Skinny broadband questions

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scissors

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#195750 2-May-2016 18:31

a) Can I buy a second hand Skinny Broadband modem and use it to access Skinny Broadband, or do I need a new one from Skinny?

(example - http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/modems/auction-1078755922.htm)

b) Can I use a Skinny USB mobile data stick to access skinny broadband, or do I need the actual skinny broadband modem?

(example - http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/modems/auction-1078004278.htm)

c) Can any current users share your experiences - what are network speeds / lag like at peak times?

Yabanize

2349 posts

Uber Geek

#1545531 2-May-2016 18:56

A: Probably Yes (just trying to double check with someone at Skinny)

B: No

Tradepub

Free professional, reference and technical white papers (affiliate link).

Yabanize

2349 posts

Uber Geek

#1545902 3-May-2016 11:24

Update:

Yes, you can use a Skinny modem you buy from Trademe.

I assume Skinny would send you a new SIM to put in the modem.

Make sure you check your address is compatible first http://skinny.co.nz/broadband

The website won't let you order it without a modem, so you would need to call up 0800 4 Skinny

LivingSkinny

513 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

Skinny

#1545916 3-May-2016 11:42

a) Can I buy a second hand Skinny Broadband modem and use it to access Skinny Broadband, or do I need a new one from Skinny?

You would need to:

1. check that your address is eligible (before buying the modem);

2. arrange for the current owner to call us and give consent for transferring the ownership of the modem. We will then remove the link between the modem and the old owners account;

3. sign up to the dashboard and link the modem (you would have to call us to do so as you won't be following the standard purchase process).

b) Can I use a Skinny USB mobile data stick to access skinny broadband, or do I need the actual skinny broadband modem?

Skinny Broadband only works with Skinny Broadband Modems.

c) Can any current users share your experiences - what are network speeds / lag like at peak times?

I was streaming Lightbox at 8pm last night with no issues at all. But you may want a less biased opinion :)

Cheers

Paul

kornflake

409 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1546309 3-May-2016 21:16

Paul, Do Skinny charge change of ownership fees like Skinnys wider brother does?

scissors

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1547205 5-May-2016 14:21

LivingSkinny:

a) Can I buy a second hand Skinny Broadband modem and use it to access Skinny Broadband, or do I need a new one from Skinny?

You would need to:

1. check that your address is eligible (before buying the modem); 2. arrange for the current owner to call us and give consent for transferring the ownership of the modem. We will then remove the link between the modem and the old owners account; 3. sign up to the dashboard and link the modem (you would have to call us to do so as you won't be following the standard purchase process).

b) Can I use a Skinny USB mobile data stick to access skinny broadband, or do I need the actual skinny broadband modem?

Skinny Broadband only works with Skinny Broadband Modems.

c) Can any current users share your experiences - what are network speeds / lag like at peak times?

I was streaming Lightbox at 8pm last night with no issues at all. But you may want a less biased opinion :)

Cheers

Paul

Thanks Paul, just decided to get a new modem with the connection to avoid the hassle, seeing they are only $99

Cheers

scissors

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1548411 8-May-2016 21:40

Anyway I ordered a new modem + connection from the Skinny website

Modem arrived following day, so far so good

Unfortunately, upon plugging in and connecting via wifi, I am given the message "Insert a SIM card and restart your device." through the web interface. Although the proof of purchase packing slip mentions "HUAWEI B315S MODEM + SIM sk BD", I can't find any sim card included with the package (and also can't find any place to insert a sim card into the modem).

I'm assuming the sim card is internal to the modem and the skinny modem factory forgot to include it inside the modem....?

What do I do?

knoydart

904 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#1548422 8-May-2016 22:30

There is a little cover on the side / back of the modem from memory you can open up and check that the sim is present. We have two modems in the office so I can double check first thing in the morning if you still have trouble finding it. The only other cover hides the antenna connections so it's only a choice of two!

dickytim

2514 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1548457 9-May-2016 06:16

Buying direct from Skinny is best as you get a free month anyway so hardly worth going second hand.

Performance will vary from place to place, I have around 30 down and 10up but that changes depending on where in the house I put the modem, I have found what I believe is the best compromise for putting the modem out of the way and performance against an external wall, however if I put the modem outside the performance is better.

I stream Skygo regularly with no performance issues.

scissors

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1548480 9-May-2016 08:46

knoydart: There is a little cover on the side / back of the modem from memory you can open up and check that the sim is present. We have two modems in the office so I can double check first thing in the morning if you still have trouble finding it. The only other cover hides the antenna connections so it's only a choice of two!

Ahh that makes sense. Turned out the sim was not inserted properly; everything is working fine now!

Thanks

Katikati

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1548510 9-May-2016 09:01

Hi there,

I switched to Skinny in February after months of hassles with Spark over landline interference when it rained. Since then I have had no problems with lag or moisture interference. Speed is faster than ADSL (we do not have VDSL or fibre in Katikati and are unlikely to get it for at least 2 years) and I enjoy watching TV on demand without buffering holdups.

Overall I'm pleased with Skinny's 4G internet. We (a couple) are not heavy users. So $55 a month for 55gb and a reliable, faster than before, service is great. Also I found their customer service support very good compared to dear old Spark who say the "right" things but rarely deliver.

Regards, Paul in Katikati