[starkhorn]

Folks,

I'm trying to figure out the NZ broadband service providers and what sort of options, download speeds, caps, free dial-up access etc.

I've done several searches on google and on here but I can't seem to find a decent list or at least a list that I can understand. :)

So I was wondering what NZ broadband service provider people use and whether they recommend them or not? If you had any website links for these providers then it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers
Starkhorn

[Smiler]

Hiya

We've just changed from Telecom xtra (:wah) to Maxnet. www.maxnet.co.nz (http://www.maxnet.co.nz) Questor recommended them.

They've been very good, particularly when we had a tecnical problem this end. Swopping to them was hassle free too, except that Telecom make it slightly difficult as you have to end your Telecom BB connection before Maxnet can apply to them to ake over, 3 days on dial up:uhoh.

We've been with them for almost 3 months but we are moving again. We can't have BB in the new place as it is rural, so we are having satellite BB installed. So far the company have been excellent, free installation until the year end and even though we have been quoted an 8 week lead time, they'll be installing in less than half that. www.farmside.co.nz (http://www.farmside.co.nz)
My two pennyworth anyway, hope that helps.

[Park City Partner]

We use Orcon and they seem fine. My partner did all the research to set it up so I can't help you there. I use our BB for my VOIP phone via voinage and I will tell you that if the weather is a bit funky the line is not clear but that also applies to our Sky TV...you can get rain fade when it is just cloudy!

[sidabrine]

We're using ihug and are reasonably happy with them. The main issue for us was data cap (we were shocked to find out that there's no BB plan with unlimited BB usage in the market! Considering remoteness of NZ, are they hoping to build Information Society with data caps?!?!)

So we found the deal that offered most Gb for least $. We have ihug Light BB that is supposed to entitle us to 15Gb of data a month. However, only after we subscribed, got everything installed and I checked our Internet usage, I noticed that we have 5Gb peak time and 10Gb off peak time. Off peak is 2am - 10am!!! So practically we're entitled to 5Gb only (it actualy appeared to be more than enough for 2 people = 2 computers). I'm sure this peak/off-peak usage was noted somewhere in small print, but nobody bothered to mention that during out multiple conversations over the phone when subscribing... Talking about rip-off business culture... :)

[KerryS]

There is a comparison site somewhere, I'll see if I can locate it and come back...

It's here:

http://www.internetchoice.co.nz/

[Jonathon1977]

I am using Xtra from Telecom. It's not the best service provider int he world and the speed could be better compared to what I am used to in the US but they do have a $49.99 unlimited usage deal starting on Oct 26th that will prevent me from switching.

Regards,

Jonathon

[Sean-n-Judy]

I'm on Xtra from Telecom. We just got them because they were the quickest to get setup. Also Judy's Dad has Telecom for the phone so we get a discount. We also brought our Vonage router from the states and use VIOP. This is great because our friends in the US can call us on our old US number and its just a local call for them!

Sean

[katandbob]

We were on Xtra, but they couldn't provide it out at Greenhills - dial-up only so we went with Woosh....got 11Gb cap but I'd recon we get to about 600k at the min as the speed, connection is rubbish.
they dont support VOIP, SKYPE OR MSN VIDEO, OR GAMING!

[Avalon]

We're using ihug and are reasonably happy with them. The main issue for us was data cap (we were shocked to find out that there's no BB plan with unlimited BB usage in the market! Considering remoteness of NZ, are they hoping to build Information Society with data caps?!?!)
:)
Sidabrine - try Orcon - we have no cap :raebanana Costs us $74 a month - and its fast. You may be able to get it cheaper than us as we are on radio BB and im not sure if we pay extra because of that. You also may not be able to get as fast a connection. But probably worth a look.

[Stapleton-Gray]

Do not get Xtra - they are just awful. Currently on the phone to them and have been for an hour being switched from person to person to find out why our BB is only allowing half a MB download, when it should be 4MB per second. Its just so slow!!!!!!!

They are not helpful on the phone and when requesting to speak to a manager they say there aren't any!?!?! Er, I think not!

Oh well, have to look into some other providers

[Questor]

Maxnet here - and I'd recommend them to anyone (not just Deborah!) - 3.5Mbps, OK it's a 10Gb limit, but you pay $10 for 2Gb extra, and you don't get slowed down like you do with many suppliers if you go over - that was what swayed it for us

Been with em 3 months, and not once had a problem with the connection - and it's on pretty much 24/7 - the router is left plugged in all the time.

Jon

[xanctus]

Broadband connection in NZ is actually just "allright". We use the wireless broadband by WOOSH. We didn't want to use woosh because with wireless the speed/connection is vary due to weather or something that is mother nature thing hehehe. The problem was, TELECOM was running out of space on their broadband quota or something, so they need to upgrade something which will be ready as soon as early next year. That is just annoying quite frankly. Also, since all broadband is monopoly by telecom, there is no other way for us to use the ADSL 3.5Kbps speed. Our Woosh is just 1.6Kbps...you can see the difference on the number. Mamamia

Overall, my woosh is allright since we live in the city. But my friend who lives in the western suburb said that woosh is not so great.

[richard]

Do not get Xtra - they are just awful. Currently on the phone to them and have been for an hour being switched from person to person to find out why our BB is only allowing half a MB download, when it should be 4MB per second. Its just so slow!!!!!!!



I would have been wooping for joy if I had half a MB download from Xtra. We have been down to 20kbps in the evenings for the last three weeks. It even made the Christchurch paper as our exchange apparently had a problem. Dial up would actually have been faster.

Things seemed to improve yesterday as we can now get close to the lines limit of 2MB so hopefully they have fixed it. It will interesting to see what speeds we can get when the speed limits are removed at the end of the month.

http://xtraplans.co.nz/

[starkhorn]

Hi Folks,

Thanks a million for all of the helpful responses, especially that internet choice website.

Ihug and Maxnet both look cool so I might give them a shout when we get settled.

BTW, when you first landed in NZ, do you all use the free dial-up freenet NZ service provider?

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth getting an account with these guys so that I can connect in the hotel. I can't seem to find out how toll rate calls cost, are they premium rate numbers or something?

Cheers
Starkhorn

[incredible hulse]

Switched from Xtra (after 4 days usage) to inspire. Small ISP but very good technically. Still get slow speeds but that is related to being 4.9kms from the telecom exchange so not ISP related. I pay 45 dollars a month for 2M download and 5G limit - not had any problems so far

[KerryS]

Hi Folks,

Thanks a million for all of the helpful responses, especially that internet choice website.

Ihug and Maxnet both look cool so I might give them a shout when we get settled.

BTW, when you first landed in NZ, do you all use the free dial-up freenet NZ service provider?

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth getting an account with these guys so that I can connect in the hotel. I can't seem to find out how toll rate calls cost, are they premium rate numbers or something?

Cheers
Starkhorn

I have never heard of Freenet? But, when I first arrived I used internet cafes and the like. (Bearing in mind I didn't actually have many belongings when I arrived, and no laptop). Only $2 an hour in Auckland.
You could always subscribe to Orcon or Kiwionline for a month or so on dial-up. I think Orcon is about $15 and Kiwi $10 per month. That may be cheaper than paying the toll-rates?

I'm going to check out Freenet and come back... inquisitivity has got the better of me!

[KerryS]

OK - found out about Freenet. You only get 60 minutes a month free, and have to pay them $9.95 in advance for the service, in case you exceed the 60 minutes.

Personally I'd go for the dial-up with Orcon, as it connects through a free-call number and you only pay $15 a month for an unlimited service. If you utilise their accelerator it's pretty speedy.

[Jax]

Definately check out Orcon - Also new plans being released in about -10 days:
http://www.orcon.net.nz/orcon_blog/orcon_news/all_new_broadband_plans_coming_soon/

They are one of the bigger ISPs in NZ.

[starkhorn]

Ok cool, thank you once again for your help!

[jbharvey]

Telecom Xtra. Definitely avoid this ISP. It's terrible for speeds....OK on price I guess.

Switched to Maxnet and they're great.

[Nelsonian]

If anyone's not ready to sign up to broadband - seems to be a minimum of one year - and wants cheap, reliable dial up, I'd recommend Worldexchange - http://www.worldexchange.co.nz/ - $9.95 for unlimited time and an access number you can use anywhere in NZ plus straight through to real people at an 0800 customer service number.
Jane

[sfordjasiri]

For people that are worried about "caps" on the amount of data your internet service provider will let you download I thought my experience might be of use. I have a 17Gb per month limit with my satellite service in the US. This was more than enough when I was using it for programming related tasks almost all day. (Checking files in and out, connecting to source code servers, etc.) In fact, I used less than a third of my limit each month.

But, that all changed once I started using iTunes to download movies and TV shows at 500Mb a pop. So, if you are just using the internet for email, the web, and occasional visits to YouTube, the service limits that people have been talking about seem like they won't be a problem.

[firstkings]

Just to be different.

We use Telecom Xtra (in CHCH). Fine service...usually very fast (don't notice it being slow!). MAX DOWN and UPload speeds (some plans limit the upload speed - not good ofr upload video/phots to websites). 2GB cap per month - fine for us so far (use work for seriously large transfers).

We've found telecom to be fast friendly and helpful.

Perhaps it's just us?

Cheers

[gil]

No, not just you, us too, in Auckland (so far!!)

Gil