Re: [nznog] 3G in the South

Something which no-one has mentioned is that the networks use different frequency bands. All networks use 2100MHz but only in certain areas (usually urban). Telecom NZ use 850MHz and Vodafone and 2Degrees share 900MHz (usually rural). Only some selected recent expensive handsets will work on both 850MHz and 900MHz. Even brand new cheaper model handsets will not support both 850MHz and 900MHz. I suspect that some people put a Telecom SIM in a Vodafone phone (as most phones in NZ are unlocked) or visa versa and then proceed to complain about coverage. They should have used the more compatible phone. As for USB dongles or 3G built in to notebooks please check their specifications carefully before choosing a 3G network. Cheers, RH. On Sun, 2012-12-16 at 16:23 +1100, Skeeve Stevens wrote:

Peter,

I understand it is a good network, but your pricing sucks. For 12Gb on your network it is $240 (4 x 3Gb plan), and $99 on 2Degrees.

I would go with TNZ, but like Telstra in Australia you guys are the most expensive for the least choice.

In Australia I used the Vodafone 12Gb plans ($120?) until Telstra brought out their plans at a reasonable price.

Maybe I will buy both and use the TNZ 3Gb one when the 2Degres doesn't work.

...Skeeve

Skeeve Stevens, CEO - eintellego Pty Ltd skeeve(a)eintellego.net ; www.eintellego.net

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On Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 3:02 PM, Peter Lambrechtsen wrote: Ignoring my obvious bias due to my employer, but still trying to be fair.

A FYI on 2Degrees. Their 3G coverage isn't nationwide, and when you're outside the major cities then you're roaming on Vodafone's network and the 12GB plan doesn't apply. And there are issues where coverage isn't overlapping you can sometimes find yourself unable to see any 2Degrees towers, and unable to connect to Vodafone ones due to that region being locked out.

Worth checking the 2Degrees Mobile Broadband coverage zone first, if you're only traveling in those areas it's a good plan, otherwise not so much: http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/mobilebroadband/broadbandzones

Telecom has always been widely reguarded to have the best and most consistent 3G coverage across New Zealand as the network is 3G only, and a google.co.nz search would back me up to that regard. https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=telecom+vs+vodafone +vs+2degrees+coverage&tbs=ctr:countryNZ&cr=countryNZ

Plus there is a 3GB prepaid plan on Telecom for $60 that you can purchase online that is good for 90 days: http://www.telecom.co.nz/internet/mobilebroadband/plansandpricing/prepaid/ (it's under Mobile Broadband, but anyone on prepaid can purchase it)

Worth checking the Telecom Coverage meter here, to know where you may be traveling too. http://www.telecom.co.nz/mobile/mobile/ournetwork/newzealandxtmobilecoverage...

Obvious bias aside, I think as long as your phone supported WCDMA 850 it's my own personal view that you would have the best coverage and consistent speeds with Telecom.

______________________________________________________________ From: nznog-bounces(a)list.waikato.ac.nz [nznog-bounces(a)list.waikato.ac.nz] On Behalf Of Skeeve Stevens [skeeve(a)eintellego.net] Sent: Sunday, 16 December 2012 3:40 p.m. To: Graham Brown Cc: nznog(a)list.waikato.ac.nz; Bevan McNaughton Subject: Re: [nznog] 3G in the South

Graham, that is awesome.

They have DataSim which would be great - which is a MicroSim... but do you know if they have NanoSims in NZ?

...Skeeve

Skeeve Stevens, CEO - eintellego Pty Ltd skeeve(a)eintellego.net ; www.eintellego.net

Phone: 1300 753 383; Cell +61 (0)414 753 383 ; skype://skeeve

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On Sun, Dec 16, 2012 at 12:16 PM, Graham Brown wrote: Hi Skeeve,

I've just come back from Qtown and 2degrees was fine; they also offer 12GB for $99 (valid for 6 months) http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/prepay/pricing/value-packs/mobile-broadband

HTHs, Graham

On Sunday, December 16, 2012, Skeeve Stevens wrote: Hey all,

I fly tomorrow morning to Queenstown.

People have recommended Skinny and TelecomXT.

Skinny's pricing is: http://skinny.co.nz/2335_EN-Why_Skinny-Skinny_Pricing.htm

Telecom XT is: http://www.telecom.co.nz/mobile/mobile/plansandpricing/prepaid/

Is it just me or is this the most pathetic options I've ever seen?

I'm used to be able to get pre-paid data in Australia, like 12Gig or $120 or something.

These plans are offering tiny little megs...

$18 for 500mb on Telecom

Skinny is terrible for data.

Maybe I am not looking at the right thing. I have multiple modems or I can use and only really want a Sim card - unless mine wont work and I need to buy one... whatever.

The best I can see is: http://www.telecom.co.nz/internet/mobilebroadband/plansandpricing/prepaid/ 3G for $60. Is there anything better than this? I am hoping to find bigger plans - or is this the best I am going to get?

Anyone know where to buy these pre-paid sims in Queenstown?

Also, is it ok for Aussies to get these?

I am thinking of:

- One of these: http://store.telecom.co.nz/mobile/prepaid/mobilebroadband/huawei-mobile-hots... - Then the Sim - Then the $60 plan for 3Gig...

Or is there some better options?

Can I take a spare iPhone5 and get a nano-sim +plan and do it that way?

Thoughts?

...Skeeve

Skeeve Stevens, CEO - eintellego Pty Ltd skeeve(a)eintellego.net ; www.eintellego.net

Phone: 1300 753 383; Cell +61 (0)414 753 383 ; skype://skeeve

facebook.com/eintellego ; linkedin.com/in/skeeve

twitter.com/networkceoau ; blog: www.network-ceo.net

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On Sat, Nov 24, 2012 at 1:53 PM, Bevan McNaughton wrote: Down here it seems that Vodafone is the fastest and ha good reliability (little overloading and good consistency), however doesn't have the best coverage. Telecom XT has better coverage but speed and reliability isn't as good.

Vodafone may be your best bet. It deems to be consistent enough throughout Qtown, Dunedin & Invercargill (am doing work from those centres with Vodafone on and off often).

Regards,

-- Bevan McNaughton SouthLoop Invercargill

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