Bare bones Mobile Network

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tek

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#181312 10-Oct-2015 11:26

Not sure if this has been asked before, I did do a quick search... But does NZ have a bare bones Cell Network? Similar to what BigPipe does for home internet. I've been looking around for a new phone plan and I'm noticing pretty much every plan in my range comes with numerous extras I do not want. For Example: Free subscriptions to Neon, Netflix, Spotify, Quickflix, Discounted entertainment and the list goes on... I imagine these "added value" things will bump up the prices of plans quite a bit?

What I'm wanting is; a plan with 5GB+ of Carryover Data 3G/4G, 30 to Unlimited Calling minutes, 200 to Unlimited TXTs, Visual Voicemail, and it not cost me over $50/month.
If a company did what BigPipe is doing, but in the Mobile Network's, I'm sure they will make a killing... If I'm correct, this is what Google's Project Fi is trying to achieve in the states.

But I don't know, this is just my dream and I'm sure this will never happen :(

grant_k

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#1403422 10-Oct-2015 11:32

Skinny are probably the ones who come closest to your nirvana, so check them out.

Failing that, 2 Degrees with their 'Broadband Zone Only' 12GB data package @ $99 per 6 months.

I very much doubt that you'll do it for $50 per month though. Anyone offering 5GB for $50 per month would go broke sooner rather than later, so regarding your statement about "making a killing" -- not likely!

tek

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#1403438 10-Oct-2015 11:49

Yeah, I've looked around all the providers. Skinny is ok, but quickly gets expensive once you add couple data packs to make up 5GB+
But what I'm really wanting is say the $69 plan from 2 Degrees, but without the extras. That Neon subscription would probably add maybe $5 to the plan, same with Sparks options when they include Spotify. But I don't know how these added value services work, so maybe they don't cost that much to include for a network with many many customers...
I currently pay $49 for the old Smart1 Plan from Vodafone: 5GB 3G Data, 30 mins and 2500 txts. This currently has no added value options but no 4G. I'm sticking with this plan until a better option comes out, which I'm shocked hasn't happened yet! Its a 5 year old plan and still they best value haha, something doesn't seem right about that

grant_k

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#1403444 10-Oct-2015 11:56

tek:
I currently pay $49 for the old Smart1 Plan from Vodafone: 5GB 3G Data, 30 mins and 2500 txts. This currently has no added value options but no 4G. I'm sticking with this plan until a better option comes out, which I'm shocked hasn't happened yet! Its a 5 year old plan and still they best value haha, something doesn't seem right about that

If you have 4G, it's only going to mean you burn through your 5GB of data even quicker, so what's the point? Sticking with 3G won't detract from your experience really.

I'm guessing this is only for mobile data use and you have a fixed connection at home? Otherwise I don't know how you could survive on only 5GB per month if you are worried about 4G.

tek

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#1403449 10-Oct-2015 12:10

Yea it's more the fact of my phone saying 4G in the top left, and it will make a few things a little quicker. Also doesn't hurt having access to more spectrum in-case the others get interference. And yea I have a 200/200 BigPipe connection at home. I will usually use up all 5GB on my phone every month too.

I'm not trying to argue about the costs of Mobile Data and dfferent networks plans, I was just curious about no extras network. I do consider a definite power user in the IT field, so I have done my research on all the carriers in NZ :)

sbiddle

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#1403467 10-Oct-2015 13:08

Skinny is the Big Pipe of the mobile market (and ironically part of Spark Ventures also)

Yabanize

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#1403496 10-Oct-2015 14:25

At the moment, yes you are dreaming. What you want is $69 on 2degrees

NonprayingMantis

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#1403530 10-Oct-2015 15:31

skinny also do a 10GB data pack, for $120
https://www.skinny.co.nz/shop/data-sims/10gb-data-pack/

not sure if it can be added to a voice plan, or if it must be taken as 'data only'

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tek

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#1403532 10-Oct-2015 15:38

10GB is not worth $120 in my books. I do think skinny should do some more higher tier plans in the $60-100 range, as I would prefer going on their network rather than 2 Degrees. Though I have had the best success with Vodafone.

Thanks for a the replies so far btw...

sbiddle

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#1403547 10-Oct-2015 16:12

tek: 10GB is not worth $120 in my books. I do think skinny should do some more higher tier plans in the $60-100 range, as I would prefer going on their network rather than 2 Degrees. Though I have had the best success with Vodafone.

Thanks for a the replies so far btw...

It may not be what you think it's worth, but it's the reality of the world. Mobile data is a finite resource and will always cost more than fixed line.