Which carrier for iPhone 5?

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arynn

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#111163 26-Oct-2012 00:39

I'm currently contemplating which network carrier to use.
I am currently on Telecom using the $19 prepaid plan, however, I am thinking of switching to Vodafone.

Which has a better network? Faster 3G speed? Better voice clarity, etc?

Any reasons to go for one over the other?

boby55

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#706614 26-Oct-2012 00:55

Where abouts in NZ are you?

On Vodafone in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch certain cell sites have Dual Carrier installed which blows the competitors out of the wind in terms of speed on an iPhone 5.m.

In terms of 3g networks all 3 are much the same in Terms of voice and if you have a look around here you will most likely find what network is fastest in your region from what other people have experienced. BUT speed will always vary based on different factors for example you may be 100m from a VF Cell Tower but 2.4km from a Telecom one so of course you would expect a faster speed from VF so do take the speedtests with a grain of salt.

As you're on prepaid if you do decide to switch and don't like it you can always port back to Telecom again.

arynn

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#706616 26-Oct-2012 00:58

boby55: Where abouts in NZ are you?

On Vodafone in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch certain cell sites have Dual Carrier installed which blows the competitors out of the wind in terms of speed on an iPhone 5.m.

In terms of 3g networks all 3 are much the same in Terms of voice and if you have a look around here you will most likely find what network is fastest in your region from what other people have experienced. BUT speed will always vary based on different factors for example you may be 100m from a VF Cell Tower but 2.4km from a Telecom one so of course you would expect a faster speed from VF so do take the speedtests with a grain of salt.

As you're on prepaid if you do decide to switch and don't like it you can always port back to Telecom again.

Certain sites? So the speed will only be significant on a few websites?

I'm located near the Auckland CBD area.

johnr

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#706622 26-Oct-2012 06:11

boby55: On Vodafone in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch certain cell sites have Dual Carrier installed which blows the competitors out of the wind in terms of speed on an iPhone 5.m..

There are many Dual carrier cells live outside of the above regions

sbiddle

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#706632 26-Oct-2012 07:38

If you opt for Vodafone you'll also be able to use their upcoming LTE network when it's turned on.

freitasm

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#706649 26-Oct-2012 08:18

arynn: Certain sites? So the speed will only be significant on a few websites?

Sites in this context means "Cell sites". On the telco side a mobile network is built on "cell sites". Imagine a beehive - each cell is an hexagon. Bees use this geometrical form because it provides the best area coverage/use of space.

Cellular networks are built on "cells" that look like (in design, not in coverage) like the cells on a beehve. Each cell is centered around a "cell site".

These cell site use standard technology but some have newer technologies while older ones are upgraded in time... That's what they say about Dual Carrier and LTE - those are new faster technologies that are being installed on new and existing sites.

Not related to "Web site"...

johnr

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#706655 26-Oct-2012 08:28

LOL I read it as cell sites not web sites

couteau

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#706656 26-Oct-2012 08:29

Is more data important to you?

AFAIK telecom NZD 19 plan allows you to add extra data for a fee.
Assuming you go for the same NZD 19 Vodafone prepaid plan, there is no data add on and you'll be charged hefty fee when you overused the allocated data.

I don't know about you but personally I think data is more important that speed especially when telecom speed is quite fast to begin with ...

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old3eyes

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#706673 26-Oct-2012 09:03

sbiddle: If you opt for Vodafone you'll also be able to use their upcoming LTE network when it's turned on.

The same will most likely apply to Telecom as well..

Regards,

Old3eyes

mattbush

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#707101 26-Oct-2012 18:22

What dont you like about XT?

I'm told their $19/month plan is being extended.

sbiddle

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#707108 26-Oct-2012 18:35

old3eyes:
sbiddle: If you opt for Vodafone you'll also be able to use their upcoming LTE network when it's turned on.

The same will most likely apply to Telecom as well..

I guess it depends if you want to be involved in a small scale trial or a live production network.

Telecom are planning a small scale LTE trial and the CFO has already said there is no budget and no plans at this stage for a larger scale rollout at this stage.

Vodafone on the other hand.. Well just wait and see...

Batman

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#707119 26-Oct-2012 19:01

mattbush: What dont you like about XT?

I'm told their $19/month plan is being extended.

who told you that?

mattbush

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#707232 26-Oct-2012 23:04

joker97:
mattbush: What dont you like about XT?

I'm told their $19/month plan is being extended.

who told you that?

Telecom told me earlier in the week from their 123 service. The guy said they had just been told about it and assumed it would be made public next week.

Batman

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#707239 26-Oct-2012 23:42

Hmm ...