Good nz ISPs?

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cokemaster

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#81864 10-Aug-2007 09:27

Well obviously the modem and getting a tech sent to the exchange to jumper up ones line is not free...though wishful thinking might make it seem otherwise.

Generally there is a cost to the ISP when they send out a modem, it is used for 1-2 months and then you move ISP's. Why should they take that hit?

Once again, WxC are leading the way and showing how things SHOULD be done

Need I remind you about a certain copyright infringement thread and not being upfront about port 25 filtering (Strangely enough a search for port 25 on wxc's website fails while the 'daylight robbing' isp has it as the first result). Though as you said - showing how things SHOULD be done

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grant_k

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#81865 10-Aug-2007 09:35

cokemaster: Generally there is a cost to the ISP when they send out a modem, it is used for 1-2 months and then you move ISP's. Why should they take that hit?

Why on earth do they need to bother sending out a modem?

The so-called "free" modems provided by Xtra are always a very low-end D-Link which are about as crappy as modems go these days.

It's much better to let the customer buy their own modem -- heck, they aren't a big ticket item any more -- and then none of this "Disconnection" fee nonsense need arise.

cokemaster

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#81867 10-Aug-2007 09:41

grant_k:Why on earth do they need to bother sending out a modem?

The so-called "free" modems provided by Xtra are always a very low-end D-Link which are about as crappy as modems go these days.

It's much better to let the customer buy their own modem -- heck, they aren't a big ticket item any more -- and then none of this "Disconnection" fee nonsense need arise.

They might not be the fanciest boys in the block, however many cases they do their job though probably not suited to torrenting. Completely optional (they can get a credit back for the modem if they don't need it from memory).

Some people just want to order a package, plug it in, turn it on... run CD which sets up modem, creates username/password on Xtras side, and sets up outlook express at the customers own pace. No need for admin passwords for router. No need to go through the router control panel. More computer savvy users of course will opt to enter the details directly into the router - but the option is there.
Furthermore - there is a program that users can use which can identify issues with the config or modem (ie. no username or password) which make troubleshooting a bit more 'user friendly'.
As an added bonus, those modems are supported by the supplied ISP, so you have a single point of contact for any issues.

Some people (myself included, though I do not have an entry level modem, rather a wifi model), do not have the time nor patience to fight retailers to send my modem away for 4 weeks because my ISP (non xtra at the time) thinks its faulty. And of course, be without a service for that time (which generally doesn't occur with the ISP's as they'll send out a new modem with a return bag for the old modem).

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ajobbins

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#81886 10-Aug-2007 10:53

My change from Woosh to WxC went through 36 hours ago and I was 9 months into a 12 month contact with Woosh. After raising the concerns I have with the Woosh service via email (Seeing as every time I call they never do anything) they have decided to waive the $99.00 early disconnection fee. Good on you Woosh, finally some decent service (Even if it is just as I am leaving)

bjhoogs

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#81927 10-Aug-2007 16:53

woosh sure do make it easy to leave, they'll make you wait at least half an hour to talk to technical support if you're trying to fix a problem, but if you decide to leave the accounts department answer straight away to cancel your account (but that doesn't necessarily mean that they'll stop charging your account)

paradoxsm

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#81964 10-Aug-2007 22:54

Woosh are shockers for support, Steer very well clear of them.

They are going through a "transistion phase" to cure their problems but I have experienced nothing but trouble recently as well as back in the early days.

Even the incumbent is not as bad as everyone says but it seems a bit pricey if you choose the wrong plan or want the high usage

kingjj

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#81967 11-Aug-2007 00:18

Ah I remember the good old days when Woosh first opened their Wireless Network in Chch. One of their sales guys stopped me at the AMP show and got right into his sales blurb... rather unexpectedly he told me about the great speed at witch I could download porn and how much big his collection was... he seemed to think, of course, that I'd be interested in that, being a guy and all, lol. I signed up anyway (free connection), lasted 2 months ad coughed up the $99 disconnection fee, worst experience of my life. I hope their wired broadband is better.

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#81971 11-Aug-2007 08:42

Something that few people know, is that Woosh was actually a trial service in NZ. Can't remember if it is an NZ design, but we were the trail site before it was (or was not) launched to the rest of the world. So we started off with prototype equipment which was later superseded with production equipment. The network had some issues, but it was a design trial period. Apparently it is a lot better than it used to be, but I do not intend to ever find out.

They learned from their (business model) mistakes, and changed a lot of things like removing the coverage map from their web site so no one can say "but the map says I'll have a good signal". There is also the trial period which is actually to see that indeed you do get a good signal. And you do not own the equipment any more, just like you do not own Sky equipment (and I stay away from Sky as well).

You can never have enough Volvos!

paradoxsm

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#81980 11-Aug-2007 11:23

I was always ok with the bugs being a design trial and all we hacked the modems and support drivers somewhat and made them a bit more stable.

The tech was TD-CDMA technology Created by IP wireless which was advanced for it's day but used an unreliable method.

Woosh just simply had billing problems, Business direction problems (the activation fees and forced contracts due to them admittedly copying skyTV's model) support issues and badly trained or just plain thick staff.

earlchao

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#82386 14-Aug-2007 19:23

Hi reve4,

Just joined Xnet from Worldnet. My broadband speed is lingering around 2000kb/s while I used to achieve 4000 before switch. Xnet may be quick to answer the phone but Worldnet is not too far away.

I rang Xnet for the speed and was told it is Telecom issue and there is not much they can do!

If you want to jump to Xnet for superior performance, better get more information.

paradoxsm

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#82397 14-Aug-2007 20:15

I just joined that "free home phone" deal that ORCON were putting out and their internet is 3500k - 4000k (on a full speed 500m from exchange perfect connection) International speeds seem a faster than the telstraclear connection (1000k to 2000k for US and 3000 for Aust variable)

Before you all go signing up in droves however, Don't take my word for it. It might turn out to be garbage yet but again could prove very good.

It's not the fastest but very good for the price.

smithy246

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#83524 23-Aug-2007 19:34

I've just signed up with XNet and after conservatively telling me that they would have me connected in a week or so they've done it in about three days. Super customer service and no connection or disconnection fee. Can't complain at all.

Smithy.

swiftideas

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#83938 27-Aug-2007 11:33

Re: Good NZ ISP, I recently switched to Orcon and it works well. The price is right too.

& following up on earlier posts, IMO: there can be some unfairness re: Woosh.
They can suffer some personal frustrations, but still:
Complaints their network is neither reliable nor fast enough. Compared to what? PSTN? Get real.
Complaints their wireless service is not ubiquitous - ?? They're an NZ start up who gave a landline free option with data costing far less than mobile networks.
Sure, they don't always cut the mustard and have had teething errors, but give credit where it's due. At least they're giving it a go.

kiwiboi

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#83973 27-Aug-2007 15:05

I'm with XNet for quite some time now. Excellent, fantastic, awesome service. Called their customer service last month on a weekday for a plan upgrade and one ring a real person answered, maybe it's luck, or maybe just very very efficient service. Either way, I'm happy!

ninjabear

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#84021 27-Aug-2007 19:58

The Orcon's new deal

$80 for the phone line and broadband.I don't find it cheaper at all

ITs $44 for a phone line and $40 for broadband.hmm at 20GB..

I really don't find it much cheaper

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