Telecom iPhone plan discussion...

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Telecom iPhone plan discussion...

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23 posts

Geek

#242019 3-Aug-2009 21:15

OK, then the scenarios need to be clear - there are actually 3 scenarios:

1. No existing iPhone so want a new one

2. Have an existing iPhone but want to upgrade it

3. Have an existing iPhone and want to keep using it.

Vodafone model probably works for 1 & 2, but Telecom for #3.

ArranH

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#242025 3-Aug-2009 21:25

Objectivism: OK, then the scenarios need to be clear - there are actually 3 scenarios:

1. No existing iPhone so want a new one

2. Have an existing iPhone but want to upgrade it

3. Have an existing iPhone and want to keep using it.

Vodafone model probably works for 1 & 2, but Telecom for #3.

Hmmm I'd like to go for #2 as I'd love a 3GS but that still wouldn't make me want to stay with VF as the service levels have dropped and what 3G I do use would be nice to actually be 3G.

Plus as a student I couldn't really justify buying the first iphone, let alone another. If only people hired part-time business analysts :)

ahmad

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#242037 3-Aug-2009 21:41

Yes it is $600 credit vs. $580 upfront, but if you are considering the OneRate 180 plan in the first place then you're probably going to be spending close to $100 per month if not more. Which means 6 months to get that credit.

It's not a plan for all, but for those that prefer XT for speed or whatever other reason (more minutes on the Telecom offering), then it is at least an option. And I'm all for choice.

ArranH

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#242284 4-Aug-2009 11:23

Hmm just looked at 2degrees. Some great ideas (cheaper calls and the free texts on topup) but with no text plans and expensive data (yes I know they have data plans coming) it just isn't going to be for me.

XT pre-pay is looking appealing. First time I have EVER been on prepay after 15 years of cellphone ownership.

mixja

23 posts

Geek

#245432 11-Aug-2009 23:49

Switched across to XT from VF on the iPhone deal - must say XT is well ahead of Vodafone in all key areas:

- Coverage - I've only noticed on one occasion less than 5 bars (4 bars in an underground car park in Botany Downs). VF coverage although in general was good always had predictable dead zones

- Voice Quality - XT seems slightly better

- Data Performance - XT is miles ahead. On VF perhaps 20% of the time I was getting either no connectivity or very slow connectivity. On XT, the performance is very good. Tonight I tethered my computer at home (Botany Downs area) to the iPhone 3G over Bluetooth and ran Slingshot speedtest - getting 800Kbps down and 100Kbps up. Although I've never done the same comparison for VF, I know the VF results would have been much less...

The only downside is reduced battery life probably due to the always on 3G, although it is not significant...

ArranH

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#245433 11-Aug-2009 23:53

Good to hear. I'm getting my number moved to XT tomorrow.

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exportgoldman

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#245434 11-Aug-2009 23:55

XT Rocks, I have been very happy as well. Good luck with the number port @ArranH let us know how it goes.

Tyler - Parnell Geek - iPhone 3G - Lenovo X301 - Kaseya - Great Western Steak House, these are some of my favourite things.

ahmad

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#245439 12-Aug-2009 00:08

At least for now it is clear XT is the faster data network for the iPhone. If you haven't already check out the speed test I ran for XT vs. Vodafone last Friday.

Apparently there may be some conflict between the iPhone and Vodafone's network that is responsible for some prbolems but at the end of the day the iPhone won't support Vodafone's new 900Mhz 3g where actually available so in-building coverage is always going to be hit and miss. (850 and 900Mhz offers better in building signal)

Dunedin's main mall has a basement food court where there is almost non existent Vodafone signal but XT showed near full signal and ran at over 2Mbps on my testing (vs dialup speeds on Vodafone due entirely to the low signal quality).

exportgoldman

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#245441 12-Aug-2009 00:14

ahmad: At least for now it is clear XT is the faster data network for the iPhone. If you haven't already check out the speed test I ran for XT vs. Vodafone last Friday.

Apparently there may be some conflict between the iPhone and Vodafone's network that is responsible for some prbolems but at the end of the day the iPhone won't support Vodafone's new 900Mhz 3g where actually available so in-building coverage is always going to be hit and miss. (850 and 900Mhz offers better in building signal)

I agree, from the testing I've done XT is much faster, but from the publically available information here there seems to be a problem with the iPhone and VF NZ, perhaps the equipment VF use (Nokia?) verses the XT gear. Other devices get much better speeds from the same towers using the same frequences.

the iPhone on VF will only be able to use VF's 3G not it's 'extended' 3G network (900Mhz) and will step down to 2G from my experience often when it hits bad coverage areas or where the signals stronger for 2G but I may not be completely accurate about this.

But from what I can see, the battle has only started in New Zealand for the title of NZ's fastest mobile network. XT has got off to a flying start, but now Vodafone are pouring engineering and capital into their network we will see.

Don't forget XT's upgrading at Christmas to 21 Megabits nationwide. W00t Vodafone's just started 'alpha' testing this.

Tyler - Parnell Geek - iPhone 3G - Lenovo X301 - Kaseya - Great Western Steak House, these are some of my favourite things.

petes117

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#251403 28-Aug-2009 18:41

Telecom's iPhone "Plan" is due to expire 31st Aug last time I checked.

What are the chances we'll see some new different plans or will this offer just disappear?

In fact I think the page with the iPhone deal on Telecom's site has disappeared!

Buttonmash

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#251410 28-Aug-2009 19:05

exportgoldman:
Don't forget XT's upgrading at Christmas to 21 Megabits nationwide. W00t Vodafone's just started 'alpha' testing this.

That means very little when the 3G S only supports 7.2Mb HSDPA.

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mysticnz

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#251412 28-Aug-2009 19:12

yes your correct the page has been taken off :O link was.....http://store.telecom.co.nz/mobile/special-offers/iphone-sim-only-offer

//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=26&l=ur1&category=electronics&f=ifr&linkID=f545e16761c90817a4224f3c624cee38&t=mysticnz-20&tracking_id=mysticnz-20

JaredW

42 posts

Geek

#251432 28-Aug-2009 21:58

I guess they took it off in preparation for NEXT WEEK'S BIG IPHONE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!

Or not. I dunno.

michaelmurfy

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#254396 9-Sep-2009 16:21

Vodafone have always been ahead, since 2005 they have had 3G - Since the birth (from Bellsouth) they have had Sim Cards, Telecom have only just caught up.

Wait a minute, isn't this the 2nd time in the last 10 years Telecom have made their customers switch phones because of a "Network Upgrade"?

1st Time) Amps was shut down (Their old analogue network) in favor for CDMA in 2002?
2nd Time) CDMA being shut down end of 2011, wow great! They are forcing users to change again.

I am glad to be with a established network. Telecom _only_ have 850MHz UTMS and CDMA, while Vodafone has both 2G & 3G UTMS, if 3G fails on Telecom's network, it's not like they can roll back to 2G or CDMA right?

Switching your iPhone to XT is Fail. Nuff said. Just watch Vodafone's site and they might have another offer for you guys ;)

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corksta

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#254398 9-Sep-2009 16:25

I am glad to be with a established network. Telecom _only_ have 850MHz UTMS and CDMA, while Vodafone has both 2G & 3G UTMS, if 3G fails on Telecom's network, it's not like they can roll back to 2G or CDMA right?

Switching your iPhone to XT is Fail. Nuff said. Just watch Vodafone's site and they might have another offer for you guys ;)

Sorry you couldn't be more wrong. iPhone constantly dropping back to 2G then trying to use data on said phone on 2G = MISERABLE FAIL.

I dont think you'll find anyone on here who says switiching to XT is fail.

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