Monthly Auto Top Ups

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alasta

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#78234 1-Mar-2011 20:37

A few months ago I posted a query relating to 2degrees' auto top up feature in the hope that it would allow me the ability to take a hands off approach to managing the data connection on my iPad. Alas, that original auto top up facility was ineffective due to the threshold to trigger the auto top up being much lower than the cost of a typical data pack.

Having had a quick browse of the 2degrees web site tonight I have discovered a new incarnation of the auto top up feature that I think may be a big help to iPad users.

2degrees appear to have kept this one pretty quiet which is surprising because this, coupled with the recently implemented auto renewal of data packs, will save a lot of frustration for myself and many other iPad users.

SaltyNZ

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#444603 1-Mar-2011 21:43

It's been there for quite some time (about a year now, I think), but just be aware that it always tops up the same amount every month, regardless of usage. It does tie in nicely with the autopurchase for data packs, BUT packs autopurchase when they're out, which might NOT line up with the monthly topup.

Also, remember that the iPad will start using data as soon as it can. So, topping up $20 when you want to buy the 1GB pack won't work: as soon as the $20 goes on, the iPad will reconnect, and reserve some credit, meaning there won't be $20 available.

Bottom line is you need to setup a MATU of slightly above $20 in order to make it work properly, and keep an eye on your usage, in case it's above normal and uses up the pack early. Not that that's likely; I use my iPad on 3G all day every day at work, and seldom use more than about 300MB a month.

iPad Pro 11" + iPhone 15 Pro Max + 2degrees 4tw!

These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.

old3eyes

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#444674 2-Mar-2011 08:48

I currently use auto topup when the balance gets to $2.50 but am curious about the second option below. Will this work overseas??

Auto Top Up is a handy 2degrees service that lets you top up when your balance runs low. Every time your balance drops below $2.50 we’ll either:
Top you up instantly by your chosen amount and send you a text to confirm, OR

Send you a text message to check you want to top up. If you reply with 'Y' within 48 hours we'll top you up by your chosen amount. If you don’t reply, that's fine too, nothing will happen.

Regards,

Old3eyes

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#444715 2-Mar-2011 11:21

old3eyes: I currently use auto topup when the balance gets to $2.50 but am curious about the second option below. Will this work overseas??

Auto Top Up is a handy 2degrees service that lets you top up when your balance runs low. Every time your balance drops below $2.50 we’ll either:
Top you up instantly by your chosen amount and send you a text to confirm, OR

Send you a text message to check you want to top up. If you reply with 'Y' within 48 hours we'll top you up by your chosen amount. If you don’t reply, that's fine too, nothing will happen.

Hi, yes it will work overseas, standard international text rates will apply. There's also have the instant 'Just Top Me Up' option which will automatically top-up when you hit $2.50.

More info here - http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/auto-top-up-faq

^POB

alasta

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#444955 2-Mar-2011 19:26

SaltyNZ: Bottom line is you need to setup a MATU of slightly above $20 in order to make it work properly, and keep an eye on your usage, in case it's above normal and uses up the pack early. Not that that's likely; I use my iPad on 3G all day every day at work, and seldom use more than about 300MB a month.

Thanks for filling in the details, Salty. I'm really surprised that this feature hasn't received more interest given that you've noted that it's been available for a while but I've never seen it mentioned on here before.

I figure that if I set up a $30 per month top up then that gives me a comfortable $10 buffer if my 1Gb value pack is exhausted before its expiry date, or if I need to purchase a national data pack. If I end up accumulating too much credit then I can always reduce the auto top up amount at a later stage.