WTD: 5G Sim Router

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Forums › Offers and Wanted › WTD: 5G Sim Router

Huntakillaz

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#312460 18-Apr-2024 19:09

Anyways was wondering if anyone had a spare 5g Sim Router laying around that i could use with Spark/2Degrees networks

So Chorus said ADSL is no longer available as they're pulling the copper wires out.

But our apartment building landlord wont install fiber to the apartments, They just tell us to just buy their wireless which is absurdly priced

Also internet needs to become an essential utility like power and water, so that this kinda gouging doesn't happen

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625 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3220080 18-Apr-2024 20:14

If you're looking to use Skinny/Spark wireless broadband I think you have to use their supplied 4G router. Also the SIM inside is locked to that router so you can't just remove it to use in your own router.

konfusd

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#3220093 18-Apr-2024 21:26

Unless any of the exclusions listed on this page apply, a landlord must allow installation of fibre services (if available at no cost).

I would find it hard to believe that an apartment building that could have ADSL in the past would meet the threshold for exclusion.

I volunteer my time on here, and all opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

Huntakillaz

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#3220097 18-Apr-2024 21:46

I've tried several times in the past via the ISP to get it installed but because its a multi story multi dwelling units Landlords say it'll cost them too much

Considering they've already had fibre installed for their wireless network, they just don't want to pay someone installing whatever equipment to service multiple rooms and to route it to each room.

Plus with the 90day no reason eviction, I really don't want to kickup a fuss and become homeless

michaelmurfy

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#3220111 18-Apr-2024 23:11

That’s criminal.

I would suggest just grabbing a Skinny Broadband plan if you can as it includes your router if they service this area.

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Dynamic

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#3220118 19-Apr-2024 04:48

Huntakillaz:

I've tried several times in the past via the ISP to get it installed but because its a multi story multi dwelling units Landlords say it'll cost them too much

Considering they've already had fibre installed for their wireless network, they just don't want to pay someone installing whatever equipment to service multiple rooms and to route it to each room.

Plus with the 90day no reason eviction, I really don't want to kickup a fuss and become homeless

You may well be correct about the reasons for their resistance. I've heard some apartment owners get a kickback from the provider of the in-building wireless internet connection, though I have no idea how common this is.

Have you considered asking them for a copy of the quote? If there is a residents group, they could decide to get together and fund the installation.

If you received an eviction notice for 'kicking up a fuss', you can challenge this at the Tenancy Tribunal as a retaliatory act, which could result in the notice being nullified.

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johno1234

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#3220122 19-Apr-2024 07:22

This all sounds really bad. Those wifi costs are pure gouging. Are you sure there aren't better apartment options in the area that do provide reliable WiFi at fair cost?

Skinny wireless does unlimited data for $55/mo but may be subject to congestion. Their modem/router is free as long as you commit to 12 months

nztim

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#3220179 19-Apr-2024 08:29

Do any of the wireless broadband providers offer unlimited in your area?

You cannot use a mobile phone SIM in a wireless router, its against the T&C of your contract (for example the One Plan $80 unlimited account, you can't take that SIM and put it in a router)

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nztim

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#3220183 19-Apr-2024 08:37

Dynamic:

You may well be correct about the reasons for their resistance. I've heard some apartment owners get a kickback from the provider of the in-building wireless internet connection, though I have no idea how common this is.

Yes that is common (and actually makes practical sense in large apartment blocks)

An example of where this should be implemented is SoHo apartments on Courtnay place has roughly 100+ dwellings in a confined space with their own ISP routers almost everyone's WiFi is completely unusable because of congestion.

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Dynamic

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#3220189 19-Apr-2024 09:01

nztim:

Dynamic:

You may well be correct about the reasons for their resistance. I've heard some apartment owners get a kickback from the provider of the in-building wireless internet connection, though I have no idea how common this is.

Yes that is common (and actually makes practical sense in large apartment blocks)

An example of where this should be implemented is SoHo apartments on Courtnay place has roughly 100+ dwellings in a confined space with their own ISP routers almost everyone's WiFi is completely unusable because of congestion.

Hmmm, I see your point.

Perhaps what is needed is a conversation with the building owners about the cost-effectiveness of the current solution. Other broadband providers prices have effectively fallen by giving more data for the same price due to competition. The suppliers of this solution are effectively a monopoly and may not feel any pressure to stay competitive. If no other avenues are exhausted, the Commerce Commission may even have an interest in this.

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nztim

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#3220192 19-Apr-2024 09:34

Dynamic:

Hmmm, I see your point.

Perhaps what is needed is a conversation with the building owners about the cost-effectiveness of the current solution. Other broadband providers prices have effectively fallen by giving more data for the same price due to competition. The suppliers of this solution are effectively a monopoly and may not feel any pressure to stay competitive. If no other avenues are exhausted, the Commerce Commission may even have an interest in this.

We are getting quite off topic but a large apartment complex IMHO could be serviced off one or two hyperfibre connections and then a managed wifi network throughout the building

Far better than 10-12 RSP routers per floor all broadcasting at the same time all competing for available airspace.

Landlords and Body Corporates have to be willing to do it though

Any views expressed on these forums are my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer.

Huntakillaz

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#3220218 19-Apr-2024 10:39

Dynamic:

Hmmm, I see your point.

Perhaps what is needed is a conversation with the building owners about the cost-effectiveness of the current solution. Other broadband providers prices have effectively fallen by giving more data for the same price due to competition. The suppliers of this solution are effectively a monopoly and may not feel any pressure to stay competitive. If no other avenues are exhausted, the Commerce Commission may even have an interest in this.

Yeah they haven't changed the pricing in 5yrs+ and i was super shocked to find some of the other residents actually paying that much, as they didn't realize they could get mobile broadband (or that it was cheaper)

Currently wireless UNLIMITED internet can be had for less that $80 a month:

Skinny: 4G 70Mbps $55p/m 2 months free, 12 month contract

Spark: 5G 70Mbps $60p/m open term

Spark: 5G 344Mbps $85p/m open term

2D: 4G ??Mbps $50p/m 12 month contract

2D: 5G ??Mbps $79p/m 12 month contract

Re 'kicking up a fuss' : we all know that even if you challenge it, and win some Landlords can be... and will find legal loophole ways to make it crap or just serve the no-reason notice as soon as they can

Re Moving: atm with my budget I can't really, I've seen other places but then my rent would be $50-70pw higher, thats a lot than $80p/m for internet

Re Soho/Apartment Complexes: it should still be an option, or at least if the pricing was regulated imagine the 100+ dwellings having to pay prices like this.

Even with the WiFi interference people would rather put up with that then be price and data gouged at the whim of landlords/bodycorps

The initial reason I was asking coz the spark router is $150 on their site, so thought maybe someone has one laying around they don't use. Then I could get their "Spark: 5G 344m/bps $85p/m open term" plan

as the signup has the option of "I already have a modem"

And 2degrees are rentals (https://www.2degrees.nz/termsofuse/personal/broadband/offer-summary/2degrees--wireless-broadband-offer-summary)

nztim

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#3220220 19-Apr-2024 10:54

Go with Spark 5G with their modem, getting a modem form somewhere else may not work, it might be SIM locked so is a risk

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Dynamic

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#3220256 19-Apr-2024 13:15

Huntakillaz:

Dynamic:

Perhaps what is needed is a conversation with the building owners about the cost-effectiveness of the current solution. Other broadband providers prices have effectively fallen by giving more data for the same price due to competition. The suppliers of this solution are effectively a monopoly and may not feel any pressure to stay competitive. If no other avenues are exhausted, the Commerce Commission may even have an interest in this.

Yeah they haven't changed the pricing in 5yrs+ and i was super shocked to find some of the other residents actually paying that much, as they didn't realize they could get mobile broadband (or that it was cheaper)

Currently wireless UNLIMITED internet can be had for less that $80 a month:

Skinny: 4G 70Mbps $55p/m 2 months free, 12 month contract

Spark: 5G 70Mbps $60p/m open term

Spark: 5G 344Mbps $85p/m open term

2D: 4G ??Mbps $50p/m 12 month contract

2D: 5G ??Mbps $79p/m 12 month contract

Dear Landlord

The convenience of using the building WiFi is fantastic. With a lot of our entertainment now being streamed from the internet these days (e.g. Disney Plus, Netflix, TVNZ Plus, etc) I respectfully suggest that the current pricing model of the building WiFi is no longer fit for purpose. Most internet providers over the last few years have changed their plans to include larger data allowances and in many cases they have unlimited data plans available. Examples of this include:

Skinny 4G wireless broadband from $55 per month
2Degrees 4G wireless broadband from $50 per month
One NZ 5G wireless broadband from $70 per month
Spark 5G wireless broadband from $85 per month

I understand that if many people in the building started getting their own wireless broadband devices like the ones above that this can have a negative impact on everyone's WiFi experience. The reason for this is the additional wireless signals start to create congestion, and just like happens on the motorway this slows everyone down. This means it would be far better for all residents if we were able to work with you and the building WiFi provider to modernise these plans.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to discussing it further with you. The best way to contact me is ___ and I'm normally available at ___ times. If you are only available to talk about this during standard business hours, the best time to call me would be during my lunch break is normally between ___ and ___.

Sincerely,
MyName

(spelling and grammar check recommended)

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neb

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#3220268 19-Apr-2024 13:37

nztim: You cannot use a mobile phone SIM in a wireless router, its against the T&C of your contract (for example the One Plan $80 unlimited account, you can't take that SIM and put it in a router)

Lest the hand of God come down and smite you, for we all know how seriously he takes use of SIMs.

Neb, who has been using a mobile SIM in a router for several years now.

In any case, do they also disallow hotspotting? That's leaving the SIM in the phone, but using it as a router. In fact running some cheap mobile as a hotspot may be the easiest way to solve the problem.

nztim

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#3220339 19-Apr-2024 15:06

Dynamic:

Dear Landlord

The convenience of using the building WiFi is fantastic. With a lot of our entertainment now being streamed from the internet these days (e.g. Disney Plus, Netflix, TVNZ Plus, etc) I respectfully suggest that the current pricing model of the building WiFi is no longer fit for purpose. Most internet providers over the last few years have changed their plans to include larger data allowances and in many cases they have unlimited data plans available. Examples of this include:

Skinny 4G wireless broadband from $55 per month

2Degrees 4G wireless broadband from $50 per month

One NZ 5G wireless broadband from $70 per month

Spark 5G wireless broadband from $85 per month

I understand that if many people in the building started getting their own wireless broadband devices like the ones above that this can have a negative impact on everyone's WiFi experience. The reason for this is the additional wireless signals start to create congestion, and just like happens on the motorway this slows everyone down. This means it would be far better for all residents if we were able to work with you and the building WiFi provider to modernise these plans.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to discussing it further with you. The best way to contact me is ___ and I'm normally available at ___ times. If you are only available to talk about this during standard business hours, the best time to call me would be during my lunch break is normally between ___ and ___.

Sincerely,
MyName

(spelling and grammar check recommended)

I wish I could vote this up more than once, it's the best response, in an apartment design a managed Wi-Fi solution for the building is best, but needs to be regulated in terms of pricing model.

Any views expressed on these forums are my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer.

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