Spark UFB 100Mb vs. Vodafone 100Mb Cable

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › Spark UFB 100Mb vs. Vodafone 100Mb Cable

matisyahu

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#171073 4-Apr-2015 19:41

Hi,

Just in the process of looking at either a UFB connection from Spark (100mps unlimited) or a Cable connection from Vodafone (100mbps unlimited) and I'm wondering whether anyone has had experience dealing with both. On one side I can get a UFB connection for $109 (including the $10 discount for having mobile bundled) or go for Cable for $89 (including the $10 discount for having mobile bundled). I'm located in Lower Hutt if that may/may not impact the Vodafone cable reliability/speed/etc.

I'm personally leaning towards Spark since that is what I've already got so why change a good thing but I'm open to considering what the competition has to offer. I'd also love to hear peoples experience with Spark's own UFB's offerings as well.

"When the people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'"

PeterReader

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#1277210 4-Apr-2015 19:41

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Jase2985

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#1277219 4-Apr-2015 19:53

have a read of all the cable threads complaining about speed, and latency, and poor routing, then see all the spark ones about the same issues.

also consider the customer service issues people are having with both ISPs, then make your decision

Aredwood

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#1277236 4-Apr-2015 21:07

Have you considered a different ISP for internet. And leaving your cellphone with whoever it is currently with? As Orcon, My Republic, World Net, And Bigpipe all have UFB plan options that are cheaper than $109 per month for unlimited.

Main problem with Vodafone is that they don't offer a cable plan that has an upload speed that is faster than 10Mbit. But if you subscribe to Sky, You could probably get a discount by going with Vodafone.

As for Spark. Main reason for going with them for UFB. Is that they still provide their phone service via an old school copper phone line from the exchange. While the other providers provide the phone service via a managed VOIP service. (phone over UFB) Assuming they offer a phone service. (Bigpipe doesn't, haven't checked the others). Is it worth it for you paying extra for a copper phone line as well as UFB?

richms

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#1277238 4-Apr-2015 21:15

If you can get UFB then dont even think of getting cable.

Richard rich.ms

chevrolux

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#1277240 4-Apr-2015 21:17

I've said it heaps on here now....
Only go with Vodafone as a last resort for fixed services. Their customer service is terrible, billing is wrong every month and latency on their cable network is terrible.

If you can get UFB then don't even contemplate Vodafone.

JohnButt

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#1277243 4-Apr-2015 21:28

ISPs and technologies change with time as advances in capacity and demand change. Check out our analysis over some months in both options, and maybe more at www.truenet.co.nz

If you go with Spark UFB, consider helping us out by volunteering, we need a few more panelists

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Sideface

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#1277262 4-Apr-2015 22:12

chevrolux: ... Only go with Vodafone as a last resort for fixed services. Their customer service is terrible, billing is wrong every month and latency on their cable network is terrible.

If you can get UFB then don't even contemplate Vodafone.

+1
All of the above.

I've been on UFB, and I've been on cable.
UFB is (much) better.
I'm currently on VF cable 100/10MBps - we won't get the UFB option here until late 2019.
The moment I can get UFB, I'll switch.

Sideface

matisyahu

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#1277291 5-Apr-2015 00:17

Thank you for the feedback; with 2 Degrees Mobile and Snap becoming one there is always a temptation but I'm leaning towards Spark given that I've already got things tied up with them (I'm too lazy having to deal with more than one organisation). I'm happy with Spark for my mobile so I've decided to go with Spark for UFB - hopefully I'll be on the fibre highway soon :-)

"When the people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'"

Zeon

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#1277314 5-Apr-2015 02:21

I think it would be crazy to pay for a cable installation of what is legacy technology. If the service isn't good you are stuck with Vodafone - UFB is the future, will get much faster (maybe next year it will be 1gbps - who knows...) and you can change ISPs if you don't like your current one.

Speedtest 2019-10-14