richsadams:

 

most (all?) NZ mobile providers still charge for overseas calls.

 

Compass Mobile is one company that includes overseas minutes.

richsadams:

 

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. 

 

 

 

will be an issue if you are getting fibre broadband as most ISP's require a decive that does VLAN tagging and apples routers do no do this. you will either need an ISP that doesnt require VLAN tagging, or you will need a different router between the Optical Network Terminal and your apple devices.

richsadams:[snip]

 

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. 

Don't know what Verizon uses, but if you go UFB (fibre), you don't need a modem. You will end up with an ONT (supplied and installed) that just provides an ethernet connection for your router. Most (not all, Bigpipe is one exception) providers do need a VLAN tag set on the WAN port of the router, which none of the Apple routers can do.

You do not need a modem for UFB, but would need one for ADSL / VDSL. The other issue with bringing in routers is they will be using US WiFi channels, which differ to the channels and EIRP permitted in NZ.

You'd be far better just to get a router here - no chance of it melting due to the different voltages too plus they would be covered by an NZ warranty; imagine what a pain it would be if you had to send your router overseas just to get fixed.

Jase2985:

 

richsadams:

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

will be an issue if you are getting fibre broadband as most ISP's require a decive that does VLAN tagging and apples routers do no do this. you will either need an ISP that doesnt require VLAN tagging, or you will need a different router between the Optical Network Terminal and your apple devices.

 

Thanks for that. I was a network admin in a past life, so I'm comfortable with all of the details. Understood about VLAN tagging on Fiber networks. When we had Verizon FiOS we used their modem (shut of the WiFi) and put our routers into bridge mode and the associated modem handled the connection and DHCP. 

Cheers!

quickymart:

 

You'd be far better just to get a router here - no chance of it melting due to the different voltages too plus they would be covered by an NZ warranty; imagine what a pain it would be if you had to send your router overseas just to get fixed.

 

Thanks much! All apple products, and in fact all computer products that I've ever dealt with, run on 120v 60Hz or 220v 50Hz, so no worries about a melt down.  Apple warrants their products anywhere in the world, although it's subject to local rules and regs. Some of our kit is past the one-year warranty anyway. In the end, if I can't fix it myself, it's time for the dust bin. 

Cheers!

RunningMan:

 

Don't know what Verizon uses

 

Depends what sort of service you have with them. They do ADSL and fibre (branded FiOS). For ADSL it's similar to NZ - they send out an ADSL modem that you connect to a jackpoint in the house.

For their fibre service they install an ONT on the outside of the house in a sealed box. Has an ATA, Ethernet port and a coax port. When it was new they'd provision internet service on the Ethernet port, untagged PPPoE and connect the home's phone wiring to the ATA on the ONT, and the coax to STB(s) for paid TV. I believe they now don't use the Ethernet port at all, and the installer instead connects the coax port on the ONT to the home's existing coax cabling, and install a locked down cable modem/router all in one unit. Have seen various threads of people complaining about said all in one, and trying to get Verizon to enable the Ethernet port on the ONT so they can connect their own router to it (with varying degrees of success).

Take the above with a grain of salt, it has been quite a while since I perused what was happening with fixed line internet in the US. Ever since they started going backwards ("free market" indeed) I stopped following it in great depth.

As for which ISP in NZ, I'd go with either 2degrees or Bigpipe, depending on what your requirements are. I'm a 2degrees VDSL customer and am happy with their network performance.

RunningMan:

 

richsadams:[snip]

 

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. 

 

Don't know what Verizon uses, but if you go UFB (fibre), you don't need a modem. You will end up with an ONT (supplied and installed) that just provides an ethernet connection for your router. Most (not all, Bigpipe is one exception) providers do need a VLAN tag set on the WAN port of the router, which none of the Apple routers can do.

 

You do not need a modem for UFB, but would need one for ADSL / VDSL. The other issue with bringing in routers is they will be using US WiFi channels, which differ to the channels and EIRP permitted in NZ.

 

Thanks! That last part is interesting. The U.S. WiFi routers (IIRC they were D-Link) we used in NZ years ago worked normally...never had anyone show up at our door to complain. I'd have to check to see if they'd interfere with emergency services or something, so good to know.

Cheers!

Lorenceo:

 

RunningMan:

 

Don't know what Verizon uses

 

 

Depends what sort of service you have with them. They do ADSL and fibre (branded FiOS). For ADSL it's similar to NZ - they send out an ADSL modem that you connect to a jackpoint in the house.

 

For their fibre service they install an ONT on the outside of the house in a sealed box. Has an ATA, Ethernet port and a coax port. When it was new they'd provision internet service on the Ethernet port, untagged PPPoE and connect the home's phone wiring to the ATA on the ONT, and the coax to STB(s) for paid TV. I believe they now don't use the Ethernet port at all, and the installer instead connects the coax port on the ONT to the home's existing coax cabling, and install a locked down cable modem/router all in one unit. Have seen various threads of people complaining about said all in one, and trying to get Verizon to enable the Ethernet port on the ONT so they can connect their own router to it (with varying degrees of success).

 

Take the above with a grain of salt, it has been quite a while since I perused what was happening with fixed line internet in the US. Ever since they started going backwards ("free market" indeed) I stopped following it in great depth.

 

As for which ISP in NZ, I'd go with either 2degrees or Bigpipe, depending on what your requirements are. I'm a 2degrees VDSL customer and am happy with their network performance.

 

All good stuff. When we had Verizon FiOS it was as you described here: "...the installer instead connects the coax port on the ONT to the home's existing coax cabling, and install a locked down cable modem/router all in one unit." with the exception of the cable modem which was fully accessible via web interface. 

Thanks for the ISP recommendations. My scorecard shows Bagpipe at the top with 2Degrees and Spark following. We'll see how things shake out.

Cheers!

DarkShadow:

 

richsadams:

 

most (all?) NZ mobile providers still charge for overseas calls.

 

 

Compass Mobile is one company that includes overseas minutes.

 

Thanks! Hadn't heard of Compass Mobile...will look into that.

Cheers!

richsadams:

 

RunningMan:

 

richsadams:[snip]

 

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. 

 

Don't know what Verizon uses, but if you go UFB (fibre), you don't need a modem. You will end up with an ONT (supplied and installed) that just provides an ethernet connection for your router. Most (not all, Bigpipe is one exception) providers do need a VLAN tag set on the WAN port of the router, which none of the Apple routers can do.

 

You do not need a modem for UFB, but would need one for ADSL / VDSL. The other issue with bringing in routers is they will be using US WiFi channels, which differ to the channels and EIRP permitted in NZ.

 

 

Thanks! That last part is interesting. The U.S. WiFi routers (IIRC they were D-Link) we used in NZ years ago worked normally...never had anyone show up at our door to complain. I'd have to check to see if they'd interfere with emergency services or something, so good to know.

 

Cheers!

 

Quick follow-up. I located the channel frequencies for the U.S. and NZ here. I'll have to study them, but on first look there doesn't appear to be any conflicts, however if there is I'd certainly avoid using our routers and get something there. Let me know if you see the same though.

TIA!

Having actual choices in provider and choosing is hard work  If you enjoy dealing with cable company customer service and having to bundle high speed internet, TV and mobile services together on a single bill then Vodafone is as close as you're going to get. Personally I don't find the need to have everything on a single bill.

Regarding VOIP: From what I understand you are moving to NZ from the US? I would consider getting a US VOIP service if I were you then. 

I have moved to NZ from Norway (been here 4 years now), and I run a company in Norway. The VOIP service has its servers in Norway, but it works really well from here.

If you are not using any VOIP service in the US at the moment, I would think Google Voice might be worth looking at?

yitz:

 

Having actual choices in provider and choosing is hard work  If you enjoy dealing with cable company customer service and having to bundle high speed internet, TV and mobile services together on a single bill then Vodafone is as close as you're going to get. Personally I don't find the need to have everything on a single bill.

 

Our experience with "bundled" services in the U.S. has run from great (Verizon) to horrific (Comcast, Century Link or insert most any cable company name here). 

Bundle services certainly have their plusses and minuses. One major downside is when they go out, often everything goes out. So having individual services can be a lifesaver sometimes.

I have Vodafone on the list...we used them for Mobile when we lived in NZ. Decent as I recall, but expensive. 

No rest for the wicked. 

Cheers!

jarledb:

 

Regarding VOIP: From what I understand you are moving to NZ from the US? I would consider getting a US VOIP service if I were you then. 

 

I have moved to NZ from Norway (been here 4 years now), and I run a company in Norway. The VOIP service has its servers in Norway, but it works really well from here.

 

If you are not using any VOIP service in the US at the moment, I would think Google Voice might be worth looking at?

 

Cheers!