New Spark Futura Modem upload issues on 4g

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › New Spark Futura Modem upload issues on 4g

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meow
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#3393741 14-Jul-2025 11:11

sigod: I could go on 2degrees fibre for $55 a month that has unlimited data.

It seems like you're a wee bit technical. Have a look at Quic which is only $60/mo for 100/20Mbit then you can leave your mobiles with Spark.

That would solve the problem, but it seems like a systemic problem that needs to be fixed anyway.

The problem also is mobile data isn't guaranteed at all so there may be reasons for the speed dropping. But also as above, the drop is normal every 24hrs. UFB is the better option for you.

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sigod

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#3393753 14-Jul-2025 12:04

It's not mobile data it's advertised as 4g wireless broadband with average speeds even though they are technically the same thing. My old 4g router didn't have these speed problems and the WAN didn't disconnect every 24 hours, well at least I didn't notice it and it didn't cause devices to stay offline after the disconnection. Also why should I have to change plan it's hard enough to communicate with them to look at 1 "minor" issue. I feel too stressed out at the moment to actually contemplate changing providers.

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meow
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#3393812 14-Jul-2025 13:07

sigod: It's not mobile data it's advertised as 4g wireless broadband with average speeds even though they are technically the same thing.

I was meaning "Mobile Data" = "4G Wireless Broadband"

If you're needing a consistent speed then UFB is your real only option. What you're describing is normal for FWA.

Talkiet: On FWA, this momentary drop every 24 hours is normal.

Cheers - N

nztim

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#3393815 14-Jul-2025 13:37

sigod:

I feel too stressed out at the moment to actually contemplate changing providers.

Stress brought on by yourself dealing FWA quirks when you live in a fiber area and can get 100/20

lots of RSPS offer unlimited for $65 or under (as capped by Chorus rules)

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RunningMan

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#3393902 14-Jul-2025 15:06

nztim:Stress brought on by yourself dealing FWA quirks when you live in a fiber area and can get 100/20

The extra $5-10 per month is very significant for a lot of people. The OP's raised a repeatable performance issue with the product - there's plenty of threads here where people have been told oh that's just FWA /mobile etc. where it's transpired there was actually faulty equipment.

nztim

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#3393922 14-Jul-2025 15:33

RunningMan:

The extra $5-10 per month is very significant for a lot of people. The OP's raised a repeatable performance issue with the product - there's plenty of threads here where people have been told oh that's just FWA /mobile etc. where it's transpired there was actually faulty equipment.

The thing is there is no price difference

Everyday Wireless $65
Home Fiber Starter $65 (sure the landline is on top of that, but OP said he can ditch that)

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RunningMan

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#3393925 14-Jul-2025 15:36

nztim:The thing is there is no price difference

Ah yeah. Apologies, I'd misread it as Skinny with Futura modem, which is $55/month.

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sigod

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#3393926 14-Jul-2025 15:46

The thing is there is no price difference

Everyday Wireless $65
Home Fiber Starter $65 (sure the landline is on top of that, but OP said he can ditch that)

The difference is the 120gb cap on spark fibre starter after which speeds are limited. I usually use more than that and why pay $65 for a cap with spark when you can get it $10 cheaper with 2degrees or move to quic.

I don't care about the speeds that much it's just that there is something faulty with the current service. Thanks for all the suggestions so far though.

sigod

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#3393941 14-Jul-2025 17:41

I just noticed that my PCI-wifi card disconnected (other devices disconnect too so don't think it's a pci wifi problem) and checked the router logs there was no ACS connection request message so that points back to the LAN being the issue or more likely a firmware problem. This has been very difficult to diagnose. I think if i get another router I'll make sure it's not the futura. If the acs connection was working there might be a firmware update that could fix this problem, but maybe the acs connection is broken because of the firmware in the first place....

RunningMan

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#3393944 14-Jul-2025 18:00

I wonder if it could be related to the Samknows software on the modem?

If you have a wireless broadband plan and are using a Spark Futura Modem, Spark Smart Modem 2 or Spark 5G Smart Modem with it, you will have SamKnows software loaded on your modem. This means you can also check your internet speeds using RealSpeed, an online tool that uses SamKnows software to test your internet speeds.

Test your speed using RealSpeed

Source: https://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet/troubleshoot/check-broadband-speed

sigod

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#3393945 14-Jul-2025 18:07

Tried it and the website said RealSpeed is not available on this network. I'm almost 100 percent sure it is the router firmware now or possibly a combination of router and tower/servers.

RunningMan

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#3393947 14-Jul-2025 18:17

Skinny has a bit more info re Samknows https://www.skinny.co.nz/broadband/futura-modem but I don't see the equivalent info on the Spark site. I presume the firmware is very similar between Spark & Skinny.

quickymart

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#3393958 14-Jul-2025 19:46

sigod:

I feel too stressed out at the moment to actually contemplate changing providers.

Sounds like staying on your current connection is causing you a lot of stress as it is.

sigod

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#3393965 14-Jul-2025 20:35

It's only because I decided to try out a new modem for free. I'll know better next time.

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#3393977 14-Jul-2025 21:52

@sigod Changing providers is easy if steps are followed correctly and fibre is king hands down!

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