Looking to Switch from Spark to 2Degrees

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Looking to Switch from Spark to 2Degrees - Need some help.

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1932 posts

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#2618088 8-Dec-2020 12:55

Giggle: @ ajw - A little OT...but... Does 2D have their own cell towers or do they piggyback on the normal ones? What type of mobile should I get 3G or 4G or should it do both. Then...there is something called 3G boosted? Not sure I understand 2D's coverage map. 200 x minutes a month for $4 sounds good and would suit my wife. I on the other get away with a $20 per year prepay :)

(1) Yes 2 degrees has their own mobile network. (2) Two degrees has a 3G and 4G network so choice of phone is up to you. (3) 3G boosted is just 3G with 900MHZ spectrum reallocated when GSM was shut down. Warehouse mobile uses the two degrees network.

Giggle

46 posts

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#2618190 8-Dec-2020 14:15

@ Linux - wasn't aware they all built their own towers, so when I said normal ones, I was thinking of the original Telecom ones.

"2degrees supports Wi-Fi calling" I'm not sure what this is, but it would appear that your mobile can use your broadband router and it's WiFi capability? That should clear up the poor reception should it not??

Does the mobile switch between Wifi and the Tower automatically or do you have to change settings when you go out?

@ ajw - "Two degrees has a 3G and 4G network" Looking at 2D's coverage map it would appear our area has better 3G (non boosted) coverage. Can the phones do both, or is it one or the other? If it can do both I bet the mobile costs lots more :(

Looking at some of these plans, it would appear a $20 prepay per year isn't something these companies do. So I might have to stay with Vodafone.

Also, seems WarehouseMobile only has either or plans - either $4 text or $4talk - one can't do both so I guess you have to buy both to get that capability. Not sure how much data we would use. Never had it to be honest.

Linux

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#2618191 8-Dec-2020 14:19

Giggle: @ Linux - wasn't aware they all built their own towers, so when I said normal ones, I was thinking of the original Telecom ones. "2degrees supports Wi-Fi calling" I'm not sure what this is, but it would appear that your mobile can use your broadband router and it's WiFi capability? That should clear up the poor reception should it not?? Does the mobile switch between Wifi and the Tower automatically or do you have to change settings when you go out? @ ajw - "Two degrees has a 3G and 4G network" Looking at 2D's coverage map it would appear our area has better 3G (non boosted) coverage. Can the phones do both, or is it one or the other? If it can do both I bet the mobile costs lots more :( Looking at some of these plans, it would appear a $20 prepay per year isn't something these companies do. So I might have to stay with Vodafone. Also, seems WarehouseMobile only has either or plans - either $4 text or $4talk - one can't do both so I guess you have to buy both to get that capability. Not sure how much data we would use. Never had it to be honest.

2degrees never used Telecom / Spark towers, 2degrees used VodafoneNZ sites

Wi-Fi calling just changes between normal cell coverage and Wi-Fi to bring mobile services including SMS over Wi-Fi

https://www.2degrees.nz/help/mobile-help/calling-features/wifi-calling

You only need one phone to do all 2G (no 2G on 2degrees) 3G and 4G and even 5G you would not need to buy another handset that would just be crazy

bfginger

1268 posts

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#2618436 9-Dec-2020 08:38

cokemaster: If you have a super gold card, you will be able to knock a further $5 per month off your landline/broadband connection.

https://sg.2ddiscount.co.nz/

Why didn't they use their main domain in this era of phishing web sites.

Giggle

46 posts

Geek

#2618562 9-Dec-2020 11:15

For better (or worse :) ) we have just initiated a switch to 2Dgrees.

I have informed Spark of the change. Their help person was both helpful and understanding of the situation. Hopefully they won't cut as off before due date regardless. I was told price matching was not an option staying with VDSL.

The only hiccup was 2Degrees customer support person told me they still do email. A second call to them (on a small login issue) confirmed this is in fact incorrect.

Also, the first operator (suggested a mobile plan to us) that supposedly had a monthly cost the same as the non-mobile plan broadband (with the discounts added) but I can't find this on the 2D website. I was told their cheapest plan was $30 per month ( I assume for the discount)??, but it would appear they do have cheaper prepay monthly plans. It's all very confusing!

I am in town tomorrow, so might drop into their local store to find out for real.

Still somewhat apprehensive about the move and will be glad when it's all over and the shift is confirmed to be as good (if not better) than our connection with Spark. Thank you for all the help to get us here. Very much appreciated.

Linux

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#2618569 9-Dec-2020 11:21

You will not regret the move

Giggle

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#2618589 9-Dec-2020 11:57

Linux:
You will not regret the move

Cheers!

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

Linux

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#2618597 9-Dec-2020 12:08

Giggle:
Linux:

You will not regret the move

Cheers!

Also another great service is data clock from 2degrees and you get 1 hour free each day at the time of your choice

https://www.2degrees.nz/data-clock

ajw

1932 posts

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#2618606 9-Dec-2020 12:23

Not on the $10 per month prepay plan.

Linux

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#2618608 9-Dec-2020 12:26

ajw:

Not on the $10 per month prepay plan.

@ajw I have a spare number on this prepay plan and it still shows up everyday (ssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh don't tell 2d)

ajw

1932 posts

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#2618609 9-Dec-2020 12:29

Linux:

ajw:

Not on the $10 per month prepay plan.

@ajw I have a spare number on this prepay plan and it still shows up everyday (ssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh don't tell 2d)

Bully for you.

Giggle

46 posts

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#2619630 10-Dec-2020 19:19

Fast out of the gate, I received the 2D router today - the next day after signing up. Great.

Scotdownunder

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#2624695 20-Dec-2020 20:36

I am also thinking of making the jump from Spark to 2 Degrees but in my case from 100/20 to 900/400 fibre and minimal data pay monthly phone plans. Any pitfalls. ?

One questions would be should I keep using my Smart Modem or is the Fritzbox better ? Where can I get info on this modem (7490 ?).

I have Spark VOIP via the OTN which I think was mentioned above as being Spark only meaning I would have to use the Fritzbox, yes (if so answers above question unless I use Spark Modem as AP).

I have my internal phone wiring with multiple outlets (with two separate cordless phone systems) connected to the OTN. Will this still work when transferred to the modem ?

As SuperGold holders I think we would get discount on our two phone plans (apple iPhone XRs) plus broadband. Will visit the local store to confirm.

Finally the address finder did not work for me but as I have fibre with Spark I should get 2D fibre (location Lower Hutt).