Which 3G Stick

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › Which 3G Stick

networkn

Networkn
32351 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#68087 14-Sep-2010 19:24

Hi There!

I was contemplating getting myself a 3G Stick, I want something really quick. I see Telecom have a 20mbps stick and VF have a 3.6 and 7.2 Stick. I am struggling to keep track of all the available SKU's that have been offered (Had thought I might be able to pick on up second hand).

K3565-Z and K3715 are 3.6mbps sticks? Is K3765 the only 7.2mbps stick?

Is VF going to release a 20MB one as well?

quickymart

13958 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#379822 14-Sep-2010 20:21

The maximum you'll get at the moment is around 4 MB/s - you would probably only see 20 MB/s with perfect network conditions and no one else connected and using data...which in reality never happens.

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek

#379890 14-Sep-2010 22:21

Here's my 2 cents... I bought one of those Sierra Wireless 308 Turbo T‑Stick very recently, and I tried many different places in Auckland, indoor and outdoor, and the most I've been getting is about 3.5Mb/s with odd occasions getting 6Mb/s. Although that's quite sufficient for my needs, it certainly did not live up to Telecom's advertising. If I could go back in time, I'd get one of the older 7.2 Mb/s device instead.

networkn

Networkn
32351 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#379894 14-Sep-2010 22:27

Nice to know thanks. I just need to find myself a cheap 7.2mbps device then. ;)

nzbnw

2374 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Spark NZ

#379897 14-Sep-2010 22:29

technicaljoe: Although that's quite sufficient for my needs, it certainly did not live up to Telecom's advertising.

YMMV I guess, on my 21Mbps T-Stick I regularly get between 8Mbps and 12Mbps; however Telecom do state on the website;

telecom.co.nz: Designed for HSPA+ networks (capable of theoretical download speeds of 21Mbps but indicative speeds of approx 4Mbps are achievable. Actual speeds may vary)

I do like the Sierra devices tho, not that I've every really had a problem with the ZTE ones I have used.

Also if you are considering Telecom and going on a plan; check out; http://store.telecom.co.nz/mobile/special-offers/risk-free

nzbnw

networkn

Networkn
32351 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#379901 14-Sep-2010 22:32

Thanks. I was trying to determine who would have the best coverage. Also I have long been a vodafone client and they owe me a couple of big favours after leaving with me with no internet for 3.5 days so I can likely ask them for something. I do already have a 7.2mbps capable cellphone, so I guess Telecom would be the logical choice. I would like one of those 308 devices, but man they are freaking expensive.

quickymart

13958 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#379912 14-Sep-2010 22:43

You can check the coverage of both networks here:

http://www.telecom.co.nz/mobile/ournetwork/coverage

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/coverage/

Note that these maps should not be taken as absolute gospel, they're an indication of the coverage you should get.

networkn

Networkn
32351 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#379915 14-Sep-2010 22:46

Yah that's the problem, I need a real person with experience to give me some idea :)

The coverage maps are really innaccurate. The Mt Eden Area shows total mobile coverage but there are at least 3 dead zones on mt eden road alone!

Sharesies

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

nzbnw

2374 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Spark NZ

#379916 14-Sep-2010 22:51

Given Telecom for the most part use a lower frequency (850MHz) to provide 3G service in your area compared to Vodafone (2100MHz) in building penetration should be better.

However as always YMMV.

Side note; there is a Telecom store on Dominion Road go and talk to them, and a local VF store and as I said above if you are going on account for a fixed term (24months) give Telecom ago, you have a 30 day risk free trial period, if it's not for you, take the modem back for a refund and give VF ago.

nzbnw