Skinny broadband -- misleading webpage???

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kingdragonfly

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#310544 31-Oct-2023 08:15

Re Skinny broadband, fiber (not mobile) is this a misleading webpage?

Broadband - Skinny Mobile

For me, they show a number of plans, plus these two unlimited plans (more if you don't have Skinny mobile)

$45 -- they supply modem
$65 -- you supply modem

The misleading part is they show

33 Mbps for $45
319 Mbps for $65

EXCEPT

When they show "cheap" plans they give this figure

Based on Industry National Peak Time Average Speeds (MBNZ Winter 2023). You may experience a higher or lower speed than this.

When they show "expensive plans" they give this figure

Based on Spark National Peak Time Average Speeds (MBNZ Winter 2023). (Yes, we piggyback on Spark's awesome broadband technology and save you money). You may experience a higher or lower speed than this.

Are they trying to pull a quick one, by using performance figures with higher rates to encourage people to spend more?

Spark is the provider for Skinny; interesting they use Spark's performance figures only on more expensive plans

I noticed that the Broadband wireless doesn't throttle usage, but it's not mentioned on Broadband fiber

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#3153879 31-Oct-2023 08:33

The $45 you quote IS fixed wireless though, hence the 2 differing measurements.

kingdragonfly

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#3153889 31-Oct-2023 08:51

OK, I though it was the fiber plans. I confused because "fixed line" internet is mentioned, but only in terms and condition.

Does Skinny (Spark) only do wireless internet now?

Still I find it suspicious they use their cheap plans use one standard, and their expensive plans use another standard.

freitasm

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#3153896 31-Oct-2023 09:22

Instead of "Skinny broadband -- misleading webpage???" and start accusing Big ISP of running a conspiracy why people can't write "Help understand this measurement/content/comparison" and if people really find out there's dodgy stuff going on then, only then, say "misleading webpage".

Because that's how conspiracy theorists work, isn't it? Start with the accusation and try finding support.

Not hard to change a mindset, is it?

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Aucklandjafa

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#3153904 31-Oct-2023 09:51

kingdragonfly: OK, I though it was the fiber plans. I confused because "fixed line" internet is mentioned, but only in terms and condition.

Does Skinny (Spark) only do wireless internet now?

Still I find it suspicious they use their cheap plans use one standard, and their expensive plans use another standard.

Spark have been doing wireless internet for 7 plus years - Skinny started offering it a year, or so, after and both have been offering unlimited wireless internet for sometime now.

rp1790

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#3153907 31-Oct-2023 09:53

Or do a little reading and understanding before asking for others to support a half-cocked accusation...that's unfounded.

Vindy500

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#3154024 31-Oct-2023 15:08

The MBNZ winter report can be found here

https://comcom.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/329515/MBNZ-Winter-Report-28-September-2023.pdf

Skinny can reference Spark speeds for Fibre as speeds are split out by provider

Because wireless doesn't have as many people measuring their connection, they do not split out the wireless plans by provider, hence why they use the industry stats.

These are independently measured speeds, which is a great step up from providers making whatever claims they like

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kingdragonfly

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#3154032 31-Oct-2023 15:32

I was hoping to get a cheaper fiber connection.

It's $69/month unlimited at 100 Mbps via my electricity provider

But it's going to $75/month

broadbandcompare pointed me to 2Degrees

It did strike me as odd that the 2degrees would use two different average speed stats; one for the cheap and a different one for the expensive ones.

All good. Thanks Vindy500

kingdragonfly

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#3154081 31-Oct-2023 15:46

From their website

Vindy500

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#3154086 31-Oct-2023 15:54

Yep, three wireless plans and two fibre plans.

if you're looking at an entry level fibre plan, you might want to look up providers offering "Home fibre starter" or "Fibre 50"

https://www.broadbandcompare.co.nz/n/the-new-fibre-50-plan-is-here

I can't recommend individual providers, but you should be able to find something under $60

Talkiet

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#3154189 31-Oct-2023 18:48

The advertised speeds are the speeds that Skinny (and any provider) is currently REQUIRED to use. As has been mentioned above, the 33mbps is an industry average because currently the comcom doesn't break down Wireless access technologies by ISP (Largely because the sample size isn't big enough). The 319Mbps speed is the Spark specific speed measured by Samknows and used by the Comcom in the MBNZ reports. As Skinny uses the Spark network, it is allowed and fair to use the Spark specific performance numbers if possible.

If you are very price conscious, then the Fixed Wireless plans might be suitable for you - personally, I'd always take fibre (of any speed) over a wireless connection - even if it's a few more dollars.

Broadband Compare is not always up to date with their data, and doesn't always tell the whole story anyway.

It would be good to change the title of the thread to something more appropriate. The Skinny page is not misleading.

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

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#3154213 31-Oct-2023 20:59

kingdragonfly:It's $69/month unlimited at 100 Mbps via my electricity provider

But it's going to $75/month<

All LFCs are putting up their prices, stick with fiber even if your budget only allows for Home fiber starter which is 50mbps capped at a $60 max sell price.

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#3154215 31-Oct-2023 21:25

@kingdragonfly it is called inflation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation

kingdragonfly

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#3154287 1-Nov-2023 07:33

What's with all the hostility? Obviously pricing are going up.

Forgive me for trying to find a better deal.

Also if anyone bothered to go to the web page I posted, before making a comment, you'd have noticed there's no clear mention of wireless versus fiber.