Am I mad to be considering resigning for another two years ?

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martyyn

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Topic # 50982 26-Nov-2009 14:14

Both myself and my wife are now out of contract with Vodafone and whilst she is more than happy with her phone and deal, I want an iphone 3GS with as much monthly data as I can get for as cheaply as I can get it.

A quick look tells me Vodafone are still cheaper on a monthly basis than XT but given the current 'mobile' climate, am I mad to consider signing up for another two year contract ?

3Gb a month would be ideal but Ive heard wildly conflicting reports of whats going to happen next week. One says it will be extended until Feb 2010, the other says it will definitely end next week.

I know how stupid this question must sound, but 24 months is a hell of a long time given how things have changed in the last 12.

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Reply # 276522 26-Nov-2009 14:18

Given what is happening around the world between Apple and other carriers, I would expect V/Phone to lose their Iphone exclusivity at some point over the next 2 years.

EDIT: following Paul's Comments. My Bad on the exclusivity claim,

exportgoldman

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Reply # 276556 26-Nov-2009 15:11

wellygary: Given what is happening around the world between Apple and other carriers, I would expect V/Phone to lose their Iphone exclusivity at some point over the next 2 years.

Vodafone don't have a exclusive iPhone contract in New Zealand, before XT they had a technical exclusivity, a natural monopoly on iPhone if you will as there were no other GSM/3G networks in NZ.

Some, including the commerce commission, would argue that Vodafone didn't have a 3G network either, but thats a topic for another day :) (But it's getting better now.)

My reccomendation is to not sign any contract with any telco in the next year or two, there is simply too much competition to peg your pricing for two years at todays rates.

I moved from Vodafone to Telecom, and have been offered some very tempting deals but still have not signed in a contract as 2Degree's will eventually light up their 3G gear, and Vodafone will step up their 3G coverage, and Telecom and Vodafone are both going HSPA+ 11 Megabits soon.

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

wellygary

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Reply # 276557 26-Nov-2009 15:15

exportgoldman:
wellygary: Given what is happening around the world between Apple and other carriers, I would expect V/Phone to lose their Iphone exclusivity at some point over the next 2 years.

Vodafone don't have a exclusive iPhone contract in New Zealand, before XT they had a technical exclusivity, a natural monopoly on iPhone if you will as there were no other GSM/3G networks in NZ.

Try getting a new unjailbroken 3GS to tether on XT...., and then ask Apple why they don't support it

boby55

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Reply # 276558 26-Nov-2009 15:16

if you are getting a iphone and want mobile data speed go telecom....

Has the 2100mhz issue been fixed on the iphone yet?

If not you will gain by far greater speeds using telecom XT 850mhz 100% 3g Network compared to Vodafone's 2100mhz 3g network, where you will be dropping between 3g and 2g depending on coverage

VFNZPaulBrislen

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Reply # 276565 26-Nov-2009 15:29

Vodafone will not be extending the 3GB data bundle offer until February 2010. It will finish shortly. It's a special offer and not a permanent fixture.

Vodafone does not have (and has never claimed to have) an exclusive deal with Apple in New Zealand. We're just the only telco selling it.

You can buy them outright from Apple (or from us for that matter) but you'll pay full price. If you want the discounted rate then yes, it's on a contract with a term.

Cheers

Paul

Paul Brislen
Head of Corporate Communications
Vodafone

http://forum.vodafone.co.nz

kyhwana2

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Reply # 276569 26-Nov-2009 15:44

Another reason why not to get locked in for two years, vodafone just announced their 512MB/month for $30 on prepay recently.

VFNZPaulBrislen

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Reply # 276570 26-Nov-2009 15:47

yes but you don't get to buy an iPhone for $99 or a 3GS for $299 or similar if you go prepay... that's only if you're taking out an iPhone plan.

Paul Brislen
Head of Corporate Communications
Vodafone

http://forum.vodafone.co.nz

martyyn

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Reply # 276576 26-Nov-2009 16:01

That right Paul, so far my ten minutes of checking the various websites tells me although prepaid looks good on the surface once you make a few calls or texts you may as well be on contract.

My current plan txter60 suits me perfectly but I really want to take advantage of the 3GS with a decent data plan.

The question I have to ask myself is whether I think a $500 subsidy on the phone is worth signing up for 24 months.

VFNZPaulBrislen

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Reply # 276577 26-Nov-2009 16:04

That's the question all right... and it's entirely up to the buyer on the day. Most folk don't change their plans too often but there's always that option if you need or want to.

Vodafone adds value in the on account space - our Easy plans, for example, offer better value than even the new prepay plans being touted as the best in NZ.

Cheers

Paul

Paul Brislen
Head of Corporate Communications
Vodafone

http://forum.vodafone.co.nz

quickymart

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Reply # 276604 26-Nov-2009 17:30

I was called by a telemarketer from VF (or First Mobile?) this afternoon trying to sign me up for another two years (which I didn't), but she asked me for my PIN. I was extremely uncomfortable doing this, and asked her to volunteer some information to confirm she was legit, which she did, so I told her it. She then explained the deal, which didn't interest me...but is it standard to ask for a customer's PIN?? How do I know she wasn't a scammer?

martyyn

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Reply # 276605 26-Nov-2009 17:33

I had the exact same phone call, but wasnt asked for a pin. As you say the 'offer' was pretty poor (some poxy Nokia and free BBlite for 3 months) but when I explained what I really want to do she said she couldnt help me I would have to go into a store.

Stu

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Reply # 276610 26-Nov-2009 18:11

When VF phoned me a couple of months ago to re-sign, they offered me the standard package which was exactly the same as I was offered two years ago. When I told the guy he'd have to sweeten the deal somewhat to convince me to sign, he said he'd have to get back to me. He never did. When I rang their retention team a couple of weeks later, I was told "that's the offer" and "take it or leave it". I left it. I'm happy to sit and wait for a real offer or at least some sharpening of prices from either of the players. I don't spend much in the scheme of things, but it's still a big chunk of my monthly budget.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

simon14

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Reply # 276639 26-Nov-2009 19:59

PaulBrislen:
Vodafone adds value in the on account space - our Easy plans, for example, offer better value than even the new prepay plans being touted as the best in NZ.

Cheers

Paul

The Easy plans are designed to "look" good yes, but that's about it!

Those plans are pretty much a wash, if you are on an Easy plan you have no access to BM, Family or any other decent addon that Vodafone offer.

Maybe the actual per minute rates works out to be cheaper than 2D's prepay rates, but that's if you use every minute up (on and offpeak) and don't go over your minutes or text.

Happy 1000's post to me (this is officially my 1000's post on GZ!!!!)

quickymart

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Reply # 276727 27-Nov-2009 04:07

I agree, I'd go onto one of the Easy plans if I could add a Bestmate, but was told you can't.

quickymart

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Reply # 276728 27-Nov-2009 04:09

And I agree with you Martyn, the offer of a free Nokia 2730 (I just bought one a few months ago) or 5 minutes extra (woo!) wasn't good enough to make me re-sign for two years.

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