just had my home wired up, main installer was from Bangladesh speaking fluent english on work permit.
This is a very objective matter that was resolved but in no way prejudiced against the worker himself:
- Came on the dot at 9am for installation. Infact the night before they prepared some wiring outside my unit.
- Asked me where I want the TP to be and straightaway said best is at the TV point in living room, many ppl do that, blablabla the usual thing . I said my bedroom.
- We had a 15mins discussion on why I want it in my room and he heavily suggests at the TV.
In the end i buay tahan told him I am an engineer and I know some wireless limitations. Ok he proceed to make a phone call.
- Talked to his supervisor and put me on the phone. Same thing I got from the supervisor, same thing i told him. I did not tell him I read the Opennet website's FAQ and printed the screenshot saying " YOU CAN INSTALL ANYWHERE U LIKE" or so I interpreted.
- Finally agree, guy walked from the door to my room and then told me I will be paying for 28m total in length ($99). I thought blardy hell how come 28m? This is a normal 139SQM HDB flat not some 200 SQM 7 room apartment with 2 balcony and 3 toilets.
- I asked him where's the measurement. Dont even have measuring tape(!). He said he work long time and good estimate. So my mom and I measured total to be about 19++m. Give generous allowance, maybe 22m. I just asked him to install first.
- Installation was done pretty well and neat. Existing trunk reused whenever possible, to my liking.
- Start to chit chat with him and finally he say yes there are ppl who want to install in study room. But still standby the point that TV is bestest best.
- I helped him whenever I could so he dont have to climb up and down.
- Gave him a drink bought from vending machine downstairs.
- Another guy came to set up and measure and close up the TP. Asked him abt the measurement but likely he didnt know much so did not educate me either.
- Finally came up to be 20m, i pay $33. Totally reasonable and fair. 28m is a tio jiak estimate.
But I believe they know exact length because i used up the whole of their remaining cable. the leftover is very little, about 1m. So my initial measurement of 19++m is likely accurate.
Contractors who come install will surely want the shortest length possible and least work performed. I am not against that or purposely hard on them, but i will not settle for 2nd choice location unless it is not technically possible. This is not a "no fish, prawn also can" type of decision.
I still thank them, because they are instructed by their supervisors to mention all these. Their job is just to install for a living.
Lastly, I called up Singnet asking about eXplore Home. You can choose to use analogue line instead of digital @ same price. Usage charges apply , no unlimited digital calls. At least I dont have to put telephone in my room, and I can buy HD TV watch riaos.
Thats all
