As many replies have noted, iinet does have many ADSL customers using Mac's (including this family on an ADSL "freedom" plan - which provides a fixed IP address) and set up was very easy, despite the lack of tech support. The main problem with this contract (now not available) was that for most family members, it was effectively a 1 GB at $79.95 per month plan rather than the advertised 3 GB/month, because 2 GB were only available between 12 midnight and 7 am seven days per week. In relation to mac support, note this comment in the most recent version of their service contract:
8.4.8 iiNet supplied modems are not supported under the following circumstances: (i) You running internal modem software other than that provided with the modem; (ii) You running internal networks on our internal modem software; or (iii) Macintosh Operating systems below 10.0. Maybe this clause is why some tech's think mac's are unsupported. The new Bliink contract has connection speed penalties rather than financial penalties for exceeding the contracted volume each month. Its main attraction is that the contracted volume is available at any time (no peak period concept). Unlike other responders, I haven't noticed any conditions in their online advertising or contracts saying that downloads between midnight and 7 am do not count towards the contracted monthly volume. The following conditions might impact upon users thinking of setting up a home-based web server (port 80 blocked): 8.4.23 The download speed of Bliink and Biz-Bliink Plus are subject to shaping. Shaping means the download speed from the Internet will be slowed after the specified Traffic shaping level has been reached in a calendar month. The download speed will be slowed to speeds similar to 64kbps for Biz-Bliink Accounts, and 56kbps for Bliink Accounts. 8.4.24 The instigation of shaping will cause You to lose Your Internet connectivity, and You will need to reboot Your modem and computer. 8.4.25 Bliink Home Accounts are dynamic IP Accounts. A new IP will be assigned whenever the computer and modem is rebooted. The IP remains until the next time the computer and modem is switched off. IP¹s can only be reallocated on new connections and iiNet is not liable for any data intrusions while You maintain an active session. iiNet recommends You routinely reboot Your modem and computer. 8.4.26 The Bliink home accounts are not suitable for hosting externally accessible servers and the following ports are blocked for incoming connections: Port 80 (WWW), Port 25 (SMTP), Port 139 (NetBEUI and IPX/SPX), Port 443 (HTTPS) and Port 0. Other ports may be blocked without notice if this is deemed necessary for security or network management reasons. For those looking to save money, note that iiNet's hardware prices for modems (eg Dlink 300), combined modem/routers (Dlink 504) or filters needed on each wall outlet for use with other telephone equipment have a significant premium (40 - 80%), compared to that from other computer peripheral retailers. I would recommend a dedicated router (such as a combined modem/router - to reduce clutter - or Airport attached to modem) for sharing the internet connection over a software router. If like me, you have a need to boot between OS 9 and OS X on a frequent basis, you won't be disrupting the connection to other users. Richard.
