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Llyr

2 posts

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#31281 11-Mar-2009 16:25
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Greetings, all!

My wife and I have just moved to NZ because of her job (she's a research scientist).  I was warned by friends who had spent some time here that my only regret would probably be the broadband available; that caps were common and/or unavoidable, that pings might be less-than-steller, etc.  Imagine my surprise when we found a place we liked about 5k outside of town and found out that, while Telecom would be happy to run a phone line out to the place, we were unable to get Telecom broadband at all!

Now, I'm not a whinging rural guy.  I know that are some sacrifices that one has to make.  I'm just trying to puzzle out the best option for us right now.

I had high hopes for wireless, but the first place I contacted (based in Waikato) said "no go", and the next, Wireless Nation, hasn't been encouraging.  Anyone have any ideas for specific firms I might contact?  I'm willing to make my way slowly down the list at http://www.nzconnection.net/Internet_Service_Providers , but any shortcut would be appreciated.

I'm also willing to go satellite if we absolutely must, although that will screw up Friday Night Gaming, and Skype calls home.  So far, the most reasonable price I've found is with Orcon.  Anyone have any other suggestions?  Are experiences with Orcon good?

Thanks in advance to anyone who might help.


~ Llyr

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nate
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  #200731 11-Mar-2009 21:48
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Get friendly with your closest neighbours who will hopefully have broadband and see if you could setup a point to point wireless and share the monthly cost.

I would look at satellite as your last resort - high latency, slow speed, it really is only useful if you are in the absolute whop whops.



mattjackson
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  #200734 11-Mar-2009 21:55
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DjShadow
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  #200736 11-Mar-2009 22:06
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Vodafone and Telecom will have 3g coverage there (if not now, soon), whats the cellphone coverage like there?



mattjackson
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#200739 11-Mar-2009 22:17
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ok -1 thing - I did used to work for Kordia. I also was involved in rolling out the WiFi network in the Taupo CBD. thats the fine print. but I can attest that the network is good.

Llyr

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  #200746 11-Mar-2009 23:01
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DjShadow: Vodafone and Telecom will have 3g coverage there (if not now, soon), whats the cellphone coverage like there?


Telecom coverage seems fine, but looking at Telecom's site, they only offer what amounts to a 2 gig a month cap - that's lower than I'm comfortable going.

That's worth considering, Nate.  I agree about satellite, especially the ping, although I'm fine with the 1mbps speed that Orcon offers.  The house we will be renting is surrounded by hills, however, and I'm concerned that getting LOS to any signal (tower, whathaveyou) is going to be difficult at best.

Thanks for the responses.

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