Why is NEXTEP focusing on the small and medium enterprise market?
What is DSL?
What does Broadband mean?
Can I use my telephone and do business at the same time?
DSL sounds too good to be true. Surely it has some drawbacks?
What equipment do I need on my network to use DSL?
Does NEXTEP provide static IP addresses?
How long does it take to have DSL installed?
What Service Level Agreements are applied to NEXTEP's services?
What happens to my day-to-day operations at the point of installation?
How much will NEXTEP cost my business?
What types of operating systems is NEXTEP compatible with?
How does the NEXTEP Network differ to others offering broadband services?
What is a VPN?
Is NEXTEP looking to form relationships with partners?
Why should my business trust NEXTEP instead of other DSL service providers?
What type of equipment does NEXTEP use to operate their network?
What level of support is provided to end users post connection?

Frequently asked questions

Why is NEXTEP focusing on the small and medium enterprise market?

For too long, communications service providers have offered services to large corporate customers that are too expensive for small to medium businesses. NEXTEP now provides small to medium businesses with a reliable, cost-effective range of broadband services that are affordable, flexible and scalable and cause minimal workplace disruptions during installation.

What is DSL?

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or xDSL (where 'x' represents a number of different types of DSL) brings high-bandwidth (broadband) information to homes and small businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines. In Australia, these lines are called Unconditioned Local Loop Services or ULLS. They also traditionally carried standard POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) or PSTN (Public Subscriber Trunk Network) lines, long used for ordinary telephones.

What does Broadband mean?

Broadband is simply high-speed transmission. Its greatest benefit is that you can download (bring information off the Internet into your computer) at a much faster rate - up to 1.5 Mbps. Documents, free software, games, and more can all be downloaded in one-twentieth the time of conventional modems - 56 Kbps. What makes it possible is an ATU Modem, which exploits the physical transmission capabilities of standard telephone lines, to achieve higher data transfer speeds.

Can I use my telephone and do business at the same time?

We understand that virtually every business depends on telephone communications. NEXTEP is designed not to interfere with the phone lines you currently use for voice calls. NEXTEP will provide and use an unused line to connect its DSL services.

DSL sounds too good to be true. Surely it has some drawbacks?

It does have some limitations, based largely on geographic factors and ULL's (Unbundled Local Loop) characteristics, such as the condition of the copper pair and your distance from the telephone exchange. In general, DSL's performance will far exceed the service of traditional modem technology.

What equipment do I need on my network to use DSL?

The NEXTEP network has been designed for minimal equipment requirements at your premises and doesn't need any specialised network equipment. Generally, where existing network infrastructure is in place, the NEXTEP network will work without modification.

Does NEXTEP provide static IP addresses?

Yes, if you want several IP addresses, NEXTEP will happily discuss your needs.

How long does it take to have DSL installed?

It usually takes 20 working days from the time you order until the time installation is complete.

What Service Level Agreements are applied to NEXTEP's services?

Various Service Level Agreements (SLA's) are available depending on the NEXTEP solution you select. Please consult your NEXTEP Sales consultant for further information.

What happens to my day-to-day operations at the point of installation?

Installation of the NEXTEP service is independent of your current network connections. Your NEXTEP service can be fully operational before switching over from your existing business set up, keeping disruptions to a minimum.

How much will NEXTEP cost my business?

Due to the extensive range of NEXTEP services and the importance of communications for small and medium businesses, it's important we sit down and talk before delivering a solution that satisfies your needs.

NEXTEP flat rate pricing structure ensures that based upon your business' needs, we have the right solution for you.

What types of operating systems is NEXTEP compatible with?

The NEXTEP network is customer premises equipment independent and does not require a minimum hardware configuration, specialised software or operating systems. It's compatible with all types of operating systems.

How does the NEXTEP Network differ to others offering broadband services?

NEXTEP's network is specifically designed for business users. It's a network we've developed and designed through our partnership with the technology supplier NEC Australia, and using experienced gained in broadband networks around the world.

What is a VPN?

See Virtual Private Network Solutions

Is NEXTEP looking to form relationships with partners?

NEXTEP is partnering with a number of selected industry partners to provide managed solutions to small and medium businesses. To find out more about forming a strategic partnership relationship with NEXTEP, contact us via email or phone us on 1300 555 855.

Why should my business trust NEXTEP instead of other DSL service providers?

NEXTEP's technology has been supplying DSL services in Australia since 1996. We use our extensive knowledge and expertise to design and develop DSL networks that fully meet our business customers needs.

What type of equipment does NEXTEP use to operate their network?

NEXTEP uses NEC Australia designed and developed equipment. This equipment is currently used in major markets throughout Asia and Europe. NEXTEP is now bringing this technology to small to medium businesses in Australia.

What level of support is provided to end users post connection?

NEXTEP provides 24 x 7 customer support through our own Customer Service Centre (CSC). So customers always have access to help desk functions and technical support.