iPhone 4 - Better on Telecom XT or Vodafone?

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ZollyMonsta

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#70783 30-Oct-2010 21:40

With the ongoing issues with data on VF's network, we are seriously considering moving elsewhere.

Obviously there's only one other network, Telecom's XT network.

So, how does the XT network perform for using the iPhone 4, compared to Vodafones?

Currently we are both on Prepay and wish to use data (but don't really wish to be tied to a long contract).

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

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#397873 30-Oct-2010 21:44

c71931f: iPhone's are always better on XT ;)

But why.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

ZollyMonsta

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#397875 30-Oct-2010 21:45

I forgot 2degrees, but they piggy-back off Vodafone's network outside the main centre's don't they? So obviously the data issues would be there with them.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

Lilly

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#397883 30-Oct-2010 22:17

From what I have read XT has better specs to work with the iPhones than Vodafone.

I know from my experience that I have been out in different places with my iPhone 4 (Vodafone) and iPad (XT) and in most cases when trying to use data it is by far better with XT. In one place I regularly visit my iPhone drops out each time at some point.

nitrotech

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#397886 30-Oct-2010 22:19

The great thing about the iphone 4 is that is supports all 3g frequencies, it really comes down to network choice.

It would be hard to argue that it would be better on one network than another as the different networks all have their pro's and con's.

The latest ios4 software seems to have caused issues for me with coverage on my iphone 3g and 3gs - before the software upgrade it was excellent now I contstantly get call failed when calling and missed calls too.

Hopefully they will sort this out with the next os update due in november.

Buttonmash

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#397893 30-Oct-2010 22:41

iPhone 4 supports Vodafone's 900MHz 3G network. But in my experience XT is just much much faster, and certainly has better reception around Wellington (2100MHz Vodafone doesn't penetrate like 850MHz XT in the CBD).

corksta

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#397949 31-Oct-2010 07:44

Well I'm in Auckland and changing from VF to XT with my iPhone was like night and day - a massive difference and a much better experience.

No dropped calls, much faster and consistent data speeds, better penetration in buildings, and not having to worry about the phone dropping to GPRS as soon as you walk into a shadow.

As an example in my office recently there were four of us with iPhones: me on XT and the others on VF. They all had full bars of 2G while I had full 3G.

Being on XT allows you to use the iPhone as it was intended - 3G everywhere you go and not VF's mishmash of crappy 3G and 2G.

I have the $38 Smartphone Extra on my plan (it's available on prepay as well if you're wanting to stay that way) which gives me 2500 texts per month and 500MB which I find is plenty. The details are listed under the 'Special Offers' at telecom.co.nz/mobile. They also do a $28 package giving the same number of texts but with 240MB per month.

riahon

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#397954 31-Oct-2010 08:37

Ring up and change it to the 1GB + 2500 text for the same price $38. Finishes soon

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1eStar

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#397957 31-Oct-2010 08:43

^^
+1. I'm on prepay xt with the $38 data addon for 1gig. If you don't use your texts at all you only pay $24 for the data component.
Xt performance is consistently fast, no 2g dropback to dull it. I was on vodafone for a week with my iPhone, switched to xt and never looked back

ZollyMonsta

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#397962 31-Oct-2010 09:05

Sounds good if you ask me. I'll just need to check they have coverage in Wainuiomata.

Is the 2500 texts to ANY mobile (Ie both Telecom and Vodafone) ?

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

Paulthagerous

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#397967 31-Oct-2010 09:41

ZollyMonsta: Sounds good if you ask me. I'll just need to check they have coverage in Wainuiomata.

Is the 2500 texts to ANY mobile (Ie both Telecom and Vodafone) ?

The 2500 texts are indeed to any NZ network.

There is coverage in Wainuiomata, to check if it covers the right areas look here:

http://www.telecom.co.nz/content/mobile/0,10913,206118-204558,00.html?link=rdt

[edit: make click to go to link work]

ZollyMonsta

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#398001 31-Oct-2010 11:20

Thanks,. Rang them, need to pay another $15 on top of that for a base voice plan. $53 all up. There is also no guarantee we will have reception where we live. Telecom XT trial for 30 days only applies if you sign up for a 24 month contract, which I'm not prepared to do.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

k14

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#398007 31-Oct-2010 11:28

I'm on vodafone and have no problems at all. I live in Alexandra so am on 3g extended. Doing a speedtest I regularly get over 1Mbps, sometimes faster than my xnet dsl! I can stream tv3 ondemand with it teathered to my laptop. Also with the 3gb free data I have no thoughts at all about changing carriers.

nakedmolerat

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#398013 31-Oct-2010 11:42

Lilly: From what I have read XT has better specs to work with the iPhones than Vodafone.

I know from my experience that I have been out in different places with my iPhone 4 (Vodafone) and iPad (XT) and in most cases when trying to use data it is by far better with XT. In one place I regularly visit my iPhone drops out each time at some point.

iphone 4 and ipad works on different wcdma frequency. on top of that, one has antennagate issue and the other dont. ipad probably have bigger antenna than the iphone4. why dont you swap the xt simcard to your iphone4 and see how good it is.

nzbnw

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#398016 31-Oct-2010 11:47

ZollyMonsta: Thanks,. Rang them, need to pay another $15 on top of that for a base voice plan. $53 all up. There is also no guarantee we will have reception where we live. Telecom XT trial for 30 days only applies if you sign up for a 24 month contract, which I'm not prepared to do.

Hi ZollyMonsta

Just sent you a PM.

Also you can just signup to the 'on the one bill' plan which is zero access and $0.59 per minute, and add some data / SMS assuming you have a Telecom Landline service?

Only risk here is if you don't like XT, you pay for your calls, SMS and Data plans.

Alternative offer is in my PM.

nzbnw

Paulthagerous

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#398023 31-Oct-2010 12:03

ZollyMonsta: Thanks,. Rang them, need to pay another $15 on top of that for a base voice plan. $53 all up. There is also no guarantee we will have reception where we live. Telecom XT trial for 30 days only applies if you sign up for a 24 month contract, which I'm not prepared to do.

nzbnw beat me to the possibility of On The One Bill :) What does the map suggest coverage would be like? Its just that from my friends experiences it appears to be pretty accurate in Wainuiomata.

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