[WXC/VFX] Anyone with good XNet reports?

BenG

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#30037 27-Jan-2009 15:54

I know people mostly post when there is a problem, so that's why I'm asking for good reports with XNet.
I just moved to NZ from the US, and will be here for two years. I need a pretty good broadband connection, so I can work from NZ though. I'll be using VPN to connect to work and transferring large files. I will also be using VOIP and video chat to the US as well.
I expect I will be using around 100 GB a month, and currently don't have need for a local landline (mobile for NZ calls, VOIP for the States). I'm looking at the XNet fusion plan (non-torrent, since that seems to offer better speeds). I'm also thinking about Slingshot (and posted a similar question in that forum) but am open to other suggestions as well. I'm in the Bay of Islands area.
So, anyone happy with their service and speed, especially to the States?
Thanks.

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#192309 27-Jan-2009 16:11

Hello again Ben,

I guess you have ruled out the wireless option, judging by this post. Probably a wise idea because the cheapest plan I could find offered just 30GB of data for $190 per month with excess data @ $15 per GB

I think it will definitely be best to go for wired broadband (ADSL), possibly via a neighbouring property if necessary.

About 10 months ago, I left Xnet reluctantly after being with them for around 3 years (this is our Auckland place I'm talking about here). Reason being that International speeds during the peak-time evening hours had deteriorated dramatically to the point where I could no longer stream YouTube videos without buffering.

After a brief unsatisfactory experience with Supra, I have been with Snap for the last 5 months on their Naked 10GB plan, and couldn't be happier. According to Snap's web site, 100GB of data on their Naked DSL B plan would cost you $200.95 per month.

Further details here: http://www.snap.net.nz/home/naked-dsl/

Given that there is sufficient bandwidth even during the peak-time evening hours to stream 2 x YouTube videos at once (600kbps approx.), you shouldn't have any problems with Video Conferencing.

The situation on Xnet may have improved by now but that's my experience for what it's worth.

I wish that Snap's Naked DSL service had been around years ago, because this is the perfect setup for us. We use a VoIP phone service from Kiwilink giving unlimited calling anywhere in the 09 region for $15 per month. For us, with friends/family between Auckland and the Far North, it's an unbeatable deal.

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#192323 27-Jan-2009 16:48

I am very happy with XNet on Fusion, but would not be if I had your requirements. Stick with the big names, e.g. Clear or Xtra or a couple others. Can't tell you who is good and who not, just to stick with big names for your requirements. I see Xtra is now very expensive for large users, biggest plan is 40GB + 2c/MB which works out to $1300 for 100GB! But you might be able to get a business account, especially since it is for business use, and that would also get priority if there are any faults. I'm sure somewhere will be a big ISP that will sell you 100GB.

You can never have enough Volvos!

scottjames84

94 posts

Master Geek

#192334 27-Jan-2009 17:22

I just moved to NZ from the states 2 months ago and can hosestly say that no matter which ISP you get you will be disapointed in terms of qaulity and qauntity compared to what you could get back stateside.

Which city/state did you move from?

I just got Xnet unlimited non torrent connected last week and allthough I had some problems with the speeds; it seems to have worked itsself out since then.

As for Voip; I would go with Xnets service for local calls around NZ and get Magic Jack www.magicjack.com it is a great little peice of hardware that allows you to plug in a phone (any phone) to the jack in the device (no configuring nessesary) you get a US local number so your friends and family can call you for free from their landline; and you get free local and long distance calling in the USA

I think the 1st year for Magic Jack is $50 which includes the hardware (a 2"x1" plastic usb dongle) every year after the 1st you pay i think $20 so no monthly bills & the qaulity is awesome.

Unless you like being robbed by the Cellphone company I suggest using mainly Voip to make NZ phone calls as there are no economically viable plans here in NZ set about by the Cellphone monopoly we have here in NZ which is why the majority of NZ uses cellphones only for texting instead of making phone calls.

BenG

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#192353 27-Jan-2009 19:07

I moved from Indianapolis. I had AT&T DSL there, so it wasn't a speed demon then. Though, I wasn't trying to work from home, either... So I have different requirements now.
I already had my home number from Indy switched to VOIP. So all I need is a good internet connection and I can call the states and be called here for free. I was supposed to have internet in the place provided for me here. I do, but it's run through a proxy that pretty much blocks everything but http, so it's fairly useless.
I've already found the issue with cellphones. I do have home phone setup, but it's also run through the company phone network (ie, call the main number and dial my extension) so I can't get DSL directly on that. That's why I was looking at the fusion plan.
I appreciate the responses already, and would love to hear from anyone else.
Thanks.

jpollock

600 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#192433 28-Jan-2009 09:58

I use XNet for VoIP, and they're awesome. Great Service, Great Price, Great Features.

I, however, don't use them for broadband. :)

---
http://blog.jason.pollock.ca

Ragnor

8223 posts

Uber Geek

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#192574 28-Jan-2009 20:13

jpollock: I use XNet for VoIP, and they're awesome. Great Service, Great Price, Great Features.

I, however, don't use them for broadband. :)

Is it time to bring this out again?