Coming Home - Which ISP?

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richsadams

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#215545 2-Jul-2017 04:56

My wife and I are shifting back to NZ soon, probably Tasman/Nelson region. I've been sorting out PVR options, etc. here.

Now I'm on to an ISP. Couldn't be more excited to learn that a lot of areas have fibre and no caps! We had Verizon FiOS in the U.S. and it was awesome.

Found what appears to be a good comparison site, https://www.glimp.co.nz.

Noted a couple of recommendations for Spark on the other thread, but $299 "Setup Cost" is a bit off-putting. Willing to pay if it's worth it though.

I like that Stuff Fibre doesn't have any fees or contracts.

Any other recommendations? Any to avoid at all costs?

TIA!

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#1810317 2-Jul-2017 06:09

I wouldnt go with Stuff Fibre personally.

If you need phone services then look at Spark and Vodafone (look at their website directly and check out the plans/address checkers).

If you just want data then look at bigpipe or one of the spark and voda plans.

michaelmurfy

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#1810320 2-Jul-2017 07:08

The whole split billing trick is quite dodgy...

When you look at this over 12 months you're paying ~$83/mo with Stuff Fibre so it is actually more expensive than the likes of BigPipe - even moreso if you plan on staying with an ISP for longer than a year. With a referral code too you also get $20 off with BigPipe (there is a link in my signature to one) and they're highly praised around here too.

There is also a 12mo "contract" with BigPipe which gives you a pretty good router in exchange - I'd go with that personally since there is little up-front cost. If your new place doesn't have Fibre yet (their address checker will tell you) then sign up for ADSL / VDSL and put a plan upgrade request through to them once you're connected with internet and they'll get everything sorted for you free of charge.

You'll note that practically all providers offer a free router with a 12mo plan which really isn't too long. Providers will also allow you to move house normally free of charge without any break in your contract. Also, in NZ it is truly unlimited (none of this soft cap crap you get with some US providers!) :)

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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Jase2985

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#1810322 2-Jul-2017 07:24

the data about the setup charge is out of date, if going for fibre you would get a free standard install. with VDSL there is no charge, unless you opt to get a master splitter installed.

spark are offering 3 months free at the moment on some plans.

RunningMan

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#1810324 2-Jul-2017 07:29

If you are looking for no contract, then either Voyager or Bigpipe are two good choices.

quickymart

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#1810330 2-Jul-2017 08:31

Another vote for Voyager here too (although Bigpipe are really good!)
Just make sure the address you're moving to has fibre - see www.chorus.co.nz

Bear in mind it's not available everywhere and is still being rolled out across the country. You'd be best to get a temporary DSL connection while you're waiting.

robfish

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#1810333 2-Jul-2017 08:48

In my job I deal with lots of ISP helpdesks and after recently changing to Bigpipe I can certainly recomend them, even though you do not talk to someone.
Their pricing is good too.
With regard to phones; it is normally cheaper to use aVoIP service (e.g. 2Talk @ $10 =gst pm)
The VoIP service also gives you "portability" - plug it in almost anywhere.

Rob

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Behodar

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#1810339 2-Jul-2017 09:04

The other thing to watch out for is that not every ISP offers fibre service in every area. This page shows which ISPs are available (although it apparently hasn't been updated recently as it doesn't yet show Bigpipe's more recent areas).

surfisup1000

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#1810343 2-Jul-2017 09:12

Spark have a decent deal going now. 24mth contract, $139 for full speed fibre (900down/400up) with no caps, first 3 months free, first 12 months free netflix (assuming you use it).

After discounts your plan cost is around $116 a month (over 24 months). This beats the pricing on some of the ISP's with cheaper headline rates.

The biggest drawback is being locked in for 24mths... but spark are pretty good ISP to be stuck with.

3g

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#1810370 2-Jul-2017 10:52

If you are prepared to sign for a term, then 2Degrees (previously Snap Internet) is a good option.

I've been with them since fibre first came to Christchurch and had no issues, and recently re-signed for 24 months.
With a 24 month contract, you get the "modem" free (Fritzbox 7490 - https://en.avm.de/products/fritzbox/fritzbox-7490/) and the first 6 months free (ie save 6 x $95).

Like others have suggested, 2Talk is a good option for phone/VoIP.

farcus

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#1810400 2-Jul-2017 13:19

I've just moved back to NZ and signed up with Skinny. Couldn't be happier.
It is a bare bones ISP though.

richsadams

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#1810563 2-Jul-2017 18:27

Wow! Thanks so much to everyone for the awesome responses! Great recommendations all.

Basically we're looking to replace what we have now:

Mobile/cell phone service (2 phones - no landline)
Broadband - we've had Verizon FiOS (optical fibre) and loved it so looking forward to that again if it's available wherever we settle.
- Have our own Ethernet/WiFi routers, so just need a modem
TV service (cable or satellite)
- PVR (Currently have TiVo but understand that won't be available come October...so something similar)

A "one-stop shop" for everything would be convenient but since we'll probably rent for six months to a year before we buy a new home we're also wary of bundled packages and contracts that make it hard to switch.

We're adding all of this info to our "to do" list. Thanks again and cheers to each of you experts for ticking that box!

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michaelmurfy

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#1810566 2-Jul-2017 18:35

Mobile: Skinny Direct is a great provider if you want no frills and are using your own phone. They work off the Spark network so coverage, speeds etc are pretty good.
Broadband: as stated above. With VDSL / ADSL you'll need a modem/router where UFB you just need a router. Be careful with bringing a router from the states as it won't be certified here in NZ (in-fact I wouldn't recommend it at all).
TV Service: Really there are two. Freeview (HD (UHF) or SD (Satellite)) or Sky TV. Sky is pretty expensive however.

In Nelson there is no cable service - cable service is only offered by a single provider (Vodafone NZ) in Wellington and Christchurch. If you follow the threads in the Vodafone subform you'll see very quickly it isn't very good and if you can get UFB go for that.

richsadams

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#1810577 2-Jul-2017 19:03

michaelmurfy:

Mobile: Skinny Direct is a great provider if you want no frills and are using your own phone. They work off the Spark network so coverage, speeds etc are pretty good.
Broadband: as stated above. With VDSL / ADSL you'll need a modem/router where UFB you just need a router. Be careful with bringing a router from the states as it won't be certified here in NZ (in-fact I wouldn't recommend it at all).
TV Service: Really there are two. Freeview (HD (UHF) or SD (Satellite)) or Sky TV. Sky is pretty expensive however.

In Nelson there is no cable service - cable service is only offered by a single provider (Vodafone NZ) in Wellington and Christchurch. If you follow the threads in the Vodafone subform you'll see very quickly it isn't very good and if you can get UFB go for that.

Great info, thanks!

Two iPhone 7's so just SIM cards.

Apple Airport Extreme and Time Capsule routers so shouldn't be any issues, but would need a modem. If ADSL were the only option where we're looking, we'd keep looking.

Still working on TV options. We thought SKY was expensive when we lived in Tauranga back in the day. Worse now! Perhaps a Panasonic PVR will work in lieu of TiVo...maybe with Freeview...still sorting that out too.

Looks like a lot of streaming packages and such like light Lightbox, Netflix, etc. are available via our Apple TV, but that's still going to take some sorting between various providers.

Understood about cable availability, should have said that we've had both and are just looking to find something similar.

Cheers again!

billgates

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#1810582 2-Jul-2017 19:25

I can recommend 2Degrees. You can combine broadband, mobile and VOIP landlines together for extra discount. Their Internet speeds are really good and their contract discounts for new customers are attractive. No issues with any traffic shaping or throttling.

Do whatever you want to do man.

richsadams

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#1810583 2-Jul-2017 19:36

billgates: I can recommend 2Degrees. You can combine broadband, mobile and VOIP landlines together for extra discount. Their Internet speeds are really good and their contract discounts for new customers are attractive. No issues with any traffic shaping or throttling.

Good info. We haven't had a landline in ages but a VOIP setup would be handy since it looks like most (all?) NZ mobile providers still charge for overseas calls. IIRC I still have Skype and Vonage accounts laying around somewhere.

Thanks again!

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