Temporary 4g Broadband

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theitman

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#300541 16-Sep-2022 15:58

We are moving to the Wairarapa at the end of the month and have been told that chorus can't get to our place till the middle of November to install fibre, so we will be 6 weeks without internet. Need an alternative setup as I need internet for work etc so was wondering if anyone had a temporary solution, other than hot spotting off my mobile.

All the 4g Broadband plans that ISPs provide seem to be 12 month plans and with open plans we get stuck playing for a $200 router.

Dynamic

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#2969235 16-Sep-2022 16:07

I picked up a Spark 4G connection recently for around $120 for the router and about a $70 plan with no contract. We ended up keeping it but I originally planned to cancel after 2 months.

This was in May.

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wratterus

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#2969238 16-Sep-2022 16:14

Does Skinny have availability for fixed wireless in your area?

Or push your provider a bit (assuming it's 2D, Spark or Vodafone) and see if they can supply something in the interim.

https://www.skinny.co.nz/broadband#broadband-address-search

Edit - sorry, Skinny would make you buy their modem for no contract connection too.

wellygary

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#2969258 16-Sep-2022 16:59

Talk to the ISP you think you will go with for Fibre, and see if they have a 4G offering in the interim that uses the same Hardware...

I know VFs 4G services used to be done on a router that could also work on a fibre connection,

I see Spark's "smart Modem 2" is both wireless and fibre compatible
https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/internet/spark-smart-modem/#tabgallery-1

theitman

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#2969259 16-Sep-2022 17:13

So our ISP is Bigpipe, who don't have a 4/5g offering. Currently browsing spark/skinny/Voda on their pricing

Linux

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#2969306 16-Sep-2022 19:40

Don't just go off pricing use gis.geek and check if one of the carriers have a 5G cell close to you

theitman

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#2969309 16-Sep-2022 19:50

Linux: Don't just go off pricing use gis.geek and check if one of the carriers have a 5G cell close to you

We are moving to Solway in Masterton, I can see a 5g tower not too far away.

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theitman

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#2969450 17-Sep-2022 15:49

Does anyone know the exact router spark provide when you sign up for their 4g broadband? There are some 4g Huawei ones on trademe for $70, as it seems you can byo router.

RunningMan

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#2969460 17-Sep-2022 17:01

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet/set-up/check-modem-compatibility/

You can buy one second hand and sign up to Spark with it. Check the Set Up charge section here https://www.spark.co.nz/help/other/terms/personal-terms/basic-wireless-broadband-terms/ You'll need the IMEI and serial number. Can't use the online sign up form as it automatically sells you a modem, but if you use the online chat it should be fine.

K8Toledo

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#2969511 17-Sep-2022 20:33

theitman: We are moving to the Wairarapa at the end of the month and have been told that chorus can't get to our place till the middle of November to install fibre, so we will be 6 weeks without internet. Need an alternative setup as I need internet for work etc so was wondering if anyone had a temporary solution, other than hot spotting off my mobile.

All the 4g Broadband plans that ISPs provide seem to be 12 month plans and with open plans we get stuck playing for a $200 router.

Spark will provide temporary FWB service for customers waiting on a Fibre order.

boosacnoodle

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#2969609 18-Sep-2022 07:49

RunningMan:

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet/set-up/check-modem-compatibility/

You can buy one second hand and sign up to Spark with it. Check the Set Up charge section here https://www.spark.co.nz/help/other/terms/personal-terms/basic-wireless-broadband-terms/ You'll need the IMEI and serial number. Can't use the online sign up form as it automatically sells you a modem, but if you use the online chat it should be fine.

This has not been my experience previously. They won’t provide you a new SIM if the old one was terminated, instead insisting that a whole new device is purchased.

theitman

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#2969742 18-Sep-2022 15:13

K8Toledo:
theitman: We are moving to the Wairarapa at the end of the month and have been told that chorus can't get to our place till the middle of November to install fibre, so we will be 6 weeks without internet. Need an alternative setup as I need internet for work etc so was wondering if anyone had a temporary solution, other than hot spotting off my mobile.

All the 4g Broadband plans that ISPs provide seem to be 12 month plans and with open plans we get stuck playing for a $200 router.

Spark will provide temporary FWB service for customers waiting on a Fibre order.

We are with Bigpipe

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RunningMan

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#2969749 18-Sep-2022 15:31

boosacnoodle:

This has not been my experience previously. They won’t provide you a new SIM if the old one was terminated, instead insisting that a whole new device is purchased.

Make sure the SIM hasn't been removed if you buy a second hand modem. Helped someone set up with Spark a few weeks ago using a second hand modem, no issues - just had to provide the info as above.

Wheelbarrow01

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Chorus

#2969939 19-Sep-2022 00:53

You can buy second hand Skinny wireless routers from the likes of Trademe.

I originally had Skinny 4G at my house while waiting for fibre. Once fibre was installed, I cancelled my wireless, and posted the wireless router to my brother up north. He had no problem reconnecting it just by filling in an online form, selecting a plan, and away he went.

https://www.skinny.co.nz/help/other-help/selling-skinny-wireless-modem-or-acquired-preowned-one/

It does require cooperation from the seller - they need to register the device to the new user's email address before it can be setup on a new plan.

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

theitman

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#2970055 19-Sep-2022 11:38

Thought i had found a solution with Spark 5g max wireless, as its an open plan and you just send back the router when done - but no 5g in our area.

Currently on the hunt for a second hand 4g modem if anyone has one going then i will sign up to spark

quickymart

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#2970597 20-Sep-2022 18:16

@freitasm This might be better placed in the mobile or broadband forums - nothing really to do with LANs here.