Unfortunately the Riverland W&E dialup service is no longer available. Fewer people were using it - most have moved up to better services - and it hasn't covered its costs for some time. So the dialup service stopped working at the end of September 2015.
Email addresses hosted here, and websites, will continue to work. This only affects people who still use a dialup modem to connect to the internet through us. If you connect through another internet provider now, this won't affect you, even if you still use an @riverland.net.au email address.
The rest of this page is directed to our few remaining dialup users, to help them move on.
Finding a new internet provider
Before the service stops working you should find another internet service. We're happy to give general advice on this, and will discuss your options if you like, but it will be up to customers to make a choice and get started with a new service. More on the alternatives below.
Who fixes computer problems for you? They can probably advise on this, and help you get started with a new service. Also, the Renmark plaza has a Telstra shop, an Optus shop and Dick Smith, so it's a good place if you'd like to talk to people about this.
We can help by keeping your @riverland.net.au email address running until the end of 2015: or for longer, if you don't mind paying something per year to keep it.
Most dialup users don't need a huge amount of internet access, don't want to pay too much, and like prepaid services. With that in mind we've tried to list the best choices first.
1. Mobile broadband
This uses the mobile phone system: it's a good choice anywhere there's a good mobile phone signal. Prepaid accounts are available, lasting up to 12 months. You may already be using this on a smartphone or tablet.
To use it on a computer, you'd buy a new kind of modem costing around $100. These often come as small USB sticks. This doesn't need a phone line to work, but you do need to be in an area where the provider's mobile phone signal is good.
Both Telstra and Optus can supply this service. Other companies do too, though in the Riverland, they're usually re-selling a service from the bigger providers.2. NBN broadband
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is starting to be available in the Riverland. The NBN fixed wireless will cover some areas that previously didn't have broadband. It's a good, fast service with high megabyte allowances: but it does have a fixed cost per month, starting around $40 per month.
Many companies can provide NBN connections. E.g. Southern Phone promises local support for country people, though they're based in NSW.
3. ADSL broadband
It may be possible to get ADSL connected on your phone line, and pay about $30 per month for a small plan. ADSL always has a fixed per-month price and usually a contract for one or two years. It's a good fast service but you must have a phone line connected. You can get it from many different providers.
Unlike the NBN fixed wireless, ADSL is available only within a few kilometres of the towns.4. Satellite broadband
Even if you're far from towns and other network coverage, you can usually get satellite broadband. However it will cost more than dialup, and will involve installation charges and contracts for several years.
5. Another dialup provider
If you can't use any of the broadband suggestions above, you might have to stay with dialup. Some other companies are still offering it. There are some prepaid plans available, but they usually have monthly limits.
Some of the fixed-price-per-month plans cost less than $10 per month, so you may end up paying less than you do now.In conclusion
To some dialup users this change will seem like an inconvenience that they don't need. However we're confident that after moving to some kind of broadband, you will see the benefits. More sites and services will work for you on the internet.
So, happy hunting, and you're welcome to contact me to talk about these choices.
Riverland Web and Email Services, phone 08 75 077044 or email [email protected]
General tips on setting up an E-mail program
How to change your dialup modem access number
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