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Bhavya

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#113856 30-Jan-2013 10:30
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Hi Geekzone,

I'll be moving down to Hamilton Central in the next week for a new job. I'm looking for a way to get some sort of a decent internet connection in the motor lodge that I'll be staying at (for a period of 6 months, I'll be back in Auckland after that). Unfortunately, the WiFi plans they provide are terribly costly, starting at $20 for 200 MB from Zenbu, if I remember correctly. 

I'm a low to mid (30 GB p/month at most) internet user and can tone this down if needed, but living under 1 GB per month is just impossible. Is there some sort of cost efficient way of getting broadband in a motel room, without too much hassle? I'm ready to pay up to $60-80 p/month. 

So far I've already contacted Snap (I was told they do such connections, but they've come back with no fixed line availability in that area and proposed a 3G plan that cost 89.95 for 4GB — which in a sense was the best I could find)

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Bhavya

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freitasm
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  #753116 30-Jan-2013 10:35
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Look for a Wireless ISP in that region. What about Compass?




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wellygary
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  #753133 30-Jan-2013 10:46
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2 degrees will give you 12 GB of 3G data for $99

Bhavya

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  #753140 30-Jan-2013 10:53
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Thanks for the replies, freitasm and wellygary. I looked into Compass but they don't provide wireless broadband to Hamilton Central. I sent them a reply just in case their service availability search wasn't updated for whatever reason.

Also, I'll keep the 12GB for $99 @ 2Degrees as one of my final choices.

Thanks!



deadlyllama
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  #753141 30-Jan-2013 10:54
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wellygary: 2 degrees will give you 12 GB of 3G data for $99


+1.  As long as you're in their mobile broadband coverage zone (check their website) this will work.  My mum's internet connection is solely a 2degrees stick with a broadband pack.  For low usage it's way cheaper than DSL.

chevrolux
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  #753155 30-Jan-2013 11:15
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Yea chalk one up for 2Degress aswell! The 12GB lasts for 6 months but you will obviously use it quicker than that. One of the best casual data plans around at the moment. Nice and quick too in most parts of the country.

Otherwise just get Snap! to chuck an ADSL connection on for you. You will probably get charged the full install fee of around $200 being that their won't be a line directly to your motel room. Maybe you are close to the office where the line comes in and could just put the wifi router in there. Will still get charged the same though I guess so probably not much point.

Bhavya

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  #753174 30-Jan-2013 11:33
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Haha, I've found some good Wireless ISPs, I'm just worried if their installations are permanent. As that'd not only get the motel owners mad at me (I haven't asked them regarding installing anything yet) but it might cost some sort of a removal fee too? It's a bit much living on minimum/intern pay.

I'm seriously considering 2Degrees for now, so I'll check their coverage zone. Grr, it makes me slightly mad that any place/company would charge $20 for 200 MB! Even a single youtube video would make me feel guilty.

Anyone have any idea on the installation process? I've got these Wireless ISP's to look at too.

http://www.no8wireless.co.nz/plans/no-8-core
http://www.wirelessnation.co.nz/fibre-broadband-in-apartments
http://www.satlan.co.nz/

Appreciate the input, guys!

deadlyllama
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  #753178 30-Jan-2013 11:43
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Bhavya: Haha, I've found some good Wireless ISPs, I'm just worried if their installations are permanent. As that'd not only get the motel owners mad at me (I haven't asked them regarding installing anything yet) but it might cost some sort of a removal fee too? It's a bit much living on minimum/intern pay.

I'm seriously considering 2Degrees for now, so I'll check their coverage zone. Grr, it makes me slightly mad that any place/company would charge $20 for 200 MB! Even a single youtube video would make me feel guilty.

Anyone have any idea on the installation process? I've got these Wireless ISP's to look at too.

http://www.no8wireless.co.nz/plans/no-8-core
http://www.wirelessnation.co.nz/fibre-broadband-in-apartments
http://www.satlan.co.nz/

Appreciate the input, guys!


Pretty much guaranteed they'll want to put an antenna on the roof.

 
 
 

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chevrolux
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  #753205 30-Jan-2013 12:20
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I dont think a WISP is a good option as it will be a fixed install at a cost of around $400. Fixed line dsl is probably best but yea if you can dial down the data usage 2degrees would be the best.

kyhwana2
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  #753221 30-Jan-2013 12:55
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You're probably not going to be able to get DSL through their PABX/whatever they use for POTS and I doubt they'll let you affix any kind of wireless antenna install onto the roof, so you best bet is probably the $99/6 months 12GB 2degree's mobile broadband.

There are apartment blocks around that will let you setup your own DSL account and a few others that have Lightwire connectivity. (Prepay) http://www.lightwire.co.nz/

jonb
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  #753223 30-Jan-2013 12:59
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Another option could be to look for a flatshare with someone, instead of a motel for six months.

scuwp
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  #753226 30-Jan-2013 13:03
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Hamilton City Council provide free wi-fi in the central city. If you are lucky enough maybe you could tap into that to subsidise your paid subscription?





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Cbfd
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  #753228 30-Jan-2013 13:06
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If you can get lightwire they are pretty good and around most of the cbd - costs about 100$ for 70 gig and lasts up to 90 days

trig42
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  #753238 30-Jan-2013 13:13
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Have you asked the motel owners if they'd do you a deal?

They own the Zenbu unit and could easily let you bypass it or give you a better deal.

kiwijunglist
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  #753265 30-Jan-2013 14:04
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Either 12GB - $99 2Degrees, or check with Woosh wireless/other wireless providers.

I used woosh wireless in the past, there is no need to have a physically installed antenna on the roof etc, you just get a portable antenna and place it next to a window.  You might have to experiement with a few locations or make sure you get a room with a window on the same side as the wireless tower.




HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.


Batman
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  #753302 30-Jan-2013 14:57
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surely the youtube can wait for a month or two? how do you travel/go "on holiday" otherwise?

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