Why hasn't Vodafone, or any NZ telco attempted an unlimited mobile plan?

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › Why hasn't Vodafone, or any NZ telco attempted an unlimited mobile plan?

PaulZA

314 posts

Ultimate Geek

#108647 3-Sep-2012 15:06

Recently got an android, and I realized how much much data apps tend to eat away at my credit, even when it's sitting on idle.

Why hasn't Vodafone, even attempted to launch an unlimited mobile plan.

I know I'm going to get replies saying, that since uncapped ADSL plans haven't taken off, why would mobile plans be any better.

Let me say that even an unlimited mobile data plan limited to 56kbps - 128kbps will be more then enough for mobile data, like twitter, and facebook updates etc. I know that a full speed mobile unlimited package wouldn't take off here, and would probably be catastrophic for NZ telcos, but if they had to introduce one speed limited, it should work.

What is your guys opinion?

Thanks

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#680905 3-Sep-2012 15:29

probably because they wouldn't make as much profit as they do by not having them (eiuther because revenue would be lower, costs higher, or both)

that's what virtually every business decision comes down to ultimately.

PaulBrislen

198 posts

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#680917 3-Sep-2012 15:48

How much would you pay for an unlimited data plan?
Would you accept not being able to put your SIM in another device (eg tablet)?
Would you accept no tethering?
How much data do you think you'd use?
Would you accept having VOIP apps blocked?

cheers

Paul

uglyb0b

335 posts

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#680922 3-Sep-2012 15:52

PaulBrislen: How much would you pay for an unlimited data plan?
Would you accept not being able to put your SIM in another device (eg tablet)?
Would you accept no tethering?
How much data do you think you'd use?
Would you accept having VOIP apps blocked?

cheers

Paul

Just what I was about to say. All it takes is 1 person to take advantage and run something constantly and use all the data. This is why some telcos overseas block tethering or charge extra for it.

If anyone offered an unlimited data plan with no restrictions, anyone could just get a cheap android phone to use for tethering, download the whole internet (all of it) and run the company out of business.

PaulZA

314 posts

Ultimate Geek

#680936 3-Sep-2012 16:11

PaulBrislen: How much would you pay for an unlimited data plan?
Would you accept not being able to put your SIM in another device (eg tablet)?
Would you accept no tethering?
How much data do you think you'd use?
Would you accept having VOIP apps blocked?

cheers

Paul

I'd happily pay about $50 for such a plan.

Tethering isn't really a big problem for me, I have a full speed adsl connection at home so yes.
Then again, if vodafone shaped the unlimted data to say 56kbps (dial up speed) then there's not alot one can do with a connection that slow. But it would be fine for lite mobile surfing, and facebook updates. So no tethering isn't really a big deal. My main concern would be those attempting to bypass the shaping somehow. But with the right configuration, that would be near impossible

Probably about 500mb - 1gb per month.

It's fine having VOIP apps blocked, because I have the home internet connection to cater for my VOIP needs.

freitasm

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#680940 3-Sep-2012 16:21

500 MB a month is already available, for $19 if you want. And 500 MB on a mobile is quite a lot actually, unless you use it to tether your laptop.

Average usage is below 400MB. Some people use more, sure, but there is no reason why people using more shouldn't pay more than the average.

stevenz

2802 posts

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#680953 3-Sep-2012 16:40

I use the data on mine a fair bit (it doesn't get used as an actual phone much at all) - the only time I get near the 500MB limit is when an app goes rogue, or I forget to un-tether it and download something large. 500MB is usually enough. Being able to buy emergency top-up packs for just such occurances would be very nice though.

@KnightNZ

sbiddle

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#680965 3-Sep-2012 17:03

PaulZA:
I'd happily pay about $50 for such a plan.

Tethering isn't really a big problem for me, I have a full speed adsl connection at home so yes.
Then again, if vodafone shaped the unlimted data to say 56kbps (dial up speed) then there's not alot one can do with a connection that slow. But it would be fine for lite mobile surfing, and facebook updates. So no tethering isn't really a big deal. My main concern would be those attempting to bypass the shaping somehow. But with the right configuration, that would be near impossible

Probably about 500mb - 1gb per month.

Spectrum is a finite resource and mobile data should always carry a premium over fixed line connections.

What you're proposing is paying significantly more than what the going rates in the marketplace are for mobile data. Unlimited data simply won't happen, but with 2degrees offering 12GB valid for 6 months there are plenty of options in the marketplace already.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

sonyxperiageek

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#681048 3-Sep-2012 21:39

PaulZA:
PaulBrislen: How much would you pay for an unlimited data plan?
Would you accept not being able to put your SIM in another device (eg tablet)?
Would you accept no tethering?
How much data do you think you'd use?
Would you accept having VOIP apps blocked?

cheers

Paul

I'd happily pay about $50 for such a plan.

Tethering isn't really a big problem for me, I have a full speed adsl connection at home so yes.
Then again, if vodafone shaped the unlimted data to say 56kbps (dial up speed) then there's not alot one can do with a connection that slow. But it would be fine for lite mobile surfing, and facebook updates. So no tethering isn't really a big deal. My main concern would be those attempting to bypass the shaping somehow. But with the right configuration, that would be near impossible

Probably about 500mb - 1gb per month.

It's fine having VOIP apps blocked, because I have the home internet connection to cater for my VOIP needs.

And I would not pay $50 for a plan that only has a speed of 56kbps, even if it was unlimited!

Sony

lokhor

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#681054 3-Sep-2012 22:07

I think it'd be viable if they capped the speed after using say 3GB

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

insane

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#681055 3-Sep-2012 22:07

When I want to access information i want it fast, so the thought of not being able to get my maximum speed from my device would grate on me, so a unlimited 128k plan would be out of the question.

Telcos need to work on plans where a pool of data can be shared between both home broadband and mobile devices. Heard a rumor that one of the 'smartphone networks' were planning on doing this to an extent.

joutei

308 posts

Ultimate Geek

#681056 3-Sep-2012 22:08

Yeah, While I was in the USA a couple of months ago.
Most carrier's seem to have unlimited data plans, but the speed is capped after say 1gb or 2gb of usage.
Also tethering options are available, just another fee.

Quite honestly, their networks are quite slow compared to what we have.
Then again, the amount of people on each carriers network is quite large.

GiantSeaPanda

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#681184 4-Sep-2012 09:56

Is there even any way to cap speeds through a mobile network, let alone conditionally?

johnr

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#681186 4-Sep-2012 09:58

GiantSeaPanda: Is there even any way to cap speeds through a mobile network, let alone conditionally?

Yes

Ragnor

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#681198 4-Sep-2012 10:06

GiantSeaPanda: Is there even any way to cap speeds through a mobile network, let alone conditionally?

Standard traffic management appliances in the core ip network can manage data flows.

PaulBrislen

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#681204 4-Sep-2012 10:13

Meanwhile, Free in France is offering unlimited voice and TXT and a 3GB/month package for EU20.

Interesting times, eh?

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