Evening gurus, some clarification required please regarding RBI type "wireless" broadband for a holiday home.

The property in question is on the North side of Waiheke Is between, Oneroa and Onetangi. There is absolutely no fixed line option, the site is some 2km from the nearest possible connection, it's never going to happen!

It's my understanding (from reading other posts - specifically from johnr) that RBI wireless broadband is 3G broadband - i.e. it uses the same towers and same technology.

Using the Vodafone map showing the 2/2.5G, 3G and 3G extended coverage, the property is well served. However, according to the RBI coverage map, it is not and as far as I can tell, never will be.

So what gives? Again, from reading other posts it appears that the difference relates specifically to the hardware and transmitters on the towers. And from what I can ascertain, said hardware etc, enhances the up/down speed thus enabling the gov't to meet its objectives for rural NZ covered by the UFB comittment?

The reason for this question is that, I called Vodafone last week to ask about 3G wireless at the site and was told that, despite having the coverage as per 3G etc, I would not be able to make use of wireless broadband because, the property was not covered by RBI.

Assuming I can utilise 3G wireless, can someone tell me what is the max length the lead in cable (from the external aerial) to the 3G modem can be?

Finally and again, assuming I can make use of the service, what sort of up/down speed might I expect - and how much slower than the RBI speed are we talking?

Apologies for asking such inane questions, your assistance is greatly valued.

Cheers