Has Slingshot improved recently? (considering getting it)

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Has Slingshot improved recently? (considering getting it)

Nichlemn

14 posts

Geek

#135066 13-Nov-2013 12:21

I'm debating getting the $69 40GB + phoneline plan. The thing that gives me pause is that I've read some very poor reviews of Slingshot. However, most of those reviews were >1 year old. Some news articles I've browsed suggest that it's improved recently. What do you think? Is it better to pay a higher rate to a different provider?

NZCrusader

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#933040 13-Nov-2013 12:38

Service is good.

In reality each ISP has pros and cons, as well as ups and downs from time to time too.

I have generally found Slingshot to have good support, and speeds a good (in excess of 15Mbps to AU & US) almost all the time on ADSL2+ connection.
They cache a good amount of stuff (including P2P torrents), so anything that hits these will probably have line speed download rates.

Latency for gaming is good, 47ms to Sydney from Christchurch.

Only gripe at the moment is their botched release of VDSL where unofficial announced prices and release dates have been all over the show, but this is not related to speed / reliability or latency. ;)

EDIT:
- Btw all consumer grade broadband is best effort and support is basic. You have to pay for a business connection for any guarantees of speed and premium support.

NZ / AU Battlefield 4 Gaming Community
http://www.sonsofvalour.net/forums/forum.php

Handsomedan

7285 posts

Uber Geek

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Subscriber

#933131 13-Nov-2013 14:32

I've been with them for years.

I'm close to a cabinet, so get good speed and its pretty consistent.

I have no complaints.

Cheaper than others too...although I haven't had a really serious look around.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.
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Neori

82 posts

Master Geek

2degrees

#933585 13-Nov-2013 22:53

Been with them for 3 years. Only ever had 2 issues with them in that duration, but they fixed the issues within a day or 2 so I'm very happy with their service.

DamageInc

549 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#933603 13-Nov-2013 23:33

As above been with Slingshot for a number of years, no complaints. Would recommend easily.

Pop! OS

allio

885 posts

Ultimate Geek

#933668 14-Nov-2013 09:03

They've had their ups and downs over the years, but I can confidently say the current unlimited ADSL service is the best one that's ever been offered in NZ. I'm getting full line speed on virtually all downloads, including P2P, 24/7. Local latency is 4-5ms. Plus, if you're in the Better Network, you have the option to use Annex M, which I don't believe you get with any other ISP.

Seeing I don't qualify for VDSL or UFB, I can't really see how there's any way I could get a better service than I currently am. Maybe if it were cheaper.

Only one problem worth mentioning: I've moved house twice in the past year. At both new houses, I initially had awful speeds and latency after getting connected. Turned out I'd been put on a BUBA port at the exchange both times. After phoning them up and asking to be switched to EUBA (which they did immediately and without grilling me), all issues were instantly resolved. Don't think this is a Slingshot problem, more of a NZ's-aging-copper-network problem.

NZtimbo

165 posts

Master Geek

#933740 14-Nov-2013 10:59

I also agree with all above, the Slingshot service is OK for the price BUT we are stuck on the rather crappy BUBA service and always get around 2MBps durring the evenings... sad face

UFB unknown if/when we're getting it, VDSL well you can't even get EUBA so theres a no go their either even though we live 200m from our towns exchange.

Xeon

302 posts

Ultimate Geek

#935030 16-Nov-2013 21:58

Also stuck on BUBA, currently 2-3 mbps. During the day 12mbps, and online games won't play during the evening. Latency is decent though.

Well then,

Sharesies kids

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michaelmurfy

meow
13242 posts

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#935043 16-Nov-2013 22:41

Telecom have $75 for 30gb, or $85 for 80gb. In my experience I wouldn't go near Slingshot. Sure you're saving a few dollars but is it really worth it when you as a customer are debating about joining them? I'd rather pay for good internet that works with good speeds (provided you're not connected to a Conklin or an ASAM) than risk joining an ISP with a history with congestion and international traffic issues.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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lxsw20

3552 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#935047 16-Nov-2013 22:52

I was expecting them to be a bit crap when I moved into the flat I'm in now. I have been pleasantly surprised, I'LL be signing up with them again for next year.