aaNet DSL
aaNet DSL uses an interesting offpeak bonus system that makes its DSL offerings better value for money than they appear at first. As with many a DSL provider, aaNet DSL tries to package its DSL plans with home phone plans as well. This is not required, however some users may find they get better value from a bundled plan than they would from a separate DSL service.
Usually a DSL provider offering an offpeak bonus will provide two separate data allowances: one for peak periods and one for offpeak periods. aaNet DSL do not follow this system. Instead, users have a single quota to use. In the offpeak period, downloads count for half their worth against the total data allowance. For example, if you download 2 gigabytes of data between 2AM and 10AM, the offpeak period of aaNet DSL, only 1 gigabyte will be counted against your quota. This effectively could extend you total quota to double that provided for overall if you were to solely download on aaNet DSL during offpeak periods.
A major disadvantage of aaNet DSL is the lack of capped plans. Rather than shaping usage once you go over your data allowance, aaNet DSL will charge you excess usage per gigabyte, rounded up. For users who are sometimes quick to overuse their data allowances or who have a tendency not to keep track of the amount they have downloaded, this can potentially lead to high excess usage charges, though aaNet DSL charge a fairly reasonable rate of excess use, especially in comparison to some of the competition.
Given the flexible nature of the offpeak bonus from aaNet DSL, the packages offered by aaNet DSL are suitable for the needs of many different users. From those who are only looking to pay a small amount for little usage, through to heavy users who are willing to spend a bit more on their DSL, aaNet DSL have a suitable plan. The heaviest users may not care to use aaNet DSL due to the lack of flat-rate plans, however. For those who wish to use as much of their data allowance as possible, a shaped plan can be necessary. Nevertheless, many users can find a great bargain in the unique offerings of aaNet DSL.
