Best mobile provider in new zealand for a new immigrant

Forums › New Zealand Mobile and Wireless › Best mobile provider in new zealand for a new immigrant

magesnz

35 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 4

ID Verified

Trusted

#222803 29-Aug-2017 09:41

Good day, my question is about which is the best provider in new zealand, especially for Data and coverage, but i would also like to know the differences between all 3 major providers for pricing, billing and getting a monthly plan for my mobile, i already own an iphone 6 and an iphone 6s both unlocked so i probably don't need a contract

thank you

Tokoroa, South Waikato - Quic "Sprinter" UFB - Ref (free setup): R243027EZBCQE

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1184

#1854595 29-Aug-2017 10:01

Vodafone and Spark are pretty much identical in terms of proportion of the country covered. There are a few specific less populated areas where one or the other is better, but in general there's not much difference. Skinny use the Spark network. 2degrees I'm not sure what their coverage is like these days. $60/month gets you unlimited minutes and texts and 4 or 5GB of data with both Spark and Vodafone (I think they're both 4GB but both running +1GB for 12 months promo at the moment) with an open term plan. If you have fixed line broadband with either, you tend to get a small discount like $10/mo or something. Vodafone have a good roaming deal, $5/day in many major countries. Spark offer some other freebies like Spotify Premium and Lightbox. To be honest, on paper there's not a huge difference between the two for normal use. I have, and have had, both residential and business services with both. I've not had any non-prepay services with 2degrees to offer much useful insight.

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2638
Inactive user

#1854596 29-Aug-2017 10:03

I don't believe any of the NZ mobile providers care if you are from Timaru or Timbuktu.

Coverage is much of a much-ness across them too. 2degrees has a few odd spots where they won't roam to Vodafone which can give a less than satisfactory experience.

Spark is my pick personally. But quite honestly I wouldn't care if I was on Vodafone either.

evnafets

567 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 269

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1854603 29-Aug-2017 10:14

How heavy a data user are you? 1GB/month? 3GB? 20GB?

There are relatively cheap combo plans: calls + 1GB data for ~=$20 / month.

Spark has free wifi zones (1GB / day) which I haven't used personally, but might work for you if you are in the right areas.

Given you already have phones I would focus on the prepay "monthly bundle" options to narrow things down.

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 656

#1854612 29-Aug-2017 10:38

Inphinity:

$60/month gets you unlimited minutes and texts and 4 or 5GB of data with both Spark and Vodafone

~$50 gets you 10GB on Skinny and 2degrees.

magesnz

35 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 4

ID Verified

Trusted

#1854629 29-Aug-2017 11:02

In Canada i normally have 5 gig with unlimited Canada voice/text, but its like 80-90$, but 5 gig should be enough for me, if not i'll get a larger plan

Tokoroa, South Waikato - Quic "Sprinter" UFB - Ref (free setup): R243027EZBCQE

KrazyKid

1247 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 616

#1854632 29-Aug-2017 11:06

In my mind Spark & Vodafone have the best coverage nationwide, and 2 degrees does all the urban centres well.

It's going to come down to bundles really - and if your house happens to be in a dead spot for one provider.

Personally I don't see the point of a plan - the prepaid deals seem better, but your milage may very.

Spark offers bundled Spotify premium if that is of interest. Also if you are signing up for broadband all three companies offer deals to combine with mobile account with fixed internet.

Skinny has also been fine in my experience (I changed for the Spotify deal after a while)

Warehouse mobile seems to be a good deal if you are a low user now (min spend $10 per 3 months).

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

kobiak

1615 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 551

Trusted

#1854633 29-Aug-2017 11:07

magesnz:

In Canada i normally have 5 gig with unlimited Canada voice/text, but its like 80-90$, but 5 gig should be enough for me, if not i'll get a larger plan

checkout skinnydirect.co.nz

helping others at evgenyk.nz

timmmay

20858 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1854649 29-Aug-2017 11:26

Skinny Direct seems pretty good for you. If you can use less data Skinny (not direct) might be an option, it's a bit cheaper.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 678

#1854793 29-Aug-2017 14:15

+1 for Skinny Direct.

risingstar

56 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 15

ID Verified

#1854845 29-Aug-2017 15:25

+1 for Skinny Direct - Good value for money - Customer service is online only

Skinny is another version of Skinny Direct with regular customer service - Both use Spark network which has decent coverage.

2 degrees Prepaid is another good option - slightly expensive than Skinny

Both Vodafone and Spark are premium services - better bundled with Broadband packages

If you don't care about Broadband and extras, better go with Skinny Direct

* Check the network coverage in your area - All the above mentioned providers have some grey spots across the country.

"My desire to be well informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane"