moomooandy

Still planning on landing in tauranga between Christmas and New Year but still no visas TEG keep ensuring me that this is perfectly normal so I;ve got fingers and legs crossed. Anyone got any recommendations for mobile phone and internet companies?? Thanks again

Adamski444

Hey there. We got here about 2 weeks ago and moved into our place a few days ago. I did some research before I came and ended up getting Vodafone Internet and landline as it gave a discount with sky (which we wanted for sport). It so happens our house is in their own infrastructure area so a small discount.

We both bought our unlocked iPhones with us and in the short term have opted for PAYG micro sims from 2 degrees until we work out the best long term options. They do a package for $19 a month for about 30mins, 2500 texts and about 50MB of data - not bad for PAYG. We will have to learn to text alot more!!

Let me know if you want any further details of have any questions.

BevK

Hi there,

I've also got an unlocked phone and opted for PAYG with 2 degrees, same package as Adamski.

As for broadband, took a risk with Orcon genius by taking out a 24mth contract. It gives 50GB of data, no line rental, and free local calls for $75 a month. Its been a really good deal up to now with no service problems and its just as fast as the broadband we had in the UK.

Good luck with the visa.

simonsi

Why did you feel the risk, because of the contract term??

BevK

Orcon genius being a new concept, i.e, voice over the internet, they seemed to be having a few problems according to some of the reviews that I had read which meant I'd be stuck with it for 2 years. Also, my sister in law has telecom broadband and its soooo slow, so I didnt know what to expect of Orcon. But alas, nothing to worry about.

simonsi

RobClubley

We use 2 degrees for personal phone, and Slingshot for internets. I've tried Orcon and Telecom. Orcon pretty good. Telecom I'd say avoid.

Slingshot have been good, well priced, lots of data for the money, good service and good support when needed.

Robbo25

NZ is actually ahead of much of the world (UK included) in this regard, mainly through complete lack of investment in the Telecom network prior to the current CEO being there.

This has meant that the old copper lines network will be shut down in the not too distant future, and all voice calls will travel over IP, via something known as 'Naked broadband' (don't laugh too much).

Most companies provide naked broadband already, which is why there is no copper line and hence no line rental.

Orcon are pretty darn good I reckon but limited in terms of coverage, as Slingshot I think would be. Vodafone are putting a lot of investment into this and would be good if you can get a high speed area from them.

lisamct

Yep I've done exactly the same. 2 degrees for mobile, Orcon Genius for broadband...no complaints so far

simonsi

Any DSL broadband runs down the copper wires. We can't do without copper until you get fibre rolled out to your door. It is just a deregulation pricing feature that means when you only run broadband down the "phone line" and no phone service it is cheaper to rent from Telecom.

Genius is available on most of the Telecom network. Can't comment on others.

sirplug

We have Orcon, on a 24mth contract and for the first three months had nothing but trouble. Fortunately Simonsi works for Orcon and quickly got it sorted . We've now been almost 3 months trouble free and have a great service with both the phone and internet.
As for mobile, I've been a 2 degrees customer for 20 months but have recently moved into a new house in Manly and lost signal at home. Moved over to Vodafone and am now wondering why I didn't do it earlier...

simonsi

Bizarre, 2Deg runs off Vfone when you are outside their network - I had endless trouble when running my Nokia for sat-nav with a 2Deg sim, kept getting endless roaming warnings when in a weak signal area.

Glad all is still good!

Robbo25

Sorry, for the sake of clarity, yes you still have a copper line of course, however what you don't get is one charge for BB and another that is mandatory for the PSTN phone line, something that does not happen in the UK. So you are able to pay just for BB and then run a VoIP service over the BB without a separate charge for a PSTN line. It is known as naked BB.

simonsi

Yes, I know. I work in the industry, that is just the point I was clarifying.

sirplug

Yes, I know....Vodafone rep couldn't explain it either!

And thanks for sorting the Genius out, have a great Christmas!