That was one of our expensive mistakes. Thinking we had to organize a b/b connection before we arrived. Same thing, stuff to sort out and keep up with in UK etc. Ended up using it for 3 weeks (moved) and kept paying for 12 months. What we should have done was use dial up or local library/ internet cafe till we had time to sort out what we really needed. Difference in OZ is that dial up is a local call....25c and you can stay on line for hours, unlike UK where you're paying by the minute. You'll suffer the speed thing but might be a small price to pay.

A lot of people have trouble in Melbourne getting ADSL. If you are renting or buying in a new estate in Melbourne you need to check first whether you can get ADSL. Also check the wireless cover.

We are with Telstra and Big Pond and know there are cheaper alternatives but I stay with them because I get better service from them. Having everything with them means if I phone and my phone is giving a problem they come out that day, the other day I decided to upgrade to ADSL2 and it was done in a day. I was in Tandy electronics store buying a prepaid wireless modem for when we are travelling and mentioned to the guy we got ADSL2 where I live he said gosh its hard to get in Mornington and then he said are you with Telstra I said yes, he said that is why. I have never bought a modem they have always replaced or upgraded them for me.

I bought a Telstra prepaid wireless not the cheapest on the block but its all about access and cover for us.