdamD wrote: »

Is there any map showing where this service is available?

No, but you can check if it is available by entering your phone number here:
http://www.smarttelecom.ie/line_checker.aspx

If you can get this service it will say:
You are eligible for Smart Telecom Services

If you can't get it, it will say:
You’ve qualified for our Nationwide Bitstream products, which we provide via our sister-company, Digiweb.

If you get the latter, forget about it, I wouldn't bother with Digiwebs services.

Again, this is another example of why Smarts website needs to be redesigned. This checker should be much more obvious, up front on the launch page and it should give you better information when it finds you can get the Smart service.

Salvation

Notice the "up to 24MB" that could basically mean any speed from 1MB upwards...

And the use of the name smart fibre, it is fecking DSL and not fibre, all down to one thing distance from exchange

bk

Salvation wrote: »

Notice the "up to 24MB" that could basically mean any speed from 1MB upwards...

Agreed, that is why I said UPC is still better if you can get it.

However if you can't get UPC, then this is the best DSL product on the market. Even if you only end up getting 1mb, you would get no faster on Eircom/Vodafone and at least you are paying a lot less now.

MunsterCycling

Just switched the mothers line (we use a WISP) to the new package, will report back tomorrow after the overnight change.

MC

alanucc

I'm currently on their older 10mb package for ~€40 per month. Has anyone had success with getting moved over to this?

MunsterCycling

That's is what I moved from in the post above.

GarIT

I'm able to get Vodafone 24mb but smart is saying I can't get their 24mb anyone know what's up there? I know the line can only take 15mb but is that a problem? I'd be happy to pay for the 24mb and get a max of 15mb because I'd be saving 12 euro anyway.

zg3409

GarIT wrote: »

I'm able to get Vodafone 24mb but smart is saying I can't get their 24mb anyone know what's up there? I know the line can only take 15mb but is that a problem? I'd be happy to pay for the 24mb and get a max of 15mb because I'd be saving 12 euro anyway.

Smart is only available on a few exchanges in Dublin city centre. Through digiweb, they are available on other exchanges, but that is just re-selling the same thing Eircom is selling.

When they have their own equipment inside the exchange they can offer better deals than when they use Eircom's equipment.

bk

zg3409 wrote: »

Smart is only available on a few exchanges in Dublin city centre.

While the rest of your post is correct, just to point out Smart is also available outside Dublin, for instance my parents can get it in Cork.

The rest of the post is correct. just because you can get 24mb from Vodafone/Eircom, doesn't mean you will necessarily be able to get Smart 24mb service. Smart use their own equipment in some exchanges.

supervixen

I am on the 10 MB package in Cork and just ordered the new 24 MB product.

Should get it tomorrow and will report on the speed I get.

Was told I have to enter a new contract, even if I am a customer for about 4 years now, but no problem as I am quite happy with Smart up to now..

:-)

Salvation

Does smart have its own exchanges ?

cookie1977

bk wrote: »

Smart Telecom have launched a new ADSL2+ product that offers up to 24mb down, 1mb up and a 350GB cap for just €30 per month including line rental:

http://smarttelecom.ie/home_broadband/more_details/Home_Broadband_Phone.aspx

This is major news, this is now the best DSL product on the market now and even gives UPC's 20 and 25mb products a run for their money *

It really is a superb price for DSL and totally smokes Eircom and Vodafone. In the past I've been highly critical of Smart since Digiweb took over, but this really is an excellent product and good work by them.

Here is a comparison with the rest of the market, all include line rental:

Smart - 24m/1m 350GB cap €30
Vodafone - 8m/? 300GB cap €48
Vodafone - 24m/1m 350GB cap €55
UPC - 20m/2m 500GB cap €25.41 / €31.51 *
UPC - 25m/2.5m 500GB cap €35.57 / €40.51 (includes freetime world fee calls) *
UPC - 50m/5m 500GB cap €45.50 (includes phone)
UPC - 100m/7m 500GB cap €55.90 (includes phone)

For UPC the first cost is if you already have UPC TV service, otherwise the second price adds the required phone service if you don't.

I currently can't add the Eircom products as their website is badly broken and I can't seem to view the prices!! But they are more expensive then Vodafone anyway.

* I would be cautious with comparing "up to" 24mb ADSL with UPC's 20/25mb products. On top of UPC's products having higher upload speeds and caps, most people are unlikely to get more then 15mb out of "up to" 24mb DSL, but most people should get 20/25mb from UPC, due to the nature of the technology.

However if you can't get UPC cable, then this new smart product by far seems like the best DSL product available now. Well done Digiweb/Smart. I wonder how Vodafone and Eircom will respond to this?

I predict this will lead to the end of the crappy "up to" 8mb products with their crappy low 10/40GB caps from Eircom and Vodafone. I expect "up to" 24mb and ~ 300 GB cap's will become the norm for entry level broadband.

This was posted a few days ago.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=78232003

GarIT

Salvation wrote: »

Does smart have its own exchanges ?

I think all the exchanges belong to Eircom, that's why we have to pay line rental. From what I've read above Smart has it's own equipment in some exchanges as do some other companies.

savagecabbages

If you cant get Smart and are looking at their sister company digiweb site re DSL Home Pro

Active Telephone line required. Line rental €25.78 excluded from price.

When I rang them they first off confused the hell outta me, then offered an 8mb package for €46 which I cant relate to anything on the website...

OneIdea

bk wrote: »

I've already upgraded to this new Smart product and I'm getting 15m/700k from it. I'm interested to hear if anyone is getting faster speeds then this. I'm suspicious that there is some throttling going on or some back end congestion. But I don't know if it is just my building or the Smart network in general.

Speed is 16.3 Mb/s (down), 874 Kb/s. (up). I'm on the Clondalkin, Nangor Road exchange, probable 3kilomitors of regular copper wiring away.

supervixen

Today the 24 MB was up and running

with wireless I get 14.5 MB down - 0.9 up
with fixed cable I get 18.5 MB down - 0.85 up

I live in Cork City Center

Good enough for me for 10 Euro less....

slipstream

bk wrote: »

I've already upgraded to this new Smart product and I'm getting 15m/700k from it. I'm interested to hear if anyone is getting faster speeds then this. I'm suspicious that there is some throttling going on or some back end congestion. But I don't know if it is just my building or the Smart network in general.

I live in a building with Smart fibre to the basement and then DSL to each apartment. Two neighbours have also upgraded to this product and are getting the same speed. This is interesting as:

1) My modem is actually connecting at 20m/800k
2) My line stats indicate that it should be capable of 20mb throughput
3) When I first moved in I was actually getting 20mb/800k as Smart were initially not doing any capping for the first few months.

So I'm surprised I'm only getting 15mb now and I wonder when the congestion or throttling is?

One criticism I have of this fantastic new Smart product is their website. The website looks very old now and not very good. With their much simpler product make up (basically one product with a few phone add on options) they should really redesign the site to modernise it and simplify it to help promote this excellent new product.

bk, i would suggest posting any service problems you have to the smart support forums.

Tazz T

I've no phone number to check for availability so emailed them. They said it was available to my address and sent me an application form.

There's a €80 installation fee on the form (separate from the free line activation) that isn't mentioned anywhere in the T&Cs or on the site.

Can't afford that these days. Back to the midband.

cookie1977

Can you not install it yourself for free?

homer911

Tazz T wrote: »

I've no phone number to check for availability so emailed them. They said it was available to my address and sent me an application form.

There's a €80 installation fee on the form (separate from the free line activation) that isn't mentioned anywhere in the T&Cs or on the site.

Can't afford that these days. Back to the midband.

The FAQs say no set up fee..
http://www.smarttelecom.ie/faq/faq.aspx

OneIdea

homer911 wrote: »

The FAQs say no set up fee..
http://www.smarttelecom.ie/faq/faq.aspx

I would imagine the fee in question is for Eircom to activate the line and issue a number.

Tazz T

The advertising blurb says the

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

the line activation fee has been waived, but the application form has an €80 installation fee.. I think the T&Cs link is for the old product.

OneIdea

Tazz T wrote: »

The advertising blurb says the the line activation fee has been waived, but the application form has an €80 installation fee.. I think the T&Cs link is for the old product.

You don't currently have an active phone line. All phone lines in Ireland belong to Eircom. Smart need an active telephone line in order to activate for free your broadband and home phone number account.

The 80euro covers their costs to Eircom. If you had an active phone line their would be no costs involved, just regular monthly billing for your chosen package.

On the flip side of this, if you chose to move to Eircom for your home phone and broadband there's no 80euro charge, however you'll be stuck with Eircom under contract for 12months.

Hope that makes sense?

Tazz T

It's a new private estate. There was a phone installed by Smart in the past. Eircom were only recently able to sell phone services to the estate.

bk

Tazz T wrote: »

It's a new private estate. There was a phone installed by Smart in the past. Eircom were only recently able to sell phone services to the estate.

In that case there shouldn't be any installation fee. Call Smart to double check.

Tazz T

Just talked to them. Amazing there's only an installation fee if it's a Smart prewire. If you're with Eircom you pay nothing.

Oracle

Tazz T wrote: »

Just talked to them. Amazing there's only an installation fee if it's a Smart prewire. If you're with Eircom you pay nothing.

Smart Telecom already have a complaint upheld against them for this very issue by the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:9lAvxNoV3osJ:www.asai.ie/complaint_view.asp
Just order the broadband and don't pay the bogus charge. If they pursue the payment lodge complaints with the ASAI and Comreg.

Tazz T

You can get out of it. It comes out of your first bill by DD.

Oracle

You are in control of what you pay them.

Tazz T

If you have to pay by Direct debit, how do you stop them taking the €80?

cookie1977

You can reverse/stop charges that are in dispute by contacting your bank under the direct debit scheme:

Originators Must:
Ensure that disputed amounts are not debited

http://www.ipso.ie/section/DirectDebitScheme

Oracle

Tazz T I noticed your post on the Smart forum. They appear to be backtracking: http://support.smarttelecom.ie/forums/showthread.php?t=4584
Now all you need do is say you'll take the 12 month contract, with no install charge please.

Salvation

Does anyone know how long it would take to change over from say vodafone dsl to smart, as in do you have a few days downtime at all ?

Tazz T

Oracle wrote: »

Tazz T I noticed your post on the Smart forum. They appear to be backtracking: http://support.smarttelecom.ie/forums/showthread.php?t=4584
Now all you need do is say you'll take the 12 month contract, with no install charge please.

Tried that. They said no. Apparently the only way of getting out of the installation fee is to get eircom to replace the smart line with an eircom line and then get Smart in to switch it back.

Idiots. I don't even want to deal with a company that thinks like that.

seeing_ie

slipstream wrote: »

bk, i would suggest posting any service problems you have to the smart support forums.

Why not discuss it here in a public forum?

My experience of the smart support forums hasn't been good.

I found them heavily moderated to remove comments critical of smart.

seeing_ie

Tazz T wrote: »

Tried that. They said no. Apparently the only way of getting out of the installation fee is to get eircom to replace the smart line with an eircom line and then get Smart in to switch it back.

Idiots. I don't even want to deal with a company that thinks like that.

In my opinion, smart have a record of trying to milk their customers by trying to pull fast ones like that.

see my post early in the thread.

alanucc

Synching at 19mb/1mb now on the west side of Cork City

opus

Just got my first bill since moving to the new plan, €30 as expected

supervixen

opus wrote: »

Just got my first bill since moving to the new plan, €30 as expected

Me too, I am quite happy with price and service..

Pacifico

Does the new €30 plan include line rental??