Best mobile broadband/data coverage?

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barees63

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Topic # 25006 9-Aug-2008 12:16

Hi there,

I'm interested in getting a mobile data plan so I can work while travelling (especially South Island), I've been looking at Vodafone, Telecom and Telstra and I'm a bit confused about coverage, my reading of it is both Telecom and Vodafone require you to be in a 3G coverage area while Telstra will work (albeit at different speeds) anywhere there is cell coverage.

Is this right? Does anyone have an opinion on which service has the best coverage in New Zealand?

Any tips appreciated!

Bruce

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 155388 9-Aug-2008 12:40

Telstra is "resold" Telecom so the coverage is the same.

Depending on what you want to do you will be able to use GPRS pretty much anywhere you have Vodafone reception, but at varying speeds generally slower than dialup. For 3G you are restricted at this stage to the main centres with Vodafone, last month Ashburton didn't have 3G but Timaru did. Driving from Chch through SH8 to Alexandra and back up the coast to Chch I was very impressed with the GPRS coverage. There was none in places (20-30km stretches at most from memory) with most of the route covered.

Vodafone's new 900MHz 3G will push the coverage out further in the coming months through to early 2010 but is very device specific (at this stage the Nokia 6121 classic phone is the only readily available device in NZ, they have a USB modem which is rumoured to be available for $399 but I am yet to see confirmation of that)

Can't speak for Telecom sorry.

barees63

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 155395 9-Aug-2008 13:35

Thanks for the useful reply! Looking again at the "vodem" from Vodafone I guess it just falls back to GPRS if 3G is not available.

scottjpalmer

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Reply # 155396 9-Aug-2008 13:42

Correct. But wait a week or 2. http://tinyurl.com/voda-k3520 is due to replace/arrive in addition to it anyday and gives you much greater 3G coverage due to the 900MHz UMTS support

nzbnw

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Reply # 155399 9-Aug-2008 14:20

Well I am extremely one eyed when it comes to Mobile Data, and would really recommend Telecom’s Mobile Broadband. 80% of Telecom’s Mobile network, or every major town and city is covered by our 3G EVDO mobile network, else where you will fall back to 1X, which will still beat GPRS hands down.

Telecom also have a good offer on now, 1GB+ plan $49.95 (+GST) for 1GB of mobile data, double your usage for $10 (+GST) with the first 6 months access at ½ price and $49 (incl GST) for the new T-Stick which can also be used a memory card with a supplied 1GB card. On top of all that, you get a 30 day money back guarantee if you not happy with the device or coverage.

http://www.telecom.co.nz/tstick

nzbnw

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Reply # 155405 9-Aug-2008 14:58

Vodafone is coming out with a 90 MHz network as noted and this should extend coverage. I used both - Vodafone for about ten years and Telecom for a few years with their datacards.

I alwys used the Telecom data more than the Vodafone. It felt more reliable and available in more destinations. Of course all is changing in the future but if you need it now then I would go with Telecom.

I am saying that because if you have a probem now you can't wait weeks or months for new networks to be available, etc. It's a balance - otherwise you'd be always waiting for the next thing.

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barees63

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Reply # 155651 10-Aug-2008 18:21

Thanks for the replies.. they have been very helpful.

Cheers,
Bruce

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Reply # 155994 11-Aug-2008 19:13

Vodafone's Vodem Stick should be on sale now.

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