Best broadband on a budget

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quickymart

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#201900 8-Sep-2016 21:57

I posted this query in a Vodafone thread but I think it got lost in there. My sister, who is on a very limited income (benefit) would like broadband (80GB would be ample) but needs to keep her existing landline and would like to stay on copper as fibre would be overkill for her. Flip would be perfect, but she can't get it in Greymouth (any idea why?) Otherwise, any other suggestions?

Bear in mind she is not a computer person so things like 2Talk etc would be out of the question for her.

She currently pays around $80 a month for her landline (including toll calls) so this price or anything below it would be preferred.

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379 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1626108 8-Sep-2016 22:35

Skinny mobile broadband an option? Doesn't involve the copper landline at all, but relatively simple - 100GB @ $52/pm.

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Sam91

620 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1626109 8-Sep-2016 22:46

From what I can see Slingshot is probably the cheapest provider that meets her needs.

$74.95 - landline and 100GB ADSL - unlimited national calls - 12 Month Contract

If I were in her position, I'd get the $30 Skinny Direct combo (unlimited calling) and get the $52 Skinny Broadband - 100GB plan. That's the best value for money for someone requiring lots of calls and not much data.

I don't think Skinny Broadband is available in Greymouth.

michaelmurfy

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#1626135 8-Sep-2016 23:45

There is Voyager too who offer some pretty good deals for Unlimited broadband however this is on-par with what she is paying (but a higher quality service).

Slingshot: $74.95/mo, 12mo contract, free National calling.
Voyager: $89.00/mo, 24mo contract, VoIP and best connection type.
Spark: $84.99/mo, 12mo contract, additional discount ($10) for adding an on-account mobile.
2degrees: $90.00/mo, 12mo contract.

All deals are for 100gb or over. I'd think Slingshot might be the better one (if she is wanting the absolute cheapest) but those who know me know I don't really endorse Slingshot or Callplus ISP's in general based on support and their general network. You really get what you pay for.

I pay $99.99 per month for WXC Unlimited for my parents so it is really time to reconsider my options for them (likely going to go for Voyager based on what others say around here).

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Detruire

1761 posts

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#1626167 9-Sep-2016 07:03

If you two do decide to go with Slingshot: get a family member to refer her for the $100 credit (or message me and I can do it. )

EDIT: Just re-read the OP. Flip is only available in areas where Callplus has their own equipment in unbundled exchanges/cabinets.

This was originally at the top of the post, now I'm just leaving it here for anyone else who reads this thread:
Flip may be an option - if she's connected to an unbundled exchange/cabinet. $55/mth for 100GB ADSL + phone (w/ free national landline calling) on a 12mth contract. There is a $50 install fee, but you can probably find someone to refer her for $50 credit.

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quickymart

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#1627239 11-Sep-2016 06:49

Thanks all...I think I'll suggest Slingshot to her then. What is their service like these days?

timmmay

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#1627242 11-Sep-2016 07:28

Seems to me the price of fiber service is dropping and the price of copper is rising. I'd question that requirement for copper and work out if it's really a requirement.

michael001

160 posts

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Inactive user

#1627283 11-Sep-2016 09:54

quickymart:

Thanks all...I think I'll suggest Slingshot to her then. What is their service like these days?

I would skip Slingshot and look at the next best option. Go visit the Slingshot forum right here on Geekzone, it has a long history of disgusting behaviour, hundreds of pages worth - go check it out.

That skinny option looked fantastic for someone on a tight budget.

chevrolux

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#1627296 11-Sep-2016 10:28

I would seriously question the need for a copper landline. Especially if budget is the biggest concern.
The Skinny broadband option is a great one.

deadlyllama

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#1627373 11-Sep-2016 12:26

Flip has a $75 off offer code "bestdeal". Doesn't help if they can't provide you service though.

ben28

189 posts

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#1627438 11-Sep-2016 15:09

michael001:
quickymart:

Thanks all...I think I'll suggest Slingshot to her then. What is their service like these days?

I would skip Slingshot and look at the next best option. Go visit the Slingshot forum right here on Geekzone, it has a long history of disgusting behaviour, hundreds of pages worth - go check it out.

That skinny option looked fantastic for someone on a tight budget.

I've been with them for 20 years and don't think they are any worse than others. Wasn't it Spark who had 3 hour wait times a while back.
They have a callback feature and it worked for me.
Considering they are one of the cheaper providers I'm happy

quickymart

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#1627610 11-Sep-2016 21:59

chevrolux: I would seriously question the need for a copper landline. Especially if budget is the biggest concern.
The Skinny broadband option is a great one.

She makes a large amount of local calls and would want the landline for that. Skinny broadband is indeed available in Greymouth, but what are they like for local calling? Also she doesn't have a credit/debit card for payments (she tops up her cellphone with vouchers).

PhantomNVD

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#1627624 11-Sep-2016 22:44

quickymart:

chevrolux: I would seriously question the need for a copper landline. Especially if budget is the biggest concern.
The Skinny broadband option is a great one.

She makes a large amount of local calls and would want the landline for that. Skinny broadband is indeed available in Greymouth, but what are they like for local calling? Also she doesn't have a credit/debit card for payments (she tops up her cellphone with vouchers).

I believe "prepay" debit cards are a thing, and even an eftpos account should allow them to charge a monthly fee by Direct debit so if she does lots of local calls, SkinnyDirect $30 for unlimited calling is a great option (and also gives another 3GB mobile data!)

If you're anywhere near the cell site Skinny BB kicks most VDSL connections royally [except for gamers who want the faster ping).

My local tower was just upgraded so i'm no longer connecting to the one 24kms away and my speeds shot up from 25/2 (down/up) to 47/25 right when they announced the price drop of $13/month to $52/100Gb so I personally am absolutely chuffed!

Sam91

620 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1627627 11-Sep-2016 22:47

quickymart:
chevrolux: I would seriously question the need for a copper landline. Especially if budget is the biggest concern.
The Skinny broadband option is a great one.

She makes a large amount of local calls and would want the landline for that. Skinny broadband is indeed available in Greymouth, but what are they like for local calling? Also she doesn't have a credit/debit card for payments (she tops up her cellphone with vouchers).

Skinny Direct's $30 plan would enable her to make as many local calls as she wants. Instead of paying $80 for a landline and another $5+ for her cellphone usage. She can sign up to Skinny and effectively get both services $30. It's a no brainer really. I guess she may not want to lose her landline number, especially if she's had it for years. If that's the case, you could port the number to 2talk and have a message telling people her new number.

She should probably look at getting a debit card as well. Once she gets internet, she'll be wanting to shop online anyway : )

The Skinny Direct plan only makes sense for her if coupled with Skinny Broadband. It would be silly to pay $70 for naked broadband and then $30 for Skinny Direct. Skinny Direct ($30) + Skinny Broadband ($52) may be slightly more expensive than Slingshot (landline + ADSL), but it offers cellphone data, more calling, and it consolidates her mobile and broadband services.

BroadbandCompare

57 posts

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BroadbandCompare

#1627852 12-Sep-2016 12:51

Compass is an option:

• ADSL broadband + landline
• 12 Month Contract
• 100 Gb
• If needed router – $75 + delivery fee $14.95
• $79.95 per month
• FREE Installation & Setup (Installation fees may apply in some situations)

Detruire

1761 posts

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#1627917 12-Sep-2016 14:46

I think I've heard about as many bad stories about Compass as I have about Slingshot.

Given how much larger Slingshot is, that doesn't give me much faith in Compass.

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