Guide to Internet Costs

There are a number of elements that make up a connection to the internet. Some of the elements you will most likely require to connect to the internet include:

  1. a computer
  2. a modem
  3. access to a telephone line, cable or satellite dish
  4. an internet service provider (ISP)

Setup Charges

Some ISPs charge for set-up of your internet connection. The set-up fee is for configuring your computer to be connected to the internet. For broadband customers, a registered technician may be required to install additional equipment or you may be able to install it yourself. Check with your ISP to find out what installation options are available.

How much data will I download or upload?

Each time you read an email, view a web page, listen to a music file or watch a video on the internet you are downloading data. Each time you send an email or make a request for a web page, you are uploading data. This is important because the way you use the internet will determine which ISP account is best suited to your needs.

The following information is provided as a guide to assist users to calculate how much data they may upload or download:

  • Activities such as receiving and sending text emails, receiving and sending relatively short word processing documents and reading largely text-based internet pages (browsing) would commonly use approximately 0.02 to 0.05 megabytes (MB) per activity
  • Receiving or sending still pictures may use anywhere between 0.05 and 0.25 MB per picture
  • Downloading a piece of music could be expected to use about four MB
  • Downloading a five-minute music video or a movie trailer, with moving pictures and sound could be expected to use about 30 MB

If you intend to surf a lot or download lots of music and videos, it is worth shopping around for a deal that gives you high-speed and more time/usage allowance, before excess usage charges are applied.

If your primary intention is to send a relatively small quantity of emails to family and close friends, then it may be better to enquire about a standard broadband service (e.g. 512Kbps) or special limited usage offers.